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One of the great things about taking a family road trip is finding those quirky roadside attractions so you can stop and stretch you legs. Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska, is one of those fun stops. I mean, who can resist a replica of Stonehenge created from old cars? We certainly couldn’t.

Getting to Carhenge

Carhenge became a possibility to us as we traveled from Joplin, Missouri, to the Yellowstone area. For our first night, we stayed along I-80 at North Platte. When we realized that it wouldn’t be out-of-the-way to stop by, we knew we wanted the Carhenge experience to be part of our road trip memories. Incidentally, we also made stops at Scotts Bluff, Chimney Rock, and Fort Laramie.

The History Behind Carhenge

In 1987, Jim Reinders created this replica–even true to scale–on farmland owned by his father. Reinders had previously spent some time in England where he learned about Stonehenge. Later, folllowing his father’s death, Reinders, along with his family, decided to make Carhenge as a memorial to his father. The site was even dedicated on the Summer Solstice in 1987.

The sculpture consists of thirty-nine vehicles arranged in the same manner of the stones at Stonehenge. Other sculptures have been added over the years, including some of dinosaurs. In 2007, the gift shop was added.

Carhenge: What to Expect

As we drove north on Hwy 87 we could see it in the distance. I imagine it’s the same feeling you get when you spot Stonehenge in England for the first time. It’s a nice area for a break. There’s ample parking, and there’s no entrance fee, so as soon as you exit the car you can begin your Carhenge adventure.

Carhenge signing

Of course, we headed straight for the main attraction.

Carhenge

Though there were a few other visitors on the morning of our visit, we certainly had moments where we had the area to ourselves. We had fun checking out the cars up close and creating some “artsy” photos.

Carhenge

Walking among the cars, you can get some different perspectives.

Carhenge

Be sure to look down, too.

Carhenge

Other Sculptures at Carhenge

Dinosaur at Carhenge

After you get your fill of Carhenge, you can take the path around the area to see the other sculptures that have been added. As I mentioned before, this is a great place to stretch your legs!

Carhenge

The path loops you around the sculptures so you won’t miss anything. Just follow the path.

Carhenge

There is one sculpture that has allowed spraypainting, much like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas. We weren’t prepared for painting on this trip, and we didn’t see anyone else painting either. Perhaps you’re not really supposed to spraypaint it during your visit. I’m not sure.

Carhenge

The Pit Stop Gift Shop

The Pit Stop Carhenge

Eventually, the footpath ends at the Pit Stop. This is a nice gift shop with clean bathrooms. Have I mentioned what a great place this is to take a break while on a road trip?

The Pit Stop Carhenge

After purchasing our magnet, we hit the road again. I must admit that the road ahead from here to Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff is not the most exciting, so this is a nice stop before you head out into endless miles of farmland where you will probably meet very few other cars.

For families who like a quirky stop on along the holiday road, Carhenge is the perfect stop!

Would you like to learn more about what there is to do in Nebraska? Click the link to the book 100 Things to Do in Nebraska Before You Die below!

100 Things to Do in Nebraska Before You Die

Carhenge

Carhenge
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8 Comments

  1. Whoa! I had no idea there was more to Carhenge than the Stonehenge replica. Very cool!

  2. Wow, I had no idea that Carhenge was even a thing until today. I also love finding random roadside attractions when traveling, especially when you stumble upon something unexpected and the whole family enjoys it. If I even go to Nebraska, I’ll have to make a point to visit Carhenge.

  3. This is the first time I have heard about Carhenge. Thanks for sharing.

  4. Cindy Moore Reply

    I’ve heard of Carhenge! I’d certainly stop here if I was in the area. It looks very fun.

  5. I always thought that this is just the corny roadside stop we would love on a road trip! It has actually been earmarked on a trip we were going to do pre-pandemic. Fun!

  6. Lisa Manderino Reply

    This is the perfect roadside attraction! You have to stop while you are in the area for sure!

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