Carhenge
Carhenge, 2151 Co Rd 59, Alliance, NE 69301
Get there with Google Maps by clicking HERE
Date Visited: 08/12/2018
Carhenge is an odd & unusual roadside attraction near the town of Alliance, Nebraska. It definitely qualifies as a weird sight and captured my attention. This unconventional art installation (sculpture) is made up of vintage automobiles, arranged to copy the iconic Stonehenge in England. It consists of 38 American-made automobiles, all painted gray, with dimensions and layout to mimic Stonehenge
Jim Reinders, an engineer and artist, conceived and created Carhenge in 1987. Reinders was born in Nebraska in 1936, and he grew up on the farm where Carhenge now stands. He was inspired to build Carhenge after visiting Stonehenge in England in 1985 and by a conversation about the similarity between the shape of cars and the stones at Stonehenge. Reinders eventually decided to bring the idea to life.
The initial construction of Carhenge began on the Summer Solstice of 1987, with the help of friends and family. Jim Reinders and his team gathered vintage American automobiles, including cars, trucks, and a 1962 Cadillac, and arranged them to replicate the proportions and alignment of Stonehenge.
Carhenge’s design is a fairly accurate replica of the original Stonehenge in terms of proportions and alignment. It consists of 38 vehicles, including a 1962 Cadillac representing the Heel Stone. The cars are arranged in a circle, with some partially buried in the ground to duplicate the look of the massive stones of the original Stonehenge. The tallest car in Carhenge stands at 16 feet, while the original stones of Stonehenge reach up to 30 feet in height.
The entire sculpture spans approximately 96 feet in diameter, and the stones (cars) are set to align with the solstices and equinoxes, just like the original Stonehenge. This alignment adds an extra layer of authenticity to the installation.
Towards the left side of this photo (which is below if you’re on a mobile, or over there ====> if you’re on a laptop or desktop) is a “map” of Carhenge is an insert that shows the location of two time capsules near the “heel stone” of Carhenge. I had never heard of the term “heel stone” before and it seems to be specific to Stonehenge in England (and now, maybe, to Carhenge).
At Stonehenge, the heel stone is a natural stone that has not been worked or tooled. It lies about 250′ away to the northeast from the center of the stone circle. At Carhenge, the “heel stone” is a buried 1962 Cadillac. There is a time capsule buried below the Cadillac which is to be opened
Other stand-out stones/cars and artworks are also marked on the map.
Odd and Unusual Facts:
- The cars used in Carhenge are American-made classics from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Included are a 1953 Plymouth, a 1967 Ford, and a 1976 Chevrolet among others. Some of the cars were donated, while others were from local junkyards.
- When Carhenge was first constructed, there was some local opposition. Locals were concerned about its appearance and possible negative impact on property values. Eventually, though, it became a beloved attraction in Alliance and gained widespread recognition.
- Carhenge has gained international fame and has been featured in various media outlets and documentaries. Carhenge has made appearances in popular culture, including movies, TV shows, and music videos. It has become an iconic symbol of American roadside art.
- When visiting Carhenge a person can walk around and closely examine the cars, making it an interactive and hands-on experience. It’s rare that you get to explore an art installation made entirely of vintage automobiles.
- Carhenge hosts special events throughout the year, including celebrations for the Summer Solstice and the annual “Car Art Rendezvous,” where artists from around the country gather to showcase their own car-themed art.
- In order to preserve and maintain Carhenge, the Carhenge Alliance, a non-profit organization, was formed in 2013. This group works to ensure the continued existence and upkeep of this quirky landmark.
- Carhenge has received several awards over the years. It was designated a “Nebraska State Historical Site” in 2013 and was also listed as one of the “Top 10 Quirkiest Attractions in America” by Time magazine.
Carhenge is not the only attraction here. The surrounding land, known as the Car Art Reserve, features additional car-themed sculptures and installations created by Jim Reinders and other artists.
Carhenge is a great example of what I look for, “on the road.” It is certainly odd & unusual but also an example of human creativity and imagination. One man’s vision, however “not normal” it may have been, has turned into an internationally recognized work of art, notjJust another find on the road.
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Thanks again!
Joe
