Railroad history and industry still shape life in Alliance
Alliance first appeared on the map in 1888, a year following the Burlington and Missouri Railroad’s expansion through the Nebraska Sandhills. The rural hub slowly grew into a small residential community, with the train yard on its south side still playing a significant role in the local lifestyle. “The railroad is one of the major employers here, and the trains are background noise for most,” says Susie Nordeen, a Realtor with Heartland Real Estate & Appraisal and a 26-year resident. “There are people who have been here forever, and others who come and go, using the railroad as a stepping stone." Beyond its industry presence, Alliance offers a welcoming atmosphere and collection of unique attractions, from its history museums to highly photographed Carhenge.
Alliance offers varied architecture and lower home prices
The area's oldest homes date back to the early 1900s, but most were built in the latter half of the century. Mature trees and sidewalks line the bulk of this quiet community, and back alleyways provide space for additional parking. “During the 1970s boom, a lot of bi, split and quad-level homes were built,” Nordeen says. “Otherwise, there’s a variety in architecture. Newer homes are on the north side of town in subdivisions.” Ranch-style homes become more dominant in these outer edges, where surrounding crop fields serve as a backdrop. The median sales price in Alliance is $115,000, which falls below figures in nearby cities Chadron and Scottsbluff.
Parks, museums and Carhenge offer family-friendly attractions
Laing Park is the community’s largest green space. Amenities include a series of paved walking paths, a playground and multiple docks for fishing on the lake. Hal Murray Softball Complex regularly hosts youth games, and Big Blue Bay swimming pool is open throughout the summer. Carhenge is the area’s most popular attraction. Paying homage to England's Stonehenge, the true-to-scale sculpture swaps the iconic boulders for vintage cars. Alliance also provides various ways to explore history, like at Dobby’s Frontier Town, a replica of a turn-of-the-20th-century village. Additionally, the Alliance Knight Museum & Sandhills Center displays artifacts from the region's indigenous, railroad and pioneer history.
A mix of independent businesses in town and regional shopping access
Residents do most of their shopping and dining along state Route 2. Ken & Dale’s is one of many independently owned businesses downtown and is a local favorite for breakfast. Nordeen notes the Gathering Spot as another frequented spot. “They have pretty good food there,” she says. Several fast-food restaurants are also available, alongside supermarkets like Safeway. While two Dollar Generals are in Alliance, residents will find more robust retail options like Target and Walmart Supercenter in Scottsbluff, some 55 miles southwest. “A fair number of residents go there now that the Heartland Expressway [a stretch of U.S. Route 385] is finished,” Nordeen says.
Alliance Public Schools serves the area
Emerson Elementary School teaches kindergarten through second grade and has a B on Niche. Grandview Elementary School welcomes third through fifth grade students and receives a B-minus. Alliance Middle School enrolls sixth through eighth grades and has a C-plus. Students then finish at C-rated Alliance High School. The high school’s student-led newspaper, “The Spud,” covers student activities, events and other campus news. St. Agnes Academy is the local private option and has served the area for over a century.
July celebrations highlight Alliance’s small-town spirit
Heritage Days brings residents together every year in mid-July. “It’s a big deal,” Nordeen says of the weekend-long festival that includes carnival rides, food vendors and a parade. Also in July, the eight-day Box Butte County Fair has been a tradition since 1925. Held in Hemingford, 20 miles north, the event features a demolition derby, live music and rodeo competitions. “A lot of locals go there to show off their animals,” Nordeen adds.
Heartland Expressway and state highways support regional travel
Heartland Expressway runs north to south, connecting the area to Chadron, 55 miles north. State routes 2 and 87 are also accessible from within the community. Alliance Municipal Airport is close to home and provides direct flights to Denver International Airport.
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Written By
Matthew Simmons
