Key Highlights
Are you looking for the perfect family getaway? Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is a year-round destination packed with fun. Here’s a quick look at what makes this state park a must-visit:
- Cool off in the summer at the family aquatic center, complete with a wave pool and thrilling water slides.
- Enjoy scenic trail rides on horseback for a unique view of the park.
- Challenge yourself on the Go Ape treetop ropes course for an adventurous afternoon.
- Let the kids burn off energy at the massive indoor playground, perfect for any weather.
- Climb the 70-foot observation tower for breathtaking views of the Platte River Valley.
Discovering Mahoney State Park
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is a modern hub for outdoor recreation, ideally situated along the beautiful Platte River. As one of Nebraska’s most popular parks, it offers an incredible variety of activities for all ages and seasons. Managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, this Nebraska state park is designed for family fun and relaxation.
Whether you’re planning a quick visit or an extended stay, you’ll find it easy to get to this fantastic destination. Let’s explore exactly where the park is located and the best ways to get there for your next adventure.
Where Is Mahoney State Park Located?
You will find Eugene T. Mahoney State Park conveniently nestled between Nebraska’s two largest cities, Omaha and Lincoln. Its prime location makes it an accessible escape for a large portion of the state’s population. The park’s address is 28500 W. Park Highway, Ashland, NE 68003.
The nearest community is the charming town of Ashland, which is only about four miles away. This proximity gives you easy access to local shops and dining if you decide to venture out of the state park for a bit.
Situated in the scenic Platte River Valley, the park offers stunning natural beauty. The landscape provides a picturesque backdrop for all your activities, from hiking the trails to relaxing in a cabin. The strategic placement ensures you feel miles away from the hustle and bustle while still being close to urban conveniences.
How To Get to Mahoney State Park
Getting to Mahoney State Park is straightforward, making it a perfect spot for a spontaneous day trip or a planned vacation. If you’re coming from Omaha or Lincoln, the drive is short and simple, typically taking less than an hour from either city. You’ll find the main entrance right off the highway, clearly marked and easy to spot.
Upon arrival, all vehicles must stop at the Lauritzen Administration building at the park entrance to purchase or present a valid park entry permit. If you arrive after hours, you can register at the customer service desk inside the Peter Kiewit Lodge.
The park’s easy accessibility is one of its biggest draws. You can leave the city in the morning, spend a full day enjoying the driving range, hiking trails, and other attractions, and be home by evening. This convenience allows you to enjoy a complete outdoor experience without the need for extensive travel planning.
Essential Visitor Information
Planning your visit to Mahoney State Park is easy, but there are a few key details to know before you go. This state park is open year-round, offering unique activities in every season. A valid park entry permit, issued by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, is required for every vehicle.
From opening hours that change with the seasons to entrance fees, having this information handy will help make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Let’s look at the specific hours and costs you can expect.
Park Opening Hours and Seasons
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is open year-round for you to enjoy. While the park grounds are always accessible, the park opening hours for specific attractions vary depending on the season. It’s a good idea to call the park office at (402) 944-2523 to confirm the hours for the activities you’re interested in, especially during the off-season.
Many of the most popular summer attractions, such as the Family Aquatic Center, typically operate from Memorial Day to Labor Day. These dates can sometimes be adjusted due to staffing or weather, so checking ahead is always wise.
Winter activities like ice skating and sledding are also available, weather permitting. During these colder months, you can enjoy a different kind of magic at the park. Always check the current conditions before heading out for any outdoor winter fun to ensure the facilities are open and safe.
Entrance Fees and Passes
To enter any Nebraska state park, including Mahoney, you’ll need a park entry permit. These passes can be purchased online in advance, at the park entrance, or at statewide Game and Parks offices. The fees collected help maintain the beautiful facilities and grounds for everyone to enjoy.
Beyond the main entrance fees, many attractions within the park have their own costs. For example, you’ll need to pay admission for the aquatic center, purchase tickets for horseback riding, or pay for equipment rentals. These individual fees allow you to customize your visit based on the activities your family wants to do. You can find a full list of attraction pricing on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website.
| Permit Type | Nebraska Resident Price | Non-Resident Price |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Permit | $6 | $12 |
| Annual Permit | $30 | $60 |
| Duplicate Annual Permit | $15 | $30 |
Main Attractions at Mahoney State Park
Mahoney State Park is brimming with attractions that cater to every interest and age group. From the action-packed Activity Center to the refreshing Aquatic Center, there’s never a dull moment. You can also connect with the natural world at the Nature Center or climb the observation tower for unforgettable scenic views.
Each attraction offers a unique experience, whether you’re seeking indoor fun on a rainy day or an outdoor adventure. Let’s take a closer look at some of the park’s can’t-miss spots, including its centers for activity, water fun, and nature.
Activity Center and Indoor Fun
When you need a break from the outdoors or the weather isn’t cooperating, the Activity Center is your destination for year-round fun. The main draw is the large indoor playground, where kids can climb, slide, and play in a massive structure of tubes, bridges, and a ball pit. Parents can relax nearby and enjoy snacks from the on-site concessions.
This versatile facility is also home to the Venture Climb, a 42-foot climbing wall that challenges both new and experienced climbers. In the winter, the connected pavilion transforms into an ice skating rink. You can also book the activity center for birthday parties, making it a memorable celebration spot.
Don’t forget the Arts & Crafts Center, located at the Owen Marina convenience store. It’s a creative spot for kids to engage in:
- Painting ceramics
- Leather tooling
- Creating wood crafts
Aquatic Center and Water Park
Ready to make a splash? The Family Aquatic Center at Mahoney State Park is the ultimate summer destination. It’s much more than a simple swimming pool, offering a full water park experience for all ages. The center is a favorite for cooling off during Nebraska’s warm summer months.
The highlight for many is the zero-depth entry wave pool, but the fun doesn’t stop there. In 2024, the park added two brand-new water slides that start from a towering 45-foot structure, providing an exhilarating rush. With a dedicated water playground for the little ones and a concession area, you can easily spend the entire day here.
Key features of the aquatic center include:
- A large swimming pool with a diving area
- A zero-depth entry wave pool
- Multiple water slides for thrill-seekers
- A fun water playground for children
Nature Center and Conservatory
For a quieter, more educational experience, spend some time at the newly renovated Nature Center. Here, you can explore live animal exhibits and engage with interactive displays about the local wildlife and environment. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the plants and animals that call Nebraska home.
Connected to the center is the beautiful James Family Conservatory. Step inside to see a variety of tropical plants and a working greenhouse. It’s a peaceful escape, especially in the colder months. Afterward, you can relax in the new serenity garden and birding area, a perfect spot for birdwatching.
Be sure to check out these highlights:
- Live animal exhibits and interactive displays in the Nature Center
- Tropical plants and a greenhouse in the James Family Conservatory
- The serene birding area for quiet observation
Outdoor Activities for All Ages
Mahoney State Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering a wide range of activities to get your heart pumping. Whether you prefer leisurely trail rides, challenging hiking and biking, or the thrill of a treetop ropes course, you’ll find it here. The park also features a miniature golf course and a disc golf course for some friendly competition.
With so many options, you can fill your days with new adventures and experiences. Are you ready to explore the trails on foot, on a horse, or from high up in the trees? Let’s get into the details of these exciting outdoor pursuits.
Hiking and Biking Trails
Exploring the park on foot or on two wheels is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in its natural beauty. Mahoney State Park has about six miles of trails that wind through the forest and offer stunning scenic views. While not known as a major hiking destination, the trails provide a lovely and accessible outdoor experience.
Many of the paths offer picturesque overlooks of the Platte River, and some are even paved, making them suitable for strollers and casual bike rides. For a unique experience, find the trail that overlooks the railroad tracks and try to spot a passing train.
You can now rent bikes at the park from the Heartland B-Cycle station, perfect for exploring the paved trails. Key trail features include:
- Approximately 6 miles of trails
- Paved and unpaved paths
- Scenic views of the Platte River valley
- Opportunities for both hiking and biking
Horseback Riding Adventures
Have you ever wanted to explore a park from a different perspective? Mahoney State Park offers guided horseback riding adventures that let you do just that. These horse trail rides, which begin at the John Wayne Stables, are a popular seasonal activity running from May through Labor Day.
The trail rides are available for adults and children aged six and older. It’s a wonderful family activity that creates lasting memories. For the younger kids, pony rides are also available, giving children from ages three to nine a chance to experience the joy of being on a horse in a controlled environment.
Tickets for these popular rides must be purchased in person at the Administration Office.
- Guided horse trail rides for ages 6 and up
- Pony rides for children ages 3-9
- A unique way to see the park’s scenic trails
Ropes Course and Venture Climb
If you’re seeking a thrilling challenge, look no further than the park’s climbing adventures. The Venture Climb, housed inside the Activity Center, features a 42-foot climbing wall and bouldering structure. With floor-to-ceiling windows, climbers are treated to amazing park views as they ascend. It’s great for all skill levels and is ADA-accessible.
For an adventure in the treetops, the Go Ape ropes course offers a two- to three-hour journey through the forest canopy. This high-ropes course includes suspended obstacles and incredible zip lines. Please note, due to storm damage, Go Ape will be closed for the 2025 season for repairs.
Key climbing features include:
- The 42-foot Venture Climb wall inside the Activity Center
- Go Ape’s high-ropes adventure course with zip lines (temporarily closed)
- Challenges suitable for various ages and experience levels
Family-Friendly Features
Mahoney State Park is undeniably one of the most family-friendly destinations in Nebraska. With a huge variety of kid-focused attractions, from the giant indoor playground to special programs, your little ones will never be bored. The park is even a popular spot for hosting birthday parties.
Beyond the main attractions, you’ll find plenty of space for classic outdoor fun, including softball fields, tennis courts, and a basketball court. Let’s look at some of the specific features that make this park a perfect choice for families with children.
Kid-Focused Playgrounds and Programs
When it comes to keeping kids entertained, Mahoney State Park excels. The park features several playgrounds, including a large one near the Kountze Memorial Theater, ensuring there’s always a place for children to play. The biggest hit for many families is the massive indoor playground at the Activity Center, which offers hours of fun regardless of the weather.
In addition to the physical play areas, the park offers a range of kid-focused programs. During the summer, you can check for free naturalist programs that are both fun and educational. The Arts & Crafts Center also provides a creative outlet where kids can paint and create their own souvenirs.
The park is also a fantastic venue for birthday parties, with reservable spaces that guarantee a memorable celebration. Key kid-focused features include:
- A large indoor playground with slides and a ball pit
- Multiple outdoor playgrounds
- Seasonal naturalist programs and craft activities
- Reservable spaces for birthday parties
Wildlife Watching Opportunities
With its location along the Platte River, Mahoney State Park is a fantastic place for wildlife watching. While the park is busy, quiet observers can still spot a variety of native species. Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various birds as you explore.
For some of the best scenic views and birdwatching, head to the 70-foot Walter Scott Jr. Observation Tower. It provides a sweeping overlook of the Platte River valley, a major corridor for migrating birds. The park’s Nature Center and the trails around Baright Lake are also excellent spots to look for wildlife. In the winter, you might even see people ice fishing on the frozen lakes.
Wildlife you may encounter includes:
- White-tailed deer and wild turkeys
- Eastern woodland birds like bluebirds and tanagers
- Fish such as trout, bass, and bluegill in the lakes
Lodging and Camping Options
Why limit your fun to just one day? Mahoney State Park offers a wide range of lodging and camping options so you can extend your stay. You can choose from modern hotel-style rooms at the Peter Kiewit Lodge, cozy cabins of various sizes, or sites at the RV campground. Tent camping is also available for a more rustic experience.
With so many choices, you can find the perfect accommodation to fit your family’s needs and budget. Ready to plan your overnight trip? Let’s cover how to reserve your spot and what to expect from each lodging type.
Reserving Cabins and Lodges
Booking your stay at Mahoney State Park is a straightforward process. You can reserve cabins and guest rooms at the Peter Kiewit Lodge up to one year in advance. Reservations can be made online 24/7 or by calling the Nebraska State Parks reservation call center. Given the park’s popularity, it’s highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for summer weekends.
The Peter Kiewit Lodge offers 40 comfortable guest rooms, many with balconies overlooking the park or river. For more space and seclusion, the park’s 60 cabins are a great choice. They range from two-bedroom units to larger six-bedroom cabins perfect for family reunions. All lodging includes modern amenities like air conditioning and cable TV.
To book your stay:
- Reserve online or by phone up to one year in advance.
- Choose between lodge rooms or cabins of various sizes.
- Enjoy amenities like private baths, AC, and a TV.
RV Campground and Amenities
If you travel with your home on wheels, Mahoney State Park’s RV campground is ready to welcome you. The park features 148 modern campsites split between two campgrounds: Lakeside and Little Creek. You can choose from Full Hookup, Electric Plus, and Electric campsites to suit your needs.
Both campgrounds are equipped with excellent amenities, including drinking water, modern restrooms, and showers. Lakeside Campground is conveniently located near Baright Lake and Owen Marina, while Little Creek Campground is close to a playground and basketball court. A dump and fill station is also available near the park entrance.
Campground amenities include:
- Full Hookup, Electric Plus, and Electric sites
- Modern restrooms and shower facilities
- Proximity to park attractions like the marina and playgrounds
Tent Camping and Pet-Friendly Policies
For those who love sleeping under the stars, tent camping is a great option at Mahoney. Tent campers can set up in the grassy area next to the pad on designated “tentable” sites within the two modern campgrounds. This allows you to enjoy the same great amenities as RV campers, including access to restrooms and showers.
Curious about the pet-friendly policies? Pets are welcome in the campgrounds and on the park’s trails, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than six feet. However, pets are not permitted in the cabins or lodge rooms. This policy ensures a comfortable stay for all guests.
For your convenience, the Owen Marina convenience store is nearby, offering camping supplies, basic groceries, and even ice cream for a treat.
- Tent camping is available on designated sites.
- Pets are welcome in campgrounds on a leash.
- The park has specific pet-friendly policies for different areas.
Special Events & Seasonal Programs
There’s always something happening at Mahoney State Park, no matter the season. The park hosts a variety of special events and programs throughout the year, from live melodrama performances at the Kountze Memorial Theater to festive holiday celebrations and winter activities. These annual events add an extra layer of fun to your visit.
Whether you’re catching a family-friendly show or participating in a seasonal festival, these programs make every trip to the park unique. Let’s explore the exciting performances and events you can enjoy during your stay.
Theater Performances and Annual Events
A highlight of any visit to Mahoney is a show at the Denman and Mary Mallory Kountze Memorial Theater. For over 30 years, the park has collaborated with Popcorn Productions to host lively and interactive live melodrama performances. These family-friendly shows encourage audience participation, so get ready to cheer for the hero and boo the villain!
The theater also hosts magic shows and other live performances throughout the year. You can view the current schedule and purchase tickets by calling the park office. These shows provide fantastic indoor entertainment for the whole family.
In addition to theater, the park offers many other annual events and seasonal programs.
- Enjoy live melodrama performances at the Kountze Memorial Theater.
- Experience magic shows and other family-friendly productions.
- Participate in seasonal events and holiday activities during the winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my pet to Mahoney State Park?
Yes, Mahoney State Park is pet-friendly in certain areas. Pets are welcome in the campgrounds and on trails as long as they are on a leash. However, to ensure the comfort of all visitors, pets are not allowed in any of the cabins, guest rooms at the lodge, or public buildings.
Do seniors get into state parks for free?
A park entry permit is required for all vehicles entering a Nebraska state park, regardless of age. While there is no general free admission for seniors, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offers discounted lifetime and annual permits for qualifying senior residents. You can check their official website for eligibility and pricing.
How much are cabins at Mahoney State Park?
Cabin prices at Mahoney State Park vary based on size and season. Rates can range from approximately $170 per night for a two-bedroom cabin to over $455 for a larger six-bedroom unit. Prices are generally lower during the off-season (winter), offering a more budget-friendly option for your stay.