USA Today has a Top 10 list of places where vacationers can “go through the looking glass” in honor of the theatrical release of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.” All of these way-off-the-beaten-track attractions are pretty interesting—like the underwater music festival entry—but there is one that’s simply off the hook… “Carhenge.”
“Carhenge” in Alliance, Neb., draws over 80,000 tourists a year. It’s a full-scale replication of Stonehenge… made from cars. From the official “Friends of Carhenge” website:
The artist of this unique car sculpture, Jim Reinders, experimented with unusual and interesting artistic creations throughout his life. While living in England, he had the opportunity to study the design and purpose of Stonehenge. His desire to copy Stonehenge in physical size and placement came to fruition in the summer of 1987 with the help of many family members.
Thirty-eight 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. The honor of depicting the heel stone goes to a 1962 Caddy.
Carhenge was built as a memorial to Reinders’ father who once lived on the farm where Carhenge now stands. While relatives were gathered following the death of Reinders’ father in 1982, the discussion turned to a memorial and the idea of a Stonehenge replica was developed. The family agreed to gather in five years and build it. The clan, about 35 strong, gathered 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.
“Carhenge” was named the second “wackiest” tourist location in America, and deservedly so. Some see it as “art” others see it as… junk.
Like Fox News, we’ll let you decide.
Cross posting this from Brand X