The alliance of attractions in Alliance include Dobby’s Frontier Town, the Knight Museum and Carhenge.
Carhenge is a full-scale replica of England’s Stonehenge and is made entirely from old cars. Local resident Jim Reinders and his family built it from 39 cars, each painted gray. Some are half-buried; others are welded together, and some jut from the ground at odd angles, just like the real Stonehenge. It is a truly inspired roadside monument of Americana.
Carhenge’s Car Art Reserve features automobile sculptures complementing Carhenge, including “The Ford Seasons,” representing the four stages of wheat grown in the area. A visitor center and gift shop sells souvenirs. Located 3 miles north of Alliance on Highway 87 at 2151 County Rd. 59. (308) 762-3569.
Exhibits at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center span the gamut of Western life, including an extensive display of Native American artifacts, railroad memorabilia, military history from the Indian Wars to Alliance’s World War II air base, homesteads and ranch life. The museum’s research center houses the largest collection of genealogy material in the region. 908 Yellowstone Ave. (308) 762-2384.
The Carnegie Arts Center features local and regional artists. This center hosts renowned art shows, such as installations of original Rembrandt and Albrecht Durer prints. 204 W. Fourth St. (308) 762-4571.
Dobby’s Frontier Town is a historic village with 26 buildings from the 1890s through Prohibition, including a general store and meat market, mortuary, log cabin built by the area’s first black homesteader, early gas station, 1889 one-room school and cobbler’s shop. Free admission. 320 E. 25th St. (308) 762-4321.
During World War II, Alliance was home to the Alliance Army Air Field, which is now the Alliance Airport. The 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment trained here before landing in Normandy hours before the D-Day invasion. The Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance was opened at the former air base on 20 acres once used as a troop training field. 2610 County Rd. 57. (308) 763-2958.
The Sallows Military Museum features artifacts from the Army Air Base and Box Butte County residents from all military branches. 1100 Niobrara St. (308) 762-2385.
Learn more by contacting the Alliance Visitors’ Bureau at visitalliance.com or (308) 762-3876.
