Carhenge
4.6(3.4K)google
4.5(70)yelp
ArtFree
Overview
Carhenge is a replica of England's Stonehenge located near the city of Alliance, Nebraska, in the High Plains region of the United States. Instead of being built with large standing stones, as is the case with the original Stonehenge, Carhenge is formed from vintage American automobiles, all covered with gray spray paint. Built by Jim Reinders, it was dedicated at the June 1987 summer solstice.
Practical Info
MonOpen 24 hours
TueOpen 24 hours
WedOpen 24 hours
ThuOpen 24 hours
FriOpen 24 hours
SatOpen 24 hours
SunOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration0.5-1 hour
Best TimeThe ideal time to visit is from May to September during mild weather, especially around sunset (7:00 PM to 8:00 PM) on a clear day. The setting sun casts a dramatic golden glow over the spray-painted cars, offering a surreal, photo-worthy spectacle.
Getting ThereLocated just north of Alliance. Driving is highly recommended; from downtown Alliance, drive north on Nebraska Highway 87 (NE-87 N) for approximately 3 miles (about a 5-minute drive). The parking lot is located directly on the west side of the highway.
Travel Tips
- Located off Highway 87 with zero admission fees, the perimeter site features an explicit one-way pull-through loop engineered for oversized RVs to prevent hazardous shoulder parking.
- Situated in the vortex of the Great Plains, severe summer supercells bring destructive hail; if area wind alerts top 50 mph, seek hardtop vehicle shelter instantly and avoid car frames.
Photo Tips
Best LightThe premier shadowless structural silhouette window spans 05:00 to 07:00 as horizontal solar rays pass directly under vehicle chassis; midday sun baking creates severe structural glare.
Reviews
Positive
- The layout is incredibly impressive and creative. Beyond the main monument, the surrounding grounds are full of other unique sculptures built from vintage car parts.
- It is completely free to access and makes a perfect roadside stop on a road trip. You only need 30 minutes to capture very striking photos.
- Though a quirky roadside attraction, it's well-maintained with freshly painted cars, clean restroom facilities, and a neat little gift shop.
- The overall atmosphere is very relaxed and authentic without commercial pressure. The site runs wonderfully on visitor donations.
Heads up
- The location is extremely remote in the deep prairie. It is very hard to pass by unless you make a major driving detour.
- The attraction is very small with limited interactive experiences beyond looking at the cars, making a dedicated long trip feel a bit underwhelming.
- There is absolutely no shade from the sun during summer, and the windswept prairie can get very dusty, reducing outdoor comfort.
- The opening hours for the gift shop and restrooms seem inconsistent, often being closed during early hours or off-season visits.