Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is a Nebraska Game and Parks property on the Platte River near Ashland, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Omaha. It is open year-round and is one of the state's most amenity-rich parks, built around family recreation as much as scenery. You can easily spend a day here, or stay overnight in the Peter Kiewit Lodge, one of 60 cabins, or one of 148 campsites.

Outdoor activities include hiking and biking, fishing at Century Link and Baright Lakes, paddleboats, canoeing and kayaking, an 18-hole disc golf course, a driving range, mini golf, and horse and pony rides. The 70-foot observation tower offers views over the park and river valley. Many of the seasonal outdoor services run on weekends through mid-October, so check current availability.

Learning and indoor play are covered as well. The James Family Conservatory and Nature Center offers naturalist programs, while the Activity Center has an indoor playground, ball pit and a 42-foot climbing wall. Kountze Memorial Theater hosts melodrama and magic shows by reservation. Winter brings ice skating, sledding and cross-country skiing when conditions allow.

Mahoney suits families with kids of almost any age, as well as couples and groups looking for a low-effort outdoor day. Note that the Aquatic Center is closed for the 2026 season and that the lodge's restaurant stopped service in August 2026, so bring food or plan for grab-and-go options. A park entry permit is required.

Highlights

• 70-foot observation tower
• Nature center and conservatory
• Activity Center with climbing wall
• Fishing, paddleboats and kayaking
• Disc golf, mini golf and horse rides (seasonal)
• Winter skating and sledding

Tips for your visit

• A Nebraska park entry permit is required; buy at the park, at Game and Parks offices or vendors, or online in advance.
• The Aquatic Center is closed for the 2026 season.
• The lodge restaurant stopped service on Aug. 7, 2026; coffee and grab-and-go options are offered.
• Mini golf, horse rides, driving range, marina and paddleboats run weekends through mid-October, weather permitting.
• Guest services is open daily 8 am to 5 pm except Thanksgiving and Christmas.