Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Coordinates: 41°01′35″N 96°18′51″W / 41.02639°N 96.31417°W / 41.02639; -96.31417

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Nebraska State Park
The Platte River from Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Country	United States
State	Nebraska
County	Cass
Location	Ashland
- elevation	1,191 ft (363 m) [1]
- coordinates	41°01′35″N 96°18′51″W / 41.02639°N 96.31417°W / 41.02639; -96.31417
Area	706 acres (286 ha)
- Water	16 acres (6 ha)
Location of Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Nebraska

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is a state park of Nebraska, USA, on the Platte River. The park is located just off Interstate 80 near Ashland, Nebraska, approximately 20 miles (32 km) from the Omaha – Council Bluffs metropolitan area.

History

Mahoney State Park, as it is typically referred to, was named after Eugene T. Mahoney, a former policeman, state senator, and director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Mahoney was seen as a very powerful man in politics, state government, and throughout the business community. When he took over the Game and Parks Commission, the Nebraska state parks began to grow and greatly improve. He was able to gather contributions to improve facilities statewide, particularly for the park that was to be later named after him.

Features

The park entrance sign

There are a number of activities and features at the park. They include horseback trail rides, fishing, a marina with paddleboat rental, miniature golf and a driving range. Athletic facilities include an aquatic center, tennis and basketball courts, and softball fields. There are also extensive picnicking areas and hiking trails, as well as a 70-foot (21 m) observation tower overlooking the Platte River Valley. There are also winter activities, including cross country skiing, sledding and toboggan runs, ice fishing, and an ice skating rink. An activity center, indoor playground and activity simulators are open year-round. The Kountze Theater is a cultural highlight of the park.

The park is located near several other tourist attractions including the Platte River State Park, the Strategic Air and Space Museum, the Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari, and several golf courses.

Lodging

The Eugene T. Mahoney State Park features new and renovated cabins with housekeeping that are available year round. They are located in secluded, wooded areas of the park. The Peter Kiewit Lodge provides 40 guest rooms and a restaurant.

See also

• Parks in Omaha, Nebraska

References

1. ^ "Eugene T Mahoney State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. 2001-03-27. http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=gnispq:3:::NO::P3_FID:1898007. Retrieved 2011-04-29. 

• "Eugene T. Mahoney State Park." Retrieved September 8, 2008.

External links

• Eugene T. Mahoney State Park