Stonehenge-Inspired Locations Around the Us

Why is Stonehenge so important to our modern society? While there is a plethora of answers to that question- whether it be the advanced arrangement of a piece of architecture that is from the neolithic period to its supposed ability to interact with the stars, people have a lot of ideas. And we seem to be talking about Stonehenge quite often. In my humble opinion, I think there are a lot of questions regarding Stonehenge, ones that leave us with more questions. The mystery alone surrounding the famous structure has inspired many other artists… which has led to a spray of Stonehenge-inspired locations around the world. Most of these art installments are just downright weird. And we’ve visited many of them at Malorie’s Adventure! So, let’s discuss our favorite Stonehenge-inspired locations around the US.

Why are we fascinated with Stonehenge?

As mentioned above, there are more questions than answers when we begin talking about this famous architecture. Its placement seems advanced and carefully precise, which seems strange for the Neolithic period in which it came from. This raises more questions than answers. The stones were brought in from very far distances and dressed using sophisticated techniques. The earliest stage of the monument was not only used for cremation, but it’s one of the largest cremation cemeteries from that time in Britain. There are theories that it can be used to decipher the movements of the stars. And every time we piece together more information on it, we come back with more questions. I find we humans are excited and intrigued by mystery, which makes us even more fascinated by things when we can’t fully decipher them. So, it’s no wonder why we love Stonehenge.

In fact, many artists around the US were also inspired by the beauty of Stonehenge (as mentioned above). Let’s continue on with our favorite Stonehenge-inspired locations.

Foamhenge

Originally created as an April Fool’s prank by Virginia artist, Mark Cline, Foamhenge surprisingly became a sensation thanks to everyone’s awe and love of Stonehenge. It is a full-scale Styrofoam replica of Stonehenge, one that was created by Cline, who you may just see in the first season of our show Weird World Adventures. Mark Cline is an incredibly eccentric artist who has made quite a statement in the Natural Bridge area of Virginia with his Enchanted Castle Studios and Dinosaur Kingdom II Park. After being taken down due to Natural Bridge becoming a state park in 2016, Cline received many complaints and inquiries about where people could see Foamhenge. Inspired by the public’s love of his art piece, in 2017, Foamhenge left natural bridge, and it can now be found in Centreville, Virginia where visitors of all ages can come and see its glory.

Carhenge

Another unique, quirky nod to Stonehenge, Carhenge, can be found in Nebraska. Open year-round from dusk until dawn, Carhenge is exactly as its name states- a car-inspired version of Stonehenge. This piece was created by Jim Reinders in the summer of 1987, and it consists of thirty-nine American-made automobiles painted gray and laid out to mimic Stonehenge. The fact that it has appeared in film, tv, and commercials makes it a famous staple in American roadside attractions.

Another quick thing to note: if you like Carhenge, you should also check out Cadillac Ranch in Texas, which is a similar art exhibit made of old cars.

Bunnyhenge  

Bunnyhenge sits in the middle of a public park filled with art sculptures in Newport Beach, and it’s truly one of my favorite Stonehenge-inspired locations in the US. Consisting of fourteen white rabbits all in a circle, Bunnyhenge makes it appear that you are going to be sacrificed by a cult of bunnies more than it looks like Stonehenge. Perhaps that’s why it had so much controversy behind it when it came out. You see, when Bunnyhenge was created on taxpayer’s dollars (roughly $221,000 to be precise), the residents of Newport Beach were more than a little irritated, sparking a lot of political debate regarding a statue of bunnies. Despite their controversy, they remain by the Newport Beach City Hall today as a spot where art lovers can observe and admire them and where children can play with these large bunnies.

I hope you’ve enjoyed our tour of our favorite (and let’s face it- truly bizarre) Stonehenge-insipred locations! The mystery and lore of Stonehenge continues to inspire artists to this day, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what Stonehenge-like attraction will pop up next!