Who needs Stonehenge when you have CARHENGE!
Note from PugsleyTonks: In my ongoing effort to provide entertainment for you Corona shut-ins, I have now opened the blog up to readers that wish to try their hand at blogging. Special thanks to Goosebuster for his willingness to be the first guest author. Please follow his shining example by writing your own post of your weird and unique travel experience. Just drop me an email and we will work through it. Now….shall we travel with Goosebuster to CARHENGE…
I wanted to write an amazing post about the trip my wife and I took to Wiltshire, England, to see Stonehenge. The ancient stone and earthwork landmark that dates back to 3000 B.C. The mysterious purpose of Stonehenge is still debated to this day. However, there is a problem with this story. First, PugsleyTonks told me that he would prefer if I kept my post in the USA. And second, my wife and I have never been to Wiltshire, England, to see Stonehenge. But better yet, let me tell you a story of our trip to Alliance, Nebraska, to see CARHENGE!
If you have read previous posts by PT, you know he has advised of the importance of listening closely to Google when navigating remote areas of our country. In the summer of 2019, I did just that when my wife and I were traveling from Texas to South Dakota. During the 1000 mile or so trek, we were in no real hurry. We wanted to enjoy the countryside and stop for any interesting attractions along the way. So, when Google took us near a small town in Nebraska called Alliance…it was a must stop to see Carhenge.
The old version in Wiltshire, England, dating back to 3000 B.C.
As you have already figured out, Carhenge is a reproduction of the actual Stonehenge using cars from the 50’s and 60’s rather than stones. They are arranged in a 96’ diameter circle, just as the original, and have been painted gray. Unlike Stonehenge, Carhenge does not have five thousand year old bodies buried in the area (as far as I know). It does have three cars buried in the ground under Carhenge. All three cars are foreign cars, and the caption reads…”Here lie three bones of foreign cars. They served our purpose while Detroit slept. Now Detroit is awake and America’s great!” Also unlike the roped off Stonehenge, you can get up close and personal with Carhenge…walking among the cars and fingering them all you want.
Supposedly, Carhenge has appeared in film, popular music, television programs and commercials. But, when I looked up the various media, I had never seen any of the shows/movies/videos. So, I’ll have to trust Google that its true. According to the brochure we picked up, Carhenge is a memorial to the artist’s father. There are a few other sculptures on the property with a walking path and there are restrooms in the Visitor Center. When I say Visitor Center, do not picture the typical Visitor Center. This is a small building that is not much more than restrooms, a cooler with water and soft drinks, a few pictures, and the check out counter.
This little slice of Americana is not close to anything other than the small town of Alliance. At the time of our visit, there were only three restaurants in Alliance. And I am sorry to say that I have no information on bars in the area. Unlike PT, my wife and I do not drink so our travels are not completely obsessed on finding alcohol and the nearest PBR. Anyway, if you are passing somewhere near Alliance, NE, (I doubt you ever will), it’s a good place to stretch your legs and enjoy Carhenge. Sincerely, Goosebuster
