Budget Travel: Carhenge | brokeGIRLrich
One thing the Midwest really has going for it is weird roadside attractions (among other things, the Midwest is actually really cool. I mean, they have tumbleweed too!).
You know you’re a city girl when tumbleweed is so fascinating you stop the car to catch one and take a picture with it… turns out it hurts to touch.
Maybe it’s the long distances between towns. Maybe it’s something to do with all the farming. I really have no idea. But a lot of the strangest and most innovative roadside attractions are scattered across the middle of America.
Today’s budget travel attraction is no exception. Carhenge is located in Alliance, Nebraska, on the western side of the state.
Carhenge started out as a tribute to a local farmer. When he passed away, his family wanted a really creative way to make a lasting memory in honor of their father. Jim Reinders orchestrated this vehicular replica of Stonehenge. Despite some complaints from the citizens of the community, it’s still standing today.
On the day of the dedication of the site, the Reinders family had an epic celebration of their departed father that included songs, poetry and plays. That must’ve been a sight to see.
The space also contains a “Car Art Preserve” which features a sculpture garden made out of cars and car parts. The family even hosted a scholarship for the winner of the best auto-based sculpture. The victor got a nice chunk of change and his work was added to the collection at the Preserve (see, there really are scholarships for everything). Could just be me, but I don’t think it’s too bad.
There really are scholarships for everything.
It’s a great stop to break up a long car trip and the Car Art Preserve has a pleasant little path that you can walk to stretch those tired legs. You can also pick up a bottle of pop and any number of Carhenge themed trinkets in their Pit Stop Gift Shop.
Furthermore, Carhenge meets my three main criteria to make a roadside attraction tops on my list:
- It’s innovative and different.
- It has a place where you can buy a shot glass.
- It’s FREE.
As an added bonus, if you do check out Carhenge, drive about 5 minutes further down the road to stop and snap a picture with this bizarre gem before continuing your trek:
You may want to hold it a little longer…
To get to Carhenge, take Highway 87 to Alliance, Nebraska and follow the signs. To check out the “rest stop” as well, continue on Highway 87 away from town for 2 more miles.
This is why I love following your blog Mel, you literally open my eyes to places that I never knew existed. I am not sure that I would plan a trip to Nebraska specifically to CarHenge, but I love knowing that it is there. 🙂
Shannon @ Financially Blonde recently posted…Music Mondays – Beer Money
LOL. Carhenge didn’t get it’s own special trip – only the Twine Ball can claim that. I checked it out last year while I was on tour on the drive between Omaha and Colorado Springs. It really did break up the trip nicely.
Omg so weird hahaha
We have a Vulcan, Alberta — yes as in Vulcan from Star Trek. There’s a huge Enterprise replica and everything. Very odd, very entertaining.
Bridget recently posted…From Employed Grad to MBA Student, A Tale of Two Spending Reports
That’s so cool! I’ll have to add it to my list of places to check out!
Oh my, you do find the most unique attractions on your travels don’t you? I’ve been to Stonehenge, so I appreciate the sentiment! 😉
debt debs recently posted…Frugal Fraggles, Rocks and Poodles
Yeah, Stonehenge is just a little better… ;o)
Carhenge is too funny!
Akaleistar recently posted…The Blogging Slump
Never heard of Carhenge but I love it. Looks like something my kids would really enjoy.
Brian @ Luke1428 recently posted…10 Clues That Reveal It’s Time to Change Your Job
I just love hearing about these weird little places, Mel. And for some odd reasons, tumbleweeds have always intrigued the crap out of me – good to see a picture of one in real life; I usually only see them on TV! 🙂
Laurie @thefrugalfarmer recently posted…Extreme Things We’ve Done to Save Money While Getting out of Debt
I know right? Tumbleweeds can’t be real. They’re from 1950’s westerns. Turns out they are. And they stab you.
This is cool, If I ever go to Nebraska I will have to check this out. Cool post and keep them coming.
EL @ Moneywatch101 recently posted…Rich Uncle EL Random Facts 4
That is sooo cool! Would love to see something like that in my country 🙂 It’s a nice attraction indeed.
Yeah, we definitely have some cool, weird things by the side of the road here in America.
Wow I’ve never seen anything like this before. The 3 car display is so amazing! Thanks so much for sharing this one with us at Countdown in Style too!
Brittnei recently posted…Why I Started Wearing a Head Covering
I love how you’re out in the middle of nowhere and you can get free wifi! LOL! I love the Carhenge attraction. It’s a great work of art! Thanks for sharing with Countdown in Style.
April recently posted…#AskAwayFriday with Sherri {God Life, Happy Wife}
I know! Quite possibly the oddest place in America to link up to the internet.