WERE THERE DRUIDS IN NEBRASKA, WELL THERE IS CARHENGE

Day 7 Carhenge 

We started the morning with a pup walk and then made pineapple and ham pancakes for breakfast. All packed up and on the road at 0830 heading to Alliance Nebraska. 

The drive out of Custer and to Wind Cave NP was scenic and we saw buffalo, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, and an occasional white tail deer. We did make a stop at Wind Cave so as to get our NPS Passport stamped. 

From Wind Cave to Alliance, NB the roads were good and the scenery consisted of miles and miles of open grassland. As the miles clicked by the temperatures grew higher. We soon arrived in Alliance at the J&C RV Park and got hooked up and turned on the AC.   

Were there druids in Nebraska? How did they place those cars? What is the significance of this structure? These quests beg for answers. 

Just outside of Alliance Nebraska, one can find a Road Side Attraction called Carhenge.  During a family reunion in 1987 a farmer (and engineer) Jim Reinders, built this as a memorial to his father.

Built from 38 cars found in nearby fields and dumps, the dimensions are in proportion with the original Stonehenge. Yes, the various windows are placed just as the windows are at Stonehenge, aligning with specific days of sun and moon rising.   All cars which were used to create Carhenge are Detroit made. Originally there were three foreign cars used as part of the structure but they were subsequently removed and replaced with Detroit made cars. The three foreign cars were ceremonially buried on the property. 

A couple years later the Reinders family spray-painted the cars a flat gray to make the monument look more like  Stonehenge.  Yet, there was trouble at first for Carhenge. The residents of Alliance did not like it and wanted to tear down Carhenge. Then the Nebraska Department of Highways wanted to label it a "junkyard" and erect a big fence around it. But as attractions bring visitors the air became more friendly towards Carhenge, and now Alliance proudly calls itself "Home of Carhenge."  In August 2013 the City of Alliance voted to become Carhenge's owner, officially giving its blessing to the monument and guaranteeing its preservation for many years to come.

Carhenge is a remote wonder, far from the nearest interstate (80 miles). It's a place that you really have to dedicate time to visit. For me, I appreciated the ingenuity and quirkiness of this Roadside Attraction. There is no fee and it is dog friendly. There is a small gift shop where one can purchase souvenirs and snacks. Although there is no fee, you will be moved to make a donation. The hours of operation are daylight hours. 

After our visit to Carhenge, we went to Wiggly Park, the local dog park, to let The Boys run and play. Then back to the camper where they crashed and did not start begging for their dinner.