South Dakota
Competition for Nebraska’s ‘Carhenge’ rises near South Dakota’s Badlands
KADOKA, S.D. (Nebraska Examiner) — Nebraska’s quirky replica of England’s prehistoric Stonehenge, “Carhenge,” is about to get some new competition in a neighboring state. And a former Nebraskan is behind it.
Rising from a dusty, prairie ridge along Interstate 90 near this Badlands-area town is a collection of firetrucks dubbed “Firehenge.”
Its creator, an Omaha Burke High School grad who runs a Rapid City brewery, said the ring of 10-ton firetrucks vertically arranged in a circle is more about promoting his Firehouse Brewery Company than trying to lure away visitors from Alliance, Nebraska’s popular Carhenge, about 200 miles to the south.
The new South Dakota version of the roadside attraction, which sits just off I-90, also includes a collection of buried fire hydrants called “Doghenge.” By next summer, the new henges will include a gift shop where visitors can purchase brewery souvenirs and canned beer and wine from the Firehouse Brewing Co., South Dakota’s first and oldest brewery.
“We are just having a ton of fun out here. Just come out and see it,” said Bob Fuchs, the co-owner of the brewery who graduated from Burke in 1981. And, he adds, bring your dog.
A city official in Alliance, which took over ownership of Carhenge in 2013, said she doesn’t expect local residents to mount a monumental fuss over a competing “henge” in the general vicinity.
“I think all of these things are fun,” said Shana Brown, the director of cultural and leisure services for Alliance.
As it turns out, both Carhenge and Firehenge have plenty of competition in tourism’s Carhenge-replica category.
There’s a “Foamhenge” (made out of foam) in Virginia, a “Truckhenge” near Topeka, Kansas (made out of farm trucks), a “Phonehenge” (made out old telephone booths) in South Carolina, and a “Strawhenge” (made out of bales) in Bavaria, Germany.
Years ago, a “Twinkiehenge” was built during a Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert. There was once a “Snowhenge” in Michigan and a “Fridgehenge” (made out of old refrigerators) once graced the plains near Santa Fe before complaints caused its demise.
A couple decades ago, a reporter was summoned to Chadron, where a suspected “Hayhenge” had been built northeast of town. Round hay bales had been arranged in a circle at a local ranch.
In the kinda-old-henge category, there’s a full-size concrete replica of Stonehenge in Maryhill, Washington, that was built in 1918 to honor people lost in World War I.
And near Carbury, North Dakota, there’s a circle of granite walls that serves as a 21st Century solar calendar, which is the suspected purpose of Stonehenge, a prehistoric circle of stones aligned for ceremonial purposes to indicate the summer and winter solstices, and the spring and fall equinoxes.
Carhenge was built in 1987 by Jim Reinders and his relatives as a memorial to Reinders’ father, who had lived on the farm north of Alliance where the collection of 39 American cars – arranged to align with the solar calendar – now sits.
The off-beat attraction draws about 100,000 visitors a year, according to Brown, and features a staffed gift shop from May through September. An estimated 4,000 people gathered there for the solar eclipse in 2017.
Carhenge has appeared in films, commercials, television shows and in song. Last summer, it hosted a group of muralists, who painted murals on the grey-painted cars, providing a new look for the motorcar monument.
Fuchs, the Firehenge creator, said he’s not haunted by henges but had visited Carhenge shortly after it was first created.
The inspiration for his firetruck circle came during a recent marketing meeting for his brewery, which was established inside a former Rapid City firehouse built in 1915.
Fuchs has long parked old firetrucks, purchased from all corners of the Midwest, next to his brewery billboards to draw more attention to his business. He says that he often hears that visitors to Rapid City’s downtown area ask “where’s the Firehouse?”
“It’s guerilla marketing,” Fuchs said during a recent visit to Firehenge. “It’s very effective.”
At the marketing meeting, one of Fuchs’ aides was playing with a toy firetruck. Once she set it on end, vertically, an idea was born.
He said he has no plans to hoist a firetruck so it sits horizontally across two vertical trucks — like the stones at Stonehenge and cars at Carhenge. Too many liability concerns, Fuchs said. More firetrucks may be planted this spring, though, he said. And a YouTube video, featuring a visit by aliens to Firehenge, is in the works, Fuchs adds.
Over the din of a front-end loader smoothing out a gravel parking lot, he said it’s been a lot of fun.
“I get to explore my artistic side by planting fire trucks in the prairie,” Fuchs said.
Nebraska Examiner is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nebraska Examiner maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Aaron Sanderford for questions: info@nebraskaexaminer.com.
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — South Dakotans are reacting to the death of prominent philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, who died Saturday at the age of 90.
Known also as T. Denny, Sanford was a self-made billionaire who earned his wealth in the banking and subprime credit card industry, with Sioux Falls based First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard. He’s been South Dakota’s wealthiest person for years and also took the “Giving Pledge” with other famous billionaires, such as Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, that he would “die broke.”
“For many years, Mr. Sanford was a champion of our zoo, along with the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park – leading to a one-of-a-kind reciprocity program between our institutions. Mr. Sanford’s generous $25 million donation made it possible for SFZA’s big idea – our merger and pursuit of a one campus land, sea, sky attraction – to begin taking shape. SFZA will be forever grateful for his tremendous support, but we wish he was able to see it all come to fruition.” a post from the Great Plains Zoo said.
“It is with great sadness that Sandy and I mourn the loss of T. Denny – a man who has so generously and intentionally invested in the great state of South Dakota,” Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden said in a news release. “His contributions will not be forgotten, and South Dakota will forever be impacted by his legacy. Put simply, he was the greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history.”
“Denny Sanford was a significant donor to practically every charitable campaign in Sioux Falls, and many others throughout the state. Beyond his high-profile gifts, Denny was a key reason that Sioux Falls has such a strong culture of philanthropy, and many important community improvements benefited from his support,” Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen wrote on Facebook.
“His generosity and commitment to improving health care have left a lasting impact on South Dakota. His contributions helped expand access to care, advance medical research, and strengthen health services for communities across our state,” the South Dakota Department of Health said on Facebook.
A statement from Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson said “Our community would not be what it is today without T. Denny Sanford’s incredible generosity. Denny’s impact can be seen and felt across the city – from elevated healthcare, to investments in kids and families, to most recently supporting the historic relocation of Smithfield Foods from downtown. His philanthropic spirit encouraged so many others to give, sparking momentum that turned ambitious ideas into real, lasting improvements. He will be deeply missed, and the culture of generosity he helped build will continue to shape generations to come.”
A news release Saturday morning announced Sanford’s passing. Prominent South Dakotans are sharing their reactions and words about the businessman.
“Denny changed the landscape of giving. He could have done many things with his money, yet he reinvested it in South Dakota. Our universities are stronger today because of Denny. Our health care is stronger today because of Denny. He believed in working harder to help someone other than yourself,” Miles Beacom, the CEO of PREMIER Bankcard, said in a news release.
“Denny’s passion for helping people and inspiring others to do the same is unmatched. From the first day I met him, I understood how important that was to him. He often said many people live a life of success, but you should try to live a life of significance where you can make an impact on people,” said Dana Dykhouse the CEO of First PREMIER Bank.
“We are forever blessed that Denny chose us and our communities to make the transformational gifts that will change lives for generations. He was a driving force in modern medicine, empowering researchers and clinicians to think big and pursue bold, innovative endeavors at a pace not otherwise possible. We are able to provide care for more patients in their time of need because of his generosity,” Bill Gassen, President and CEO, Sanford Health said in a news release.
A joint statement from First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard & Sanford Health said “We are saddened to announce the passing of T. Denny Sanford. He was 90 years old. Denny always said he wanted to live a life of significance and gave generously. His philanthropy impacted millions of lives and transformed the landscape of South Dakota and beyond.”
“During my years as mayor, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the extraordinary impact of T. Denny Sanford’s generosity. His love for South Dakota was evident in the countless lives he changed and the bold visions he helped bring to life. His legacy will endure for generations,” Former Sioux Falls mayor Paul TenHaken said in a post on X.
“Denny Sanford’s generosity will leave a lasting legacy on Sioux Falls,” said Andy Patterson, CEO of the Community Foundation on social media. “He modeled philanthropy in a way that brought others along with him – a kind of giving that begets more giving, which has shaped our community in ways that will matter for generations. We offer our deepest gratitude for his thoughtfulness and our condolences to his family and friends.”
“”I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Denny Sanford. His philanthropy touched countless lives through investments in healthcare, education, and children’s well-being, leaving a lasting impact on communities across our state and beyond. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those whose lives were shaped by his generosity. May they find comfort in the many lives he helped improve and the legacy he leaves behind,” Dan Ahlers, Democrat candidate for governor said in a statement.
“Saddened to hear of the passing of Denny Sanford. Denny was a giant in South Dakota who was constantly working to make our state a better place through philanthropy. Specifically, he gave his money to causes that will help the next generation of South Dakotans prosper, including health care, science and education.” U.S. Senator Mike Rounds said in a post on X.
The University of Sioux Falls issued a statement, saying: “At our university, the impact of Mr. Sanford’s gifts stretch from the Sanford School of Medicine to the Knudson School of Law and from the National Music Museum to the future Gassen Family Fieldhouse. He opened doors for students through scholarship support and maintained a firm belief in the transformational power of education.”
You can read the full obituary below.
This is a developing story.
The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at July 17, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from July 17 drawing
22-34-45-48-55, Mega Ball: 14
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from July 17 drawing
03-19-38-48-58, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
- Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
- Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.
When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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