Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Nebraska State Park
Park view of the Platte River
Country United States
State Nebraska
County Cass
Nearest city 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; -96.31417Coordinates: 41°01′35″N 96°18′51″W / 41.02639°N 96.31417°W / 41.02639; -96.31417 [1]
Area 700 acres (283 ha) [2]
Established 1985
 - Opened 1991
Management Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Visitation 1,155,000 (2014)
Location in Nebraska
Website: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is a public recreation area located on the Platte River, just off Interstate 80, approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Ashland, Nebraska. The state park features lodging and conferencing facilities, an aquatic center, marina, multi-purpose trails, the Kountze Memorial Theater, multiple facilities for event rentals, and an observation tower that overlooks the Platte River Valley from a height of 70 feet (21 m).[3]

History

Park development began with the state's purchase of the site in 1985. The park was dedicated on May 19, 1991.[4] It was named after Eugene T. Mahoney, a former state senator and long-time director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, who is credited with reversing the fortunes of the moribund state park system during his directorship.[5] In honor of its namesake's Irish heritage, the Mahoney family crest was chosen as the symbol of the park and a loop of cabins was named after Ireland's County Cork, the Mahoney family's ancestral home. In 2014, the park was the state's third most visited tourist attraction.[6]

Activities and amenities

Park features include picnicking areas and hiking trails, horseback trail rides, fishing, a marina with paddleboat rental, miniature golf, and driving range. Athletic facilities include an aquatic center, 18-hole disc golf course, tennis and basketball courts, softball fields, and sand volleyball. Winter activities include 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.[3] In spring of 2018, Tree Top Adventures from Go Ape, a zip-line and obstacle course, was added to the park's activities. Park lodging is offered at 55 rental cabins, 74 camping sites, and the Peter Kiewit Lodge, which provides 40 guest rooms, conference rooms, and a restaurant.[2]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Eugene T. Mahoney State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. 1 2 "Camping: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park". Reserve America. Retrieved October 29, 2012.
  3. 1 2 "Eugene T. Mahoney State Park". Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  4. ↑ "Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Service Guide and Map" (PDF). Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. March 9, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  5. ↑ Duggan, Joe (July 22, 2004). "Gene Mahoney: 1928-2004". Lincoln Journal Star. Lincoln, Neb. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  6. ↑ "2014 Nebraska Attraction Attendance Counts" (PDF). Nebraska Tourism Commission. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
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