American ‘henges’ worth an RV pit stop

You’ve heard about the original Stonehenge. However, did you know that the U.S. has its own collection of “henges”?

Who built these American henges and why? Let’s take a closer look.

But first…

Let’s get a definition. A “henge” is basically a circular or ring-shaped monument. The original prehistoric henges were made of earth, timber, or stone. Arranged into a circular shape, these henges served as calendars or as locations for ceremonies or community gatherings.

In modern America, a “henge” can be anything from carved stone to painted cars, foam, and other materials set in a ring. American henges are found in a variety of places and in varying forms. There’s probably a henge along your RV route, and it’s worth a pit stop.

Maryhill Stonehenge — Maryhill, Washington

Samuel “Sam” Hill, early 20th-century entrepreneur and museum founder, commissioned a full-scale concrete replica of Stonehenge. Hill dedicated it as a memorial to World War I. It was the first WWI memorial. Reinforced concrete was cast to resemble the original Stonehenge.

Maryhill Stonehenge is located on the Maryhill Museum grounds and is listed on the National Register. You can find additional information here.

Chuck Woodbury wrote more about it here. 

Stonehenge II — Ingram / Hill Country, Texas

Stonehenge II was designed by Al Shepperd and built with help from his neighbor Doug Hill. The two considered Stonehenge a private art project inspired by their travels. Shepperd made Stonehenge II from a mix of real limestone slabs and fabricated stones (metal mesh, plaster, and concrete). He added two large Easter Island–style heads for fun.

The Hill Country Arts Foundation posts visitor info and event notes.

Foamhenge — originally Natural Bridge, Virginia.

Mark Cline of Enchanted Castle Studio began Foamhenge as an April Fools’ / roadside art joke that turned into a viral attraction. Full-scale Styrofoam “stones” (lightweight, photogenic, deliberately silly) were Cline’s choice of material.

Check the artist or host venue pages for current location and seasonal hours here.

Cahokia Woodhenge — Collinsville, Illinois

The Mississippian culture that built Cahokia (a medieval Native North American urban center) built Woodhenge. Archaeologists interpret the timber circle(s) as solar and astronomical markers. The Cahokians likely used Woodhenge as a calendar for seasons and planting.

Massive, reconstructed cedar posts have been placed in a precise circle, following the original post-holes, which date to roughly 900–1100 AD. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site offers visitor planning resources and equinox and solstice sunrise events. Learn more here.

Carhenge — near Alliance, Nebraska

Jim Reinders, along with his family and friends, constructed Carhenge in 1987 as a memorial to Reinders’ father. This playful art project has since become a beloved roadside attraction.

Reinders used vintage American cars, spray-painted gray, and arranged them to mimic Stonehenge’s layout. The site includes additional “car art.” Visitor facilities (gift shop, free admission) are run seasonally. It’s a fun stop for RVers looking for a short, photo-friendly break.

America’s Stonehenge — Salem, New Hampshire (Windham County)

The builder of America’s Stonehenge remains disputed. Claims range from pre-Columbian builders to 18th– to 19th-century stonework later changed by site owners. Today it’s presented as an interpretive/educational attraction and tourist site.

Assorted large stones and chambers are arranged across the property. America’s Stonehenge operates tours and has interpretive materials for visitors. Learn more here.

Planning tips

These henge stops are wildly different in scale and seriousness. If you’d like to become a henge-hunter, always check the listed site page before you go. Learn about the site’s hours of operation, RV parking availability, fees/donations, and any seasonal changes. Many of the site pages noted have the practical visitor details you’ll need.

But wait, there’s more!

You may be surprised that the U.S. is home to even more henges, like Ponyhenge and Bunnyhenge. There’s also Truckhenge and Boathenge, too! Plan a henge stop for your next RV trip!

Have you visited any of America’s henges? Tell us in the comments below.

MORE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS:

• Beautiful and historic U.S. train stations to visit
• A visit to America’s oldest museum
• Worth a stop: The beautiful painted churches of Texas
• Vietnam War museums to visit and camp near
• 10 unusual places to visit in Florida

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