Alliance Travel Guide

Discover the must-visit attractions, best things to do, local culture and customs, safety tips, transportation options, and more in Alliance, Nebraska through this comprehensive travel guide.


Alliance is a charming city located in the western part of Nebraska, in the heart of the Great Plains region in the United States of America. Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and thriving art scene, Alliance is a perfect destination for travelers seeking a unique and authentic American experience. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the best that Alliance has to offer - from its top tourist attractions to its hidden gems, hiking and biking routes to local food and drink scene, safety tips, and more.

Introduction to Alliance

Alliance is situated in the magnificent Nebraska Panhandle, a region renowned for its rugged and diverse natural landscapes, picturesque towns, and rich cultural heritage. With a population of over 8,000 people, Alliance is a thriving hub of commerce, education, and arts, offering visitors a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Its history dates back to the late 19th century, when the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad reached the area, connecting it to the rest of the country. Today, Alliance is best known for its stunning natural beauty, thriving cultural scene, and vibrant community spirit.

List of Places to Visit in Alliance

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Carhenge: This unique attraction is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Alliance. It is a replica of England’s Stonehenge, made entirely of vintage cars, which were painted gray to resemble stones.
  • Knight Museum and Sandhills Center: This museum offers visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the Nebraska Panhandle. The exhibits showcase the life, culture, and heritage of the pioneers who settled the area.
  • Alliance Carnegie Library: Built-in 1903, this historical library is a landmark in Alliance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The beautiful building features a unique architectural style, a beautiful fireplace, and stained glass windows.

Natural Attractions of Alliance: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Chimney Rock National Historic Site: Located a short drive away from Alliance, this remarkable rock formation is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers. It is a designated National Historic Site and a must-visit for anyone interested in geology and history.
  • Scotts Bluff National Monument: This beautiful park offers visitors spectacular views of the rugged and diverse landscapes of the Nebraska Panhandle. It includes a visitor center, hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic drives.
  • Nebraska National Forest: This beautiful forest covers over 141,000 acres of land and offers visitors a chance to explore the unique ecosystems of the Great Plains. It includes hiking and biking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Alliance

Alliance is a paradise for hikers and bikers, offering a wide range of scenic trails for all skill levels. Some of the most popular ones are:

  • Skyline Drive: This scenic drive offers stunning views of the nearby Scotts Bluff National Monument and the surrounding landscapes. It is a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely drive or a picnic.
  • High Plains Homestead Trail: This beautiful trail takes hikers through the heart of the Nebraska Panhandle, offering breathtaking views of the Sandhills, prairies, and other natural wonders of the region.
  • Niobrara River Valley: This beautiful valley is located a short drive away from Alliance and is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing enthusiasts. It includes several scenic routes for hikers and bikers.

Best Things to Do in Alliance: Activities and Tours

Alliance offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the best ones are:

  • Oregon Trail Wagon Train Tours: This unique tour takes visitors on a journey through time, retracing the steps of the pioneers who traveled westward on the famous Oregon Trail.
  • Box Butte Reservoir: This beautiful reservoir is located just outside of Alliance and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities.
  • Art Walk: Alliance is known for its thriving art scene, and the Art Walk is a perfect place to explore the work of local artists and designers.

Week-Long Itinerary for Alliance

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long visit to Alliance:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Carhenge, and the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center
Day 2 Explore the Nebraska National Forest
Day 3 Take a tour of the Oregon Trail Wagon Train, and visit the Alliance Carnegie Library
Day 4 Go hiking on the High Plains Homestead Trail, and spend the evening at Box Butte Reservoir
Day 5 Visit Scotts Bluff National Monument, and take a leisurely drive on Skyline Drive
Day 6 Visit the local galleries and studios on an Art Walk
Day 7 Spend the day canoeing or kayaking in the Niobrara River Valley

Food and Drink Scene of Alliance

Alliance is renowned for its delicious and unique cuisine, with a focus on local ingredients and traditional recipes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bieroc: These savory pastries are a local specialty, made from ground beef, onions, and cabbage, baked inside a fluffy bread shell.
  • Kool-Aid Pickles: This unique snack is a fusion of two American classics - Kool-Aid and pickles. Pickles are soaked in Kool-Aid to create a sweet and tangy flavor.

Local Beverages

  • Nebraska wine: The Nebraska Panhandle is known for its thriving wine industry, with several local vineyards offering a wide range of wines.
  • Kinkaider Brewing Company: This local brewery offers a wide range of craft beer, brewed with locally sourced ingredients.

Where to Stay in Alliance: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Alliance offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the best ones are:

  • Heritage House Motel: This family-owned motel offers comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a continental breakfast.
  • Barn Anew Bed and Breakfast: This charming B&B features beautiful gardens, elegant rooms, and delicious breakfast made from local ingredients.
  • Alliance Hotel and Suites: This 3-star hotel offers spacious rooms, a fitness center, and an indoor pool.

What to Buy in Alliance: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Alliance offers a wide range of souvenirs and local products for visitors to bring home, including:

  • Carhenge merchandise: From t-shirts to coffee mugs, you can find a wide range of merchandise inspired by Alliance’s most famous attraction.
  • Nebraska wines: Several local wineries offer a wide range of wines made from locally sourced ingredients.

Local Culture and Customs of Alliance

Alliance is known for its welcoming and friendly community spirit, where visitors are treated with warmth and respect. The locals are proud of their heritage, and visitors are encouraged to learn about their traditions and culture. Visitors should respect local customs and traditions and dress appropriately when visiting religious sites or attending cultural events.

Best Time to Visit Alliance

The best time to visit Alliance is during the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the tourist attractions are open. However, visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery and winter sports during the winter months, from December to February.

Do’s and Don’ts of Alliance

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites or attending cultural events
  • Explore the local cuisine and try new dishes
  • Take a scenic drive on Skyline Drive

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural resources
  • Wear revealing clothing in public places
  • Disrespect religious or cultural sites
  • Ignore safety warnings and guidelines

Safety and Health

Safety in Alliance

Alliance is a relatively safe city, but visitors should take the usual safety precautions, such as avoiding deserted areas and keeping their belongings safe.

Health in Alliance

Alliance has several medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, where visitors can receive medical care if needed. Visitors should carry adequate health insurance and follow safety guidelines when participating in adventure sports or other activities.

Getting to Alliance: Transportation Options and Logistics

Alliance is easily accessible by road, rail, and air, making it a perfect destination for travelers from all over the world.

Airports Near Alliance

The nearest commercial airports to Alliance are:

  • Western Nebraska Regional Airport: Located in Scottsbluff, approximately 70 miles from Alliance
  • Cheyenne Regional Airport: Located in Cheyenne, approximately 110 miles from Alliance

Bus Stations Near Alliance

The nearest bus stations to Alliance are:

  • Alliance, NE Greyhound Bus Station: Located in the heart of downtown Alliance, offering connections to major cities in the region.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or hire a taxi or a shuttle service to reach Alliance.

How to Get Around in Alliance

Alliance is a compact city, and most tourist attractions are within walking or biking distance. Visitors can also use public transportation, such as buses and taxis, to get around the city.

Where to Go Next from Alliance: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Alliance is a perfect base to explore the stunning natural landscapes and cultural attractions of western Nebraska. Some of the nearby destinations and excursions are:

  • Custer State Park: Located in South Dakota, approximately three hours from Alliance, this beautiful park offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Black Hills region.
  • The Badlands: Located in South Dakota, approximately four hours from Alliance, the Badlands is a unique natural wonder, featuring rugged terrain, imposing rock formations, and diverse wildlife.
  • Chimney Rock National Historic Site: This beautiful rock formation is located approximately 50 miles from Alliance and is a must-visit for hikers, campers, and nature lovers.

Conclusion

Alliance is a stunning and charming city that offers visitors a unique and authentic American experience. From its rich cultural heritage to its stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and delicious local cuisine, Alliance has something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has inspired you to plan your next visit to this wonderful destination, and we wish you a pleasant and unforgettable trip to Alliance.

Carhenge Carhenge Central Park Fountain Central Park Fountain