Omaha Exploration

The development of Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland began in 1985 after the state acquired the land. Named after a former state senator and long-time director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission who is credited with saving the state park system. Considered by many to be the crown jewel of the Nebraska State Park system, Mahoney is located in Ashland between Omaha and Lincoln.

The 500 acre park opened in 1991 and contains numerous activites including includng horseback trail rides, fishing, paddle boats, miniature golf, driving range, melodramas, swimming pool with three water slides and a wave pool, disc golf course, tennis and basketball courts, softball fields, sand volleyball, cross country skiing, sledding and toboggan runs, ice skating, indoor playground and activity simulators. In 2018 a high ropes adventure course with zip lines were added in addition to a 42 foot rock climbing wall. 

My favorite remains the 70 foot Walter Scott Jr. Observation Tower. Once you reach the top, you are awarded with excellent views of both the park and the Platte River Valley. It’s even better to visit at sunset. It might be best to avoid it if you don’t like heights because it can sway from side-to-side a bit in the wind. 

For those that are unfamiliar with the park, you can stay overnight by reserving a cabin, a room in the lodge, RV and tent sites. It also has a restaurant on-site. 

Please feel free to comment to share your thoughts and memories.

Until next time, keep exploring!

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