Overview
Alliance is a city in the Nebraska Panhandle with a population of 8,100 in 2019.
5 sights · 1 things to do · 4 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 6 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Alliance
Carhenge
Constructed in 1987 by Jim Reinders as a memorial to his father. A replica of England's Stonehenge, constructed out of vintage American automobiles painted gray. The site also hosts a number of other art pieces by Reinde…
Spade Ranch
At one time encompassing almost 500,000 acres (2,000 km2) and 60,000 head of cattle, the Spade is one of Nebraska's oldest and most expansive ranches. The ranch continues to operate as a traditional open grazing ranch. L…
Knight Museum and Sandhills Center
This local history museum covers the history of human settlement in the sandhills region of Nebraska. Pioneer memorabilia, Native American artifacts, and railroad history are some of the highlights of the collection hous…
Sallows Military Museum
This museum covers the history of the American soldier from the Revolutionary War to the modern battlefield. A large collection of artifacts, weapons, and memorabilia is on display. Most of the items were donated by peop…
Dobby's Frontier Town
An open air museum showcasing life at the turn of the 20th century. A dozen historical buildings, including a saloon and photograph studio, are decorated as they would have been during their heyday. A Fall Festival is he…
Alliance Theatre
The local 3-screen movie theater with a 1950s design. Offers matinees on Sunday. Shows old classics as well as the latest blockbusters.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 9°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- AIA Alliance Municipal Airport, Alliance — 5 mi away. Directions
- BFF Western Neb. Rgnl/William B. Heilig Airport, Scottsbluff — 40 mi away. Directions
- DEN Denver International Airport, Denver — 181 mi away (major hub). Directions
Alliance sits at the intersection of US-385 and NE-2. The nearest interstate is I-80, located 79 miles south of the town. Highway US-26 is 37 miles south and Highway US-20 is 45 miles north of the town.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $36–$80 a night (typical $50), from 5 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$80, mid-range ~$120, comfortable ~$250.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Carhenge, Dobby's Frontier Town, Sallows Military Museum
- Lunch Ken & Dale's Restaurant
- Afternoon Knight Museum and Sandhills Center, Alliance Theatre
- Dinner Gathering Spot
- Evening Brewery 719
Day 2
- Morning Spade Ranch
- Lunch Wonderful Kitchen
- Dinner El Ramo Restaurant
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
In 1888, the settlement that would become Alliance was established. Settlers from further east took advantage of the Homestead Act of 1862 to acquire large amounts of land for use. Originally called Grand Lake, the settlement quickly grew as land lots around the railroad were sold off to locals. By 1891, the town was renamed Alliance and had a population of 840, which would double by 1895.
The town is located in the high plains region of Nebraska. Vast, treeless prairie results in the area being windswept and experiencing severe weather frequently. Alliance is also within the Mountain Time Zone (UTC-7), so if arriving from the east, be sure to set your clock accordingly.
Get in
By car
Alliance sits at the intersection of US-385 and NE-2. The nearest interstate is I-80, located 79 miles south of the town. Highway US-26 is 37 miles south and Highway US-20 is 45 miles north of the town.
By plane
A regional airport is located near the town, receiving flights from Denver International.
Go Alliance Municipal Airport (AIA)
Offering one route, to and from Denver International (DEN) by Denver Air Connection. Servicing an average of 25 flights a day. This airfield was constructed in 1942 as a U.S. Air Force base. When the Second World War ended in 1945, the airfield sat abandoned until it was purchased by the city of Alliance in 1953.
Get around
The town is laid out in a grid pattern. Numbered streets go east-west, increasing the further north they are. 1st St is located next to the train yard. Named streets go north-south and are called avenues. There are a number of one-way roads in the city, so make sure to look at the signs before turning. The intersection of Box Butte Ave and E 3rd St is considered the downtown region.
See
See Dobby's Frontier Town
An open air museum showcasing life at the turn of the 20th century. A dozen historical buildings, including a saloon and photograph studio, are decorated as they would have been during their heyday. A Fall Festival is held the third weekend in September. This event hosts bake sales, competitions and indigenous dancers.
Nearby
See Spade Ranch
At one time encompassing almost 500,000 acres (2,000 km2) and 60,000 head of cattle, the Spade is one of Nebraska's oldest and most expansive ranches. The ranch continues to operate as a traditional open grazing ranch. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Do
Eat
Eat Gathering Spot
An American bar and grill. Serving beer, burgers, and pizza. Hosts live music on weekends.
Eat Ken & Dale's Restaurant
An American diner that's been serving the city for over 30 years. Breakfast until 11AM. The relaxed atmosphere make this a good place to start the day.
Eat Wonderful Kitchen
Chinese restaurant. Offering large portions and vegetarian plates.
Eat El Ramo Restaurant
Mexican restaurant. A busy location that offers authentic Mexican food.
Drink
Drink Brewery 719
Serves locally brewed, in-house beers.
Sleep
Considering its size and location, Alliance has several decent lodging options available, both in and around the city.
Stay J&C RV Park
A small RV park with 13 locations and full hookups. Pets allowed and wireless internet available. It's close to the highway and the railroad, so noise is a bit of an issue. Very friendly staff.
Stay Sunset Motel
Cheap. Provides an airport shuttle upon request. Pets are allowed for an extra $10 a night. Wireless internet and indoor pool. No breakfast provided.
Nearby
Bridgeport
City / town · 2 listings · 33 mi away
Bayard
City / town · 10 listings · 33 mi away
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Park · 1 listings · 37 mi away
Scottsbluff
City / town · 12 listings · 44 mi away
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Park · 6 listings · 47 mi away
Crawford
City / town · 17 listings · 49 mi away
Chadron
City / town · 13 listings · 51 mi away
Pine Ridge
City / town · 4 listings · 66 mi away
My experience
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