It started with a wrong turn and a question:
“Did we just drive past... Stonehenge?”
Almost.
Just outside Alliance, Nebraska, there’s a monument that looks suspiciously like its British cousin—but made entirely out of vintage American cars. Welcome to Carhenge: 38 old vehicles spray-painted gray, buried nose-first, and arranged in perfect Stonehenge formation.
It’s weird. It’s brilliant. And it’s absolutely worth the detour.
🛠️ What Is Carhenge?
Built in 1987 by Jim Reinders as a tribute to his father, Carhenge is one of the quirkiest and most oddly touching roadside attractions in the U.S. Reinders, who had studied abroad in England, decided to recreate Stonehenge using something distinctly American: cars.
The result?
A full-size replica of Stonehenge—right down to its dimensions—made from Buicks, Fords, and old-school American steel.
It’s part sculpture, part tribute, part inside joke. And whether you’re into art, cars, history, or just love a good oddball roadside stop, Carhenge delivers.
🎮 Bonus Trivia: Carhenge in Fallout 4?
If you’re a gamer, Carhenge might look oddly familiar—because Fallout 4 includes a location clearly inspired by it. In the game, you can explore a post-apocalyptic "Carhenge" built from wrecked vehicles, serving as both a landmark and a pop culture nod to the real-world site.
So yes—if you’ve ever stumbled across a circle of cars while scavenging the Wasteland and thought “this has to be real”... it is.
📍 How to Get There
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Location: Just north of Alliance, Nebraska
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Address: 2151 County Road 59, Alliance, NE 69301
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Admission: FREE (donations encouraged)
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Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for mild weather and epic sunsets
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Nearby Routes: Easy detour off U.S. Highway 385 or U.S. Highway 2
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Accessibility: Walking paths are mostly flat and accessible
🧐 What to Expect When You Arrive
Carhenge is more than just a sculpture—it’s an experience.
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The main “henge” formation is made of 38 classic cars positioned to match the size and layout of the original Stonehenge
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The cars are all painted uniform gray, giving it a strangely ancient, stone-like look at first glance
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The site also features additional car-themed sculptures, including:
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The Fourd Seasons (get it?)
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A car dinosaur made of tailpipes
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Other whimsical installations created by local artists
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Bring a camera and expect to spend 30–60 minutes wandering, snapping photos, and enjoying the open prairie air.
💡 Travel Tip:
Sunset is a beautiful time to visit—golden light washes over the metal, and the open skies make for a perfect photo backdrop. There’s plenty of parking, a shaded picnic area, and a small visitor center open seasonally.
Also: bring water and wear sunscreen. You are in Nebraska prairie country, and shade is limited.
🏘️ What Else to See in Alliance
You could swing through Carhenge in 30 minutes—but if you’ve got the time, stick around. Alliance is small but surprisingly rich in character.
🧭 Other things to check out:
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Dobby’s Frontier Town – a living history museum with reconstructed frontier buildings and lots of charm
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Knight Museum & Sandhills Center – great regional history and Native American exhibits
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Box Butte Reservoir – if you're up for some fishing, kayaking, or just a break from the road
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Downtown Alliance – historic brick buildings, public art murals, and small local shops
🍽️ Where to Eat in Alliance, Nebraska
After wandering through a field of spray-painted sedans, you’re going to want something solid to eat—and Alliance has some standout local favorites.
Ken & Dale’s Restaurant
A long-time staple serving classic American comfort food: chicken-fried steak, burgers, and hearty breakfasts.
Try this: Pork tenderloin sandwich or a warm cinnamon roll for breakfast.
Brewery 719
Alliance’s hometown brewery, known for small-batch beers and a relaxed, welcoming taproom. They often host live music and events, and while they don’t have a full kitchen, food trucks are frequently parked out front.
Try this: The beer flight and a warm pretzel if available—or check their Facebook page to see what food truck is rolling through that day.
Mi Ranchito
For authentic Mexican flavors, Mi Ranchito is a reliable local favorite. The portions are generous, the service is friendly, and everything tastes fresh.
Try this: The street tacos or enchiladas verde, and don’t skip the house-made salsa.
The Gathering Spot (Bonus pick for dinner or drinks)
A casual bar and grill with rotating specials and a local crowd. Great place to unwind with a Nebraska brew and catch a game.
Try this: Whatever steak special is on the board.
🌟 Why It’s Worth the Detour
Carhenge is the kind of place that reminds you why road trips are awesome. It’s weird and wonderful, unexpected and unforgettable. It’s also free, easy to access, and just plain fun.
You won’t find anything like it anywhere else—and that’s the point.
So if you're traveling across the Great Plains and looking for something to break up the horizon, or just want a story to tell when you get home, point your wheels toward Alliance.
Because sometimes the best detours are the ones with tailfins and hubcaps sticking out of the ground.
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