Explore Alliance, Nebraska
The history of Alliance, Nebraska, began on March 28, 1888, when Box Butte County was created from Dawes County. The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad was one of the driving factors for settling in northwestern Nebraska. The area used the promise of free land to lure settlers from all over the United States and Europe. However, many of the immigrants came to the area from Illinois and Iowa. By 1890, the town's population was over 800, and by 1896, it was over 2,000.
The building materials for Alliance were brought in by rail. The easy access to goods by rail allowed the city to grow successfully. Hotels, businesses, churches, schools, offices, and homes lined the streets by the 20th century.
Today, Alliance has a population of just under 8,000 and an Alliance, NE RV rental is a great way to explore the area. The area is known for traditional art, Western History, and unique sites. For example, Carhenge is Nebraska's perfect example of Stonehenge. This special pop-culture icon is a to-scale replica of the well-known Stonehenge in England. You can also explore Dobby's Frontier Town from May to September while in the area. This town showcases 19 buildings saved and preserved by Kenneth Dobby Lee. Other fabulous attractions include the Sallows Military Museum, Nebraska Veterans Cemetery, and Carnegie Arts Center.
Alliance also has a wide variety of restaurants. If you enjoy pizza and subs, Sam & Louie's Pizzeria is an excellent option. A-Town Zesto is known for its excellent burgers. If you need a cup of joe, Scooter's Coffee has a drive-thru and Vintage Coffee Shop is popular with locals.
National Forests Near Alliance, Nebraska
Nebraska National Forest has over 140,000 acres to explore. Within this forest, you will find the Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground. This site offers motorhome, travel trailer, and camper van camping. This forest also offers a variety of activities, including biking, fishing, hiking, OHV riding, and nature viewing. Some of the favorite spots in the forest include the Black Hills Overlook, Cliffs Trailhead, and Pine Ridge Trailhead.
The Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest is a perfect example of the Nebraska Sandhill's prairie ecosystem. Many visitors come to the area for hunting, fishing, and camping. The Steer Creek Campground contains 23 campsites and eight horse corrals. You can also find the one-mile Blue Jay hiking trail within this campground. The forest service does not charge a fee or require a reservation to visit.
Straddling the borders of South Dakota and Wyoming, the Black Hills National Forest covers 1.2 million acres. This forest has been described as "an Island in the Plains." It is famous for its breathtaking formations, canyons, gulches, streams, grasslands, and blue lakes. Class A and Class C motorhomes are welcome in various available campgrounds in this national forest. You will want to take advantage of the vast array of biking, hiking, climbing, fishing, and other outdoor opportunities in this area.
Events Near Alliance, Nebraska
Box Butte County Fair – The town hosts this fantastic event every August. You can enjoy a family night, a truck and tractor pull, a queen contest, concerts, and a demolition derby.
Heritage Days – Every July, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of roving performances, gong show acts, parade floats, food vendors, carnival rides, and activities for kids.
Tree and Wreath Festival – This week-long festival in November offers a close-up look at the daily life in Alliance. Locally decorated trees and wreaths are auctioned off to raise money for the Knight Museum.
