Box Butte General Hospital: Our Community.

Welcome to Alliance, Nebraska!

The City of Alliance is located in Box Butte County in the center of the Nebraska Panhandle. Bordered on the south and east by the Sandhills prairie, it was dubbed "An Oasis in the Sandhills” soon after its establishment The City began on March 28, 1888 becoming a leading railroad and business center for the Nebraska Panhandle region.

Hemingford, our neighbor to the north, is a part of our BBGH family, as is Hyannis, to our east. Box Butte General Hospital provides satellite clinics in both communities.

We are centrally located for quick trips to three neighboring states: South Dakota to our north, Wyoming to the west, and Colorado to our southwest. The picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota are just a little over 100 miles away, while the many historic sites of Wyoming are only a three hour drive, as are the majestic Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

Here are some highlights of our community and surrounding area compiled from various sources:

Alliance

Alliance Theatre
One of the last of its kind, Alliance Drive-in Theatre is located at the Alliance Municipal Airport. Alliance Theatre, with its five separate theatres, is located at 410 Box Butte Ave. Call 308.762.4100 for more information.

Big Blue Bay Swimming Pool - l8th and Box Butte
This fantastic pool is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year, with zero depth entry, mushroom waterfall and a massive l35 foot slide. The pool was built in 2004 and has several additional amenities which include meter swimming lanes; family dressing rooms in the Jean Thomas Bathhouse; coin operated vending lockers and a concession stand. Call 308.762.4028 for more information.

Carnegie Arts Center - 204 w. 4th
Carnegie Arts Center is a fine arts organization featuring galleries, gifts and a Sculpture Garden. The building is a beautifully restored l9ll Carnegie library. Carnegie Arts Center attracts artists from Nebraska and surrounding states, including South Dakota and Colorado. A variety of visual arts exhibits are presented in the Marjorie Leu Skala Gallery, Gallery B and the Studio Gallery. Approximately l8 exhibits are exhibited annually in these galleries. In addition, the outdoor Sculpture Garden features bronze sculpture pieces. A large selection of original gift items are available in the Helen O. Sale Gift Gallery. Please call 308.762.4571 for more information.

Dobby's Frontier Town - 320 E. 25th
Step back in time to the turn-of-the-century and see what life was like for the early settlers of the plains. With an authentic general store, post office, original bootlegger's cabin and baled straw house, and 20 other fully fitted with appliances buildings, there is plenty to see and experience at Dobby’s Frontier Town. Summer hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays. Winter hours: l0 a.m. – dusk. Please call 308.762.4321 or 308.762.7820 for more information

Sallow's' Military Museum and Conservatory - 1100 Niobrara
Features artifacts from the Alliance World War II Army Base, as well as Box Butte County’s role in our nation’s military history, with exhibits from all military branches.

Knight Museum and Sandhills Center - 908 Yellowstone
The museum displays railroad equipment, agricultural objects, American Indian artifacts and other items depicting the history of Alliance and western Nebraska. Settle into an irresistible collection of displays that span the many aspects of western settlement. Military history from the days of the U.S. Calvary to Alliance's WW11 airbase; the finest display of Native American artifacts in the Midwest (including clothing and handiwork of the Oglala Sioux and other Native Americans) ; Burlington Railroad memorabilia from l880 to the present; displays of typical homestead and ranch life in the Nebraska territory; and displays showing the vast array of European cultures and ethnic heritage that shaped the west ward expansion of railroads during the l800's. The museum is also an excellent resource for those interested in genealogy. Free admission. Please call 308.762.2384 for more information.

Carhenge - 2.5 miles North of Alliance on Hwy 87
Carhenge is a replica of England's Stonehenge, consisting of a circle of cars instead of stones. The cars are placed according to how the original monoliths stand at Stonehenge: stones standing within the Trilithon ellipse, the heel stone, slaughter stone, two station stones, and the Aubrey Circle, named after Sir John Aubrey, who first recognized the earthworks and great stones of Stonehenge as a prehistoric temple in l648.

Jim Reinders, the artist of the unique sculpture just outside of Alliance, experimented with unusual and interesting artistic creations throughout his life. While living in England, he had the opportunity to study the design and purpose of Stonehenge. His desire to copy Stonehenge in physical size and placement came to fruition in the summer of l987 with the help of friends. Carhenge was built as a memorial to Reinders' father who once lived on the farm where Carhenge now stands. While relatives were gathered following the death of Reinders' father in l982 the discussion turned to a memorial and the idea of a Stonehenge replica was developed. The family agreed to gather in five years to build the memorial. The clan, 35 strong, gathered in June l987 and went to work. They held the dedication on the Summer Solstice in l987, with champagne, poetry, songs and a play written by the family. For more information, call 308.762.1520 or 1.800.738.0648

Central Park and Central Park Fountain - 10th and Niobrara
Central Park is the focal point of the alliance Parks System which includes 9 parks. This beautiful recreation area provides room for a family picnic, playground equipment, and the sunken gardens which are full of beautiful flowers for all to admire. The Central Park Fountain has been a landmark in the community since it began operating during the Great Depression. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Laing Lake - l8th and Box Butte
Part of one of the largest park systems in Nebraska, this park offers fishing, Frisbee golf, a jogging path and is adjacent to ball parks, tennis courts, and Big Blue Bay swimming pool.

Alliance's Main Street - Box Butte Ave.
Enjoy a trip back in time on the brick streets of Alliance. The architecture of the surrounding buildings such as the Box Butte County Courthouse, The Alliance Theatre, and the Alliance Times-Herald are a picture of times past.

Skyview Golf Course - 2613 CR 57
Built in l952, this scenic and beautiful l8-hole golf course is nestled in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills. The course greens are in excellent condition and the fairways are tapered and lined with lush trees. A lake has been added between holes #9 and #l0 and lies in front of the tee box on hole #11. The Nebraska State Amateur Tournament was held here in l992. The 6,449-yard men's tees also have a ladies' course rating of 76.8 and a slope of l28. The 5,364-yard ladies tees also have a men's course rating of 64.9 and a slope of l02. Please call 308.762.1446 for more information

Gravesite of "Old Jules" Sandoz - 3 miles east and then north l mile at the Alliance Cemetery
Jules Sandoz is one of the most famous Nebraskans in history, thanks to his daughter-author Mari Sandoz. Her Novel, Old Jules, told the story of his pioneering efforts to establish a fruit orchard in the rugged Sandhills during the late l800's and early l900's.

Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area – nine miles north of Hemingford
With a climate and natural environment conducive for the natural habitat found along the Western Plains, the Panhandle of Nebraska is home to some premier fishing. Year-round fishing can be found at Box Butte Reservoir, 9-miles north of Hemingford, is one of the best-kept secrets for fishing and pleasure boat riding in the Panhandle. This 1,600-acre reservoir on the Niobrara River offers camping and water-related recreation just south of the majestic Pine Ride. Open year-round Please call 308.763.2940 for more information.

A vast amount of more detailed information can be found by using the links below.

Area Attractions