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Mahoney State Park, NE

Mahoney State Park, Nebraska

In the heart of scenic Pioneer country, travelers will want to spend a day, a weekend, or even longer at the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland, Nebraska. Only a 1/2 hour drive from either Omaha or Lincoln, the Park offers the outdoor lover and adventurist a wonderful 700 acres of things to see and do. A number of hard paved spots at Little Creek and Lakeside are ideal for campers to pitch a tent or park their RV beneath the trees, with electrical hookups, restrooms, showers, a laundry facility, and even wireless Internet. For those who want to experience the outdoors, but have the conveniences of home, there are 51 cabins available for rent. Most of these are two bedrooms, but there are three, four, and six bedrooms with lots of room for larger groups or families. From fireplaces and air conditioning to outdoor decks and grills, each cabin is fully equipped to set up housekeeping while visiting the Park. If you prefer, guest rooms can be reserved for a two-night stay or longer at the cozy Peter Kiewit Lodge, where rates are reasonable, the food is excellent, and visitors can pick up a few souvenirs to take back home from the gift shop in the Lodge.

On warm summer days, enjoy a picnic or take a paddleboat for a cruise on the 4 1/2-acre Owens Marina Lake or the larger 10-acre Quest Lake. Whether you're an avid fisherman or a casual angler, you can cast a line from one of the two piers at Quest Lake, which is well stocked with all types of fish. A concession and convenience store are also located at the Owens Marina. Other activities at Mahoney Park include tennis, volleyball, softball, and trail rides. Practice your golf swing at the Lauritzen driving range in the Park, or play a round or two on the 18-hole miniature golf course on the grounds. Nature enthusiasts will want to visit the James Family conservatory where you can view displays of native plants and watch horticulturists at work in the greenhouse. Nearby there's an old Indian Burial Ground, with some interesting archeological history.

Mahoney has its own water park, with an Aquatic Center featuring two exciting water slides, as well as swimming and wading pools. The Center is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day; adults admission - $7; children 12 and under - $6. For a variety of fun, kids can spend hours at the Activity Center, with numerous computer games for playing interactive sports. Bring your ice skates if you're visiting during the winter season, November to March, and enjoy the Ice Skating Pavilion. Others may seek the thrill and adventure of ice fishing, downhill sledding, or cross-country skiing when weather conditions are favorable. If you, or others with you, are interested in summer stock or community theater performances, you'll want to see a production at the Kountze Memorial Theater, which has offered outstanding entertainment, amusement, and melodrama since 1996. As a special treat, consider one of their dinner theater packages, which begins with a sumptuous meal at the Kiewit Lodge restaurant overlooking the Platte River.

Whether it's hiking, biking, bird watching, or just relaxing outdoors, Mahoney State Park has recreation and entertainment for everyone. Why not plan your next vacation, outing, or weekend getaway some time this year at Mahoney State Park.

Sharon L. Slayton | Lasr.net Travel Editor

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Mahoney State Park Camping

Mahoney SP Camping
Mahoney SP CampingLittle Creek and Lakeside campgrounds offer 149 spacious, hard-surface pads, situated among mature shade trees near Owen Marina Lake. Each site has both 30 and 20 amp electrical hookups. Modern shower/latrine buildings and drinking water are conveniently located in both areas. There is a coin-operated laundry in the shower building at Little Creek. Trailer dump stations and water are available near the park entrance. Primitive camping is also available in the park.

Mahoney State Park Cabins

Mahoney SP Cabins and Lodge
Mahoney SP Cabins and LodgeSecluded on wooded ridge tops, Mahoney State Park's 51 modern, housekeeping cabins are available throughout the year. Linens, tableware and basic
cookware are provided. Each cabin has air conditioning and heat, fireplace, television, refrigerator, range, outdoor deck and grill. Three four-bedroom cabins can host larger families or group retreats. The other cabins all have two bedrooms, and some are handicap accessible.

In the 4-bedroom cabins, each bedroom has a vanity and ample closet space. There are two large bathrooms. The cabins feature a large great room with a open design fireplace. On one side of the central fireplace is a seating area and on the other a large dining area with adjacent kitchen area. The great room features a cathedral beamed ceiling with one end opening
out onto a screened porch.

Peter Kiewit Lodge offers 40 guest rooms, each with air conditioning and heat, telephone, televisions and a private bath. Sixteen have sleeping lofts and fireplaces. All but 16 rooms have walkout decks overlooking the
park or the Platte River. Lodge rooms have two queen beds or one king bed each.

Lodging reservations are accepted for two or more nights up to one year in advance by mail, phone, or in person during regular park office mhours. A two-night minimum stay and advance deposit are required.

Mahoney State Park Fishing

Mahoney SP Fishing
There are two lakes on the park, 4 1/2-acre Owen Marina Lake and 10-acre Quest Lake.

Fishing is allowed in both lakes subject to special regulations. The larger lake has two fishing piers. The Ruth Giger Memorial Fishing Bridge on Owen Marina Lake and the west pier on Quest Lake provide access for handicapped anglers. Anglers should inquire about regulations and conditions before planning an outing.

Mahoney State Park Activity Centers

Mahoney SP Activity Center
Mahoney SP Activity CenterFrom horseback riding to swimming and sliding, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers activities to suit anyone\'s recreation agenda, and now the park offers even more with its new Activity Center and Ice Skating Pavilion.

Equipped with refrigeration units, the Pavilion will offer ice skating from November through March. In other months, it will host gatherings of up to 1,000 people for family reunions, meetings and other events. The Activity Center has a snack bar, an indoor playground and computer games simulating golf, rock climbing, firearm and archery hunting and other sports.

Hours/2013 = Mon.Thurs.Fri. = 4pm to 8pm
Sat. = 11am to 8pm
Sun. = 11am to 6pm
CLOSED TUES. AND WED.

Mahoney State Park Equestrian

Mahoney SP Trail Rides
Other park activities include trail rides, which depart from the John Wayne Riding Stables. Paddleboats are available on Owen Marina Lake. The park also has tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, a softball diamond and nature and hiking trails. The 70-foot tall Walter Scott Jr. Observation Tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Mahoney State Park Entertainment

Mahoney SP Theatres
There's a gift shop and game room at Kiewit Lodge and an orientation theater in the John R. Lauritzen Administration Building. The Denman and Mary Mallory Kountze Memorial Theater offers summer stock and special presentations. It is also available for group rental.

Mahoney State Park Swimming

Pool and Slide Complex
Pool and Slide ComplexEugene T. Mahoney State Park's Family Aquatic Center is fun for everyone. The complex has two twisting, 236-foot water slides, 0-depth swimming & wave pool, kid's water playground, spacious sundeck, change house, and concession.

Mahoney State Park Conservatories

James Family Conservatory
The James Family Conservatory is a dual-purpose facility, devoted to displays on native Nebraska plants and aquatic resources and also a working
greenhouse, where plants are grown for the park and other Commission areas.

Guests are welcome to visit the greenhouse when horticulturists are working. Near the Conservatory is the Ruth Giger Memorial Waterway. A system of trails connect the Waterway to the Conservatory, Owen Marina, the parking lot west of the pool and the Owen Tennis Courts.

Mahoney State Park Golf Courses

Mahoney SP Golf
The John R. Lauritzen Driving Range gives golfers a chance to practice their skills, and clubs are available for those wanting to learn the game.

For family fun, visit the 18-hole Esther Marie Daniel Miniature Golf Course
nearby.

For veteran golfers wishing a special challenge, the new Quarry Oaks Golf Course near the park offers a fabulous golfing experience set on the rolling wooded hills overlooking the Platte River. Quarry Oaks has been touted as on one of the best new public golf courses in the United States. Contact
Quarry Oaks at (402) 944-6000 to arrange your tee times up to 30 days in advance.

Mahoney State Park Winter Sports

Mahoney SP Winter Sports
Mahoney SP Winter SportsWeather, too, dictates outdoor fun at Mahoney. When conditions are safe, ice fishing is allowed on US West Lake. With man-made
snowmaking capability downhill sledding at the Fred H. Hawkins Toboggan Runs
near Riverview Lodge attracts many winter sports enthusiasts.

Cross-country skiing is also popular when there is sufficient natural
snowfall. Many park activities are offered only during the peak operating season from May through October. During other months special activities
are held on weekends or by advance arrangements with the park office.

Park Area Attractions

Ashland 19

Valparaiso 4

Wahoo 18

Weeping Water 9

Elmwood 7

Syracuse 9

Lincoln 1

Park Area Events

Ashland 1

Lincoln 2

Park Area Businesses

Ashland 36

Wahoo 19

Weeping Water 6

Elmwood 6

Syracuse 28