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 690 acres (279 ha) [2]
Opened 1991
Management Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
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. Among other features, the state park offers lodging and conferencing facilities, aquatic center, marina, trails, and theater.[3] 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.[4] As of 2014, the park was the state's third most visited tourist attraction.[5]

History

Park development began with the state's purchase of the site in 1985.[6] The park was dedicated on May 19, 1991. 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 County Cork in the Republic of Ireland, the Mahoney family's ancestral home.

Activities and amenities

The park entrance sign

Park features and activities include picnicking areas and hiking trails, 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. A 70-foot (21 m) observation tower overlooks the Platte River Valley. 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. The Kountze Theater is a cultural highlight of the park.[3]

Lodging

The park's renovated rental cabins are located in secluded, wooded areas of the park.[7] The Peter Kiewit Lodge provides 40 guest rooms, group conference rooms, and a restaurant. There are multiple group facilities for event rentals.[2]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Eugene T. Mahoney State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. 1 2 "Eugene T. Mahoney State Park". Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Archived from the original on April 1, 2011. Retrieved October 29, 2012.
  3. 1 2 "Eugene T. Mahoney State Park". Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  4. ↑ Duggan, Joe (July 22, 2004). "Gene Mahoney: 1928-2004". Lincoln Journal Star. Lincoln, Neb. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  5. ↑ "2014 Nebraska Attraction Attendance Counts" (PDF). Nebraska Tourism Commission. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Service Guide and Map" (PDF). Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. March 9, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  7. ↑ "Camping: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park". Reserve America. Retrieved October 29, 2012.
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