Can’t study abroad this summer and make it to the real deal? No problem! America is bountiful and resourceful, and thus we have not one, but four different Stonehenge inspired attractions for you to road trip to.
America’s Stonehenge – Salem, New Hampshire
This claims to be “America’s Stonehenge” and they are serious about it. From the website: “Built by a Native American Culture or a migrant European population? No one knows for sure. A maze of man-made chambers, walls and ceremonial meeting places, America’s Stonehenge is most likely the oldest man-made construction in the United States (over 4000 years old).”
Why go? Beautiful nature scenery, digging for gemstones, paranormal activity events, and the alpacas that now live there. Real stonhenge has none of these!
Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska
Carhenge has been in the news recently as it was donated to the city and being turned into a monument/official attraction. The junk-car tribute was built in 1987 and is free and open to the public. From the website: “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.”
Why go? You gotta love the odd roadside attractions America has to offer, and TripAdvisor named Carhenge #2 on their list of Wackiest Attractions. Plus, more cars have been added in other areas to create the “Car Art Reserve.”
Washington Stonehenge – Maryhill, Washington
This replica was built as a WWI Memorial so no mysteries about how it got there. From the website: “On a lonely bluff overlooking the Columbia River and the town of Maryhill, Washington, is a full-size replica of Stonehenge. […] It was built by Sam Hill, a road builder, as a memorial to those who died in World War I.
Why go? “The project began when Hill was mistakenly informed that the original Stonehenge had been used as a sacrificial site. He thus constructed his replica as a reminder that ‘humanity is still being sacrificed to the god of war.'”
Foamhenge – Natural Bridge, Virginia
Last but certainly not least, is Foamhenge. Created by Mark Cline, a fiberglass sculptor, who, he says, “went to great pains to shape each ‘stone’ to its original shape.'” From the website: “About 15 years ago I walked into a place called Insulated Business Systems where they make these huge 16-foot-tall blocks. As soon as I saw them I immediately thought of the idea: ‘Foamhenge.’ It took a while for the opportunity to present itself, of course.”
Why go? If you can’t visit the real Stonehenge, this is a fun, and surprisingly accurate alternative. Along with how the stones were carefully molded, Mark also “consulted a local ‘psychic detective’ named Tom who has advised him on how to position Foamhenge so that it is astronomically correct.” It’s free, and nestled in some beautiful Virginia countryside.
Have you been to any of these? Let us know! Want to go to England and visit the real Stonehenge? Check out our programs in England, and everywhere else, on our website.
