If you enjoy quirky roadside “attractions” don’t miss Carhenge when traveling through Alliance, Nebraska. This puzzling pitstop formed from 38 vintage American automobiles painted gray and sticking out of the ground, replicates the physical size and placement of stones at the original Stonehenge in England. You won’t find a lot of signs or explanations on the property, but information found in cyberspace indicates it was built by Jim Reinders as a memorial to his father Herman, and that it was dedicated on the June 1987 summer solstice. The wacky site attracts an estimated 75,000 to 80,000 visitors per year.
Carhenge is located about three miles north of Alliance, Nebraska on Highway 87. It’s free (donations accepted) and open all day, every day. Additional sculptures, known as the Car Art Reserve, have been erected here, too. One of the sculptures is a colorful spawning salmon created by Canadian artist Geoff Sandhurst. A skinny dinosaur made from miscellaneous car parts also juts into the sky.
Carhenge makes for a convenient picnic stop while traveling across western Nebraska. A large gravel parking lot can accommodate all sizes of RVs, and during the summer, you can buy souvenirs and cold drinks here as well. If you stop, don’t spend too much time thinking about the “why” behind Carhenge. It’s not necessarily mystical, but it makes for fun photos. Just wander the open field, scratch your head, shrug your shoulders, and admire the art! 
In addition to writing about her travels, Denise Seith is also a treasure hunter and loves a good latté. She and her husband own an online gold prospecting and metal detecting equipment store found at GoldRushTradingPost.com
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