Just north of Alliance, Nebraska, motorists touring through the flat, rural landscape on SR 87/ CR 59 detect something odd on the horizon. Rising from the Great Plains is an unusual gray structure noticeably distinct from the farmhouses and windmills that typically dot the prairie.

From about 200 yards, the circular structure begins to look like the prehistoric stone complex in England known as Stonehenge. Rather than monolithic rock, Carhenge is actually a replica of the ancient monument made entirely from old automobiles.

Crafted from 38 antique vehicles spray-painted gray, half-buried in the ground, and welded together, Carhenge is a cheeky American tribute to cars, road trips, and the American auto industry. The heelstone is a 1962 Cadillac.

The creator of Carhenge, Jim Reinders, was a petrochemical expert who spent time in England studying Stonehenge. When his father passed away, Reinders and his family spent six days creating Carhenge as a memorial to the family patriarch. Initially, there was a local movement to have the structure torn down, but Carhenge survived the squabble and is now a popular tourist stop.

Most visitors find the scene humorous; it’s certainly silly to see a dramatic, ancient European landmark recreated using something as modern and American as passenger cars. Many travelers get out of their own cars, snap a quick photo to document their stop, and leave. However, this doesn’t do the experience justice.

I say step outside of your car and take the time to walk around. Carhenge is the perfect place to stretch your legs and admire the amazing feat of burying cars up to five feet deep in the ground and piling and welding them on top of each other to create a unique work of art. From a distance, the cars appear to be following each other on a continuous, circular highway.

In addition to Carhenge, other artists have contributed sculptures to the area. Most remarkable is the colorful spawning salmon created by Geoff Sandhurst.

A visit to this eccentric attraction is free. Those interested in helping to maintain and preserve this landmark can make a donation to the Friends of Carhenge. During the summer, a souvenir and concession stand is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Click on the map to locate Alliance, Nebraska with TripTik Travel Planner.