We drove to the following places on our way to the neighboring state of Wyoming. There was a lot of snow on the ground when we visited these place in October, as it had snowed a lot the previous week.
- The Archway in Kearny
- Carhenge
- Chimney Rock National Historic Site
The Archway in Kearny – As you drive along Interstate 80 and as you near the city of Kearny, you’ll see something stretching over the highway. This unique structure spanning 300 feet across Interstate 80 is appropriately called The Archway and is a museum dedicated to travelers who have passed this way before you.
Inside the Archway museum, the exhibits narrates the story of the amazing people who played a significant role in shaping our nation, starting with the Oregon Trail era and traveling through the mid 20th century–pioneers and prairie wagons to diners and drive-ins of the 1950s.
Carhenge – Certainly one of Nebraska’s quirkier attractions, Carhenge duplicates the more familiar Stonehenge, but is constructed with automobiles. Thirty-nine cars arranged in all different positions jut out of the prairie grasslands and so perfectly replicate the real Stonehenge, that the summer solstice event happens here in the same manner as it does in England.
Note – We drove to this place after we visited The Archway in Kearney. It was a long drive through winding roads and took us more than 4 hours to reach. It is located in a remote area and since we visited this place during Covid times, it felt more remote. We drove for miles without seeing a single car in either direction.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site – This site was an hour drive (46 miles) from Carhenge. Dating from 25 to 24 million years ago, the Chimney Rock formation rises 480 feet above the surrounding countryside. This dramatic rock spire was a noted landmark for pioneers heading westward in the early to mid-19th century.
There is a nice little museum close by, with hiking trails to the Chimney rock. The museum was closed when we visited this place in October of 2020.