Carhenge Stonehenge Replica in Alliance Nebraska
Traveling through Nebraska can be a unique experience, especially when exploring its numerous roadside attractions. Among these, one of the most fascinating is Carhenge, a replica of England's iconic Stonehenge, located in Alliance, Nebraska, within the Sandhills region. Established in 1987, Carhenge is the brainchild of Jim Reinders, who designed the structure as a tribute to his father.
Carhenge is situated on a 51-acre property, about three miles north of Alliance. The site features a large parking area and a gift shop, which showcases local artwork and offers souvenirs. Visitors can walk freely around the property and enjoy the unique landscape, which features numerous automotive sculptures, in addition to the main Carhenge structure. The complex also includes a "Car Art Reserve" where retired and junked vehicles are repurposed into artistic sculptures.
The main attraction of the property, Carhenge itself, consists of thirty-eight vintage American automobiles, which have been painted in various colors and arranged in a circle, mimicking the layout of Stonehenge. The cars are covered in gray paint to resemble the actual stones found in England. The heaviest car at the site weighs around 6,000 pounds, while the lightest car weighs about 1,000 pounds. The cars range in model years, from a 1956 Chrysler Imperial to a 1968 Cadillac, each having its own unique story.
The structure was built using the existing rocks on the property and features a partial tunnel on its south side. One notable automobile sculpture within the complex is a '77 Cadillac, which serves as the heel stone and stands upright at the entrance to Carhenge. In addition to Carhenge, visitors can also see other unique sculptures on the property, including "The Spawning," "Four Cars Hanging from a Pole," and "The Carhenge Road Sign," among others.
Similar to how the original Stonehenge features iconic stones such as the Heel Stone or the Sarsen Stones, the cars used at Carhenge have their own distinct names, albeit originating from their donors or salvage yards. Carhenge is situated on the former Bedient Brothers farm, which explains the existing features on the site, including a small walking trail and archeological exhibits that depict early settlements. As a roadside attraction in rural Nebraska, Carhenge provides a charming blend of eccentricity, unique artistry, and an insight into the state's fascinating roadside culture.
The exhibit has undergone changes over the years, incorporating new sculptures and maintaining existing ones. In addition to being a unique representation of roadside America, Carhenge also highlights the importance of repurposing materials and environmental awareness. Visitors to the site can also learn about the natural history of the region through various exhibits on-site.
While Carhenge does not offer the same historical or cultural significance as its Stonehenge counterpart, it portrays the unique flavor of American roadside attractions, embodying a spirit of American ingenuity and creativity.
Carhenge is situated on a 51-acre property, about three miles north of Alliance. The site features a large parking area and a gift shop, which showcases local artwork and offers souvenirs. Visitors can walk freely around the property and enjoy the unique landscape, which features numerous automotive sculptures, in addition to the main Carhenge structure. The complex also includes a "Car Art Reserve" where retired and junked vehicles are repurposed into artistic sculptures.
The main attraction of the property, Carhenge itself, consists of thirty-eight vintage American automobiles, which have been painted in various colors and arranged in a circle, mimicking the layout of Stonehenge. The cars are covered in gray paint to resemble the actual stones found in England. The heaviest car at the site weighs around 6,000 pounds, while the lightest car weighs about 1,000 pounds. The cars range in model years, from a 1956 Chrysler Imperial to a 1968 Cadillac, each having its own unique story.
The structure was built using the existing rocks on the property and features a partial tunnel on its south side. One notable automobile sculpture within the complex is a '77 Cadillac, which serves as the heel stone and stands upright at the entrance to Carhenge. In addition to Carhenge, visitors can also see other unique sculptures on the property, including "The Spawning," "Four Cars Hanging from a Pole," and "The Carhenge Road Sign," among others.
Similar to how the original Stonehenge features iconic stones such as the Heel Stone or the Sarsen Stones, the cars used at Carhenge have their own distinct names, albeit originating from their donors or salvage yards. Carhenge is situated on the former Bedient Brothers farm, which explains the existing features on the site, including a small walking trail and archeological exhibits that depict early settlements. As a roadside attraction in rural Nebraska, Carhenge provides a charming blend of eccentricity, unique artistry, and an insight into the state's fascinating roadside culture.
The exhibit has undergone changes over the years, incorporating new sculptures and maintaining existing ones. In addition to being a unique representation of roadside America, Carhenge also highlights the importance of repurposing materials and environmental awareness. Visitors to the site can also learn about the natural history of the region through various exhibits on-site.
While Carhenge does not offer the same historical or cultural significance as its Stonehenge counterpart, it portrays the unique flavor of American roadside attractions, embodying a spirit of American ingenuity and creativity.
