Omaha Exploration

The 70-foot-tall observation tower is among my favorite features at Mahoney State Park. Development of the park named for Eugene T. Mahoney began in 1985 after the state acquired the land. Mahoney was a former state senator and long-time director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission who is credited with saving the state park system. Ideally located between Omaha and Lincoln, Mahoney State Park is considered by many to be the most celebrated of the Nebraska state parks.

The 500-acre park at 28500 W. Park Highway in Ashland opened in 1991 and is chock-full of activities including horseback trail rides, fishing, paddle boats, miniature golf, driving range, a swimming pool with three water slides in addition to a wave pool, disc golf course, tennis and basketball courts, softball fields, sand volleyball, high-ropes adventure course, zip lines and a rock climbing wall. The fun doesn’t stop when it’s cold out, with cross-country skiing, sledding and toboggan runs, ice skating, not to mention an indoor playground and activity simulators.

Back to its iconic observation tower: once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with excellent views of both the park and the Platte River Valley. Even better at sunset. It might be best to avoid it if you don’t like heights, because it can sway side to side a bit in the wind.

For those who are unfamiliar with the park, you can stay overnight by reserving a cabin, a lodge room, or RV and tent sites. It also has a restaurant on-site. But for my money, the tower alone is worth the price of admission.

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

Until next time, keep exploring!

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