Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

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; -96.31417Coordinates: 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 Omaha. It is known as "A Park for All Seasons" because of its wide range of activities available year-round.

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. The park was dedicated May 19, 1991. As of 2010, it had become the state of Nebraska's second most visited tourist attraction[2] just behind Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. Mahoney was very proud of his Irish heritage. The Mahoney family crest is the symbol of the park and a loop of cabins have been named after County Cork, Munster Province in the Republic of Ireland, the Mahoney family's ancestral home. In 2014 the public access TV show Noteworthy Omaha did an episode about Mahoney State Park.[3]

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, 18-hole disc golf course, tennis and basketball courts, softball fields and sand volleyball. 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. There are multiple group facilities[4] that can be rented for any type of event. Conferences, company picnics,[4] meetings, family reunions, church retreats, summer outings, and numerous school outings are held each year.

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.[5] The Peter Kiewit Lodge provides 40 guest rooms, group conference rooms[4] and a restaurant.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Eugene T. Mahoney State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. 2001-03-27. Retrieved 2011-04-29.
  2. ↑ "2010 Attraction Attendance" (PDF). Nebraska Tourism Commission. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
  3. ↑ "NOTEWORTHY OMAHA #5" Check |url= value (help). 2017-05-18. Retrieved 2014-05-20.
  4. 1 2 3 "Eugene T. Mahoney State Park". Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Retrieved 2012-10-29.
  5. ↑ "Camping: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park". Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Reserve America. Retrieved 2012-10-29.
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