10 Unique Roadside Attractions In Nebraska That Will Make You Do A Double Take

Possibly the most well-known of Nebraska's roadside attractions, Carhenge is a replica of the famous English monument...but with cars. Thirty-nine classic cars, to be exact. What began as an art project has become an important part of Alliance's identity.

Admission: FREE

Find it at: 2151 Co Rd 59, Alliance, NE 69301 - three miles north of Alliance on Hwy 87.

Just couple of miles north of Carhenge sits this classic Nebraska sight gag. Hay bales adorned with a toilet, a recliner, and a large spray painted "REST AREA" sign beckon weary travelers. The site actually offers free wifi now, bringing it kind of into the 21st century.

Admission: FREE

Find it at: The northbound side of Hwy 87, two miles north of Carhenge.

While this is far from the only "pioneer village" attraction in Nebraska, it is probably the most popular. This place is enormous and features a real "village" consisting of 12 buildings; a steam carousel; thousands of fascinating historic items; and hundreds of vintage vehicles. Plan to spend at least an entire day here because there really is a lot to see.

Admission: $14.25 for adults, $7.25 for children ages 6 to 12.

Find it at: 138 US-6, Minden, NE 68959.

This huge 300-foot-long monument to Nebraska's role in history spans I-80 three miles outside of Kearney. Walking through the self-guided audio tour of the museum, you'll see exhibits related to many different time periods in Nebraska, including the Pony Express, the Mormon, California, and Oregon trails, and Native American life. Plan to spend about an hour exploring the Archway.

Admission: $12 for adults 13 and up, $6 for kids 6-12, $11 for seniors 62 and up, free for children 5 and under. There are also some outdoor exhibits that you can view for free.

Find it at: 3060 E 1st St, Kearney, NE 68847 (I-80 exit 275 - there's no way you'll miss it).

A couple of other giant porch swings have claimed to be the largest, and the fact that this swing isn't on a porch at all disqualifies it from the title in some people's minds. But this big swing is worth a visit regardless of any controversy. Bring up to 17 adult-sized people to sit on the swing with you.

Admission: FREE

Find it at: 5th St & Jefferson Ave, Hebron, NE 68370.

Believe it or not, there are two cars, a motorcycle, and thousands of items of memorabilia in this huge pyramid - and in the even larger below-ground portion. Seward businessman, writer, and historian Harold Davisson wanted to preserve for his grandchildren a snapshot of his life in 1975, so he filled the lower portion with items significant to him. The second portion was added in 1983 after another time capsule challenged Davisson's claim to the "world's largest" title.

Admission: FREE

Find it at: 318 Hillcrest Dr, Seward, NE 68434, in front of House of Davisson Furniture.

Andy the Footless Goose was a plucky little fellow who embodied the indomitable Nebraska spirit. Born without feet, he waddled helplessly on stumps until Gene Fleming adopted him and fashioned little boots that allowed Andy to walk almost normally. Andy became a celebrity and even appeared in national magazines and on The Tonight Show. Tragically, the famous fowl was murdered in 1991. The crime remains unsolved, but this large memorial at the site of Andy's former home keeps his story alive.

Admission: FREE

Find it at: 4389 E. Hadco Rd, Hastings, NE 68901.

Beginning in 1953, the Boys Town Stamp Collecting Club gathered canceled stamps to add to their ambitious collection. By 1955 the ball of stamps had grown to a massive 600 pounds and 32 inches in diameter. No stamps have been added to the ball since then, and it now stands on a pedestal in the Boys Town Visitors Center.

Admission: FREE

Find it at: 13628 Flanagan Blvd, Boys Town, NE 68010.

Anyone of a certain age who grew up on a farm will fondly recall the metallic squeak of the windmill. The contraptions were generally used to pump water, a function for which they are no longer needed. While many still stand in fields, unattended and falling apart, Leonard Gill has lovingly collected and restored some of these historic icons of the Nebraska landscape. Walk among the giants and you'll see a sign that says "You are viewing one of the finest collections of vintage windmills in the entire Midwest. This collection consists of different mills that existed from the 1880s to the 1930s."

Admission: FREE

Find it at: Three miles west of Jackson on Hwy 20. Note that, while visitors are allowed to walk around and read the signs, the windmills are on private property. If you visit, please be respectful of the landowner.

This family-owned business has been going strong since 1963, and it's a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Part Nebraska history museum and part giant gift shop, this place features everything from wild west memorabilia to gag gifts to a stuffed two-headed calf. But the real star of the show is the tiny replica of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. With more than 20,000 hand-carved miniature figures, little scenes recreate the glory days of Buffalo Bill's traveling show.

Admission: FREE

Find it at: 221 Halligan Dr, North Platte, NE 69101.