By Julianne G. Crane
If unusual roadside attractions grab you enough to venture onto the two-lane back roads of northern Nebraska, consider checking out Carhenge in the northwest corner of the Corn Husker State.
Carhenge
Replicating the ancient circle of Stonehenge, this unique car sculpture was built as a memorial to the artist’s father, who once lived on the farm where Carhenge now stands. Artist Jim Reinders had lived in England and studied the design and purpose of Stonehenge.
A post on the previous Carhenge website stated: Jim Reinders’ “desire to copy Stonehenge in physical size and placement came to fruition in the summer of 1987 … The automobiles were placed to assume the same proportions as Stonehenge with the circle measuring approximately 96 feet in diameter.
“Some autos are held upright in pits five feet deep, trunk end down, while those cars which are placed to form the arches have been welded in place. All are covered with gray spray paint.”
As the story goes, in 1982 when the family gathered following the death of Reinders’ father, they talked of a fitting tribute and the idea of a Stonehenge replica was developed. The family agreed to reunite in five years and build it. The clan, about 35 strong, returned in June 1987 and went to work. “They held the dedication on the Summer Solstice in 1987, with champagne, poetry, songs and a play written by the family.”
If you go:
##RVT952
Jeske’s over the hill campground is adjacent to Carhenge. We stayed last year. No frills, but convenient.
There is a similar tourist attraction in Ingram, TX called Stonehenge II. A replica of the original, located not far off Interstate 10.
I have always wanted to see Carhenge, but my wife, who has seen the real Stonehenge, is totally against it. However, we did see Foamhenge when it was near Virginia’s Natural Bridge. She thought it was incredibly dumb but I liked it.