On the plains of England stands Stonehenge, perhaps the most famous prehistoric monument in the world. But right here, surrounded by the flat prairie of the Nebraska panhandle is a unique, pop-culture icon that rivals its impressiveness. Carhenge, a to-scale replica of Stonehenge, is world-renowned, Nebraska’s answer to the megalithic structure that is over four-thousand miles from Alliance. Now you might be wondering “why Carhenge?” James Webster Reinders, the artist of this unique car sculpture, answers that question with a simple one of his own: “why not?”

The story began in 1982, with the death of Reinders father who once lived on the farm where Carhenge now stands. While relatives were gathered to honor his father, the discussion turned to a memorial. Jim Reinders, a life-long artist who experimented with unusual and interesting artistic creations throughout his life, was no stranger to Stonehenge. In fact, he had previously lived in England where he had the opportunity to study the design and purpose of the monument. It is no surprise that the idea of a replica was developed. Five years later, a clan of nearly three dozen people gathered to bring the dream to fruition.

Thirty-nine automobiles were placed to mimic the exact proportions of Stonehenge, with the circle measuring approximately 96 feet in diameter. Some cars are held upright in pits five-feet deep while the arches are formed by cars welded into place. A coat of gray spray paint completed the project. On the 1987 Summer Solstice, the very same month construction began, Carhenge was dedicated with champagne, poetry, songs, and even a play written by the family.

Carhenge isn’t the only extraordinary structure here. Over the years, additional car sculptures have been erected at the site, forming the Car Art Reserve. Reinders also built “Fourd Seasons”, comprised only of Ford automobiles, a nod to Nebraska’s seasonal landscape changes. Three bells on the property represent the three Reinders siblings and time capsules, known as car-sules, have been contributed by the local community over the years, adding to the uniqueness of Carhenge.

Jim Reinders, who passed away in 2021, may not have dreamed that Carhenge would become an award-winning destination in Nebraska, but its novelty and unusual components continue to draw the attention of visitors from all over the world, especially those who are searching for something unexpected.