Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Encyclopedia
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 (32.2 km) from the Omaha – Council Bluffs metropolitan area.
, 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.
and a driving range
. Athletic facilities include an aquatic center, tennis and basketball courts, and softball fields. There are also extensive picnicking areas and hiking trails, as well as a 70 feet (21.3 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.
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.
State park
State parks are parks or other protected areas managed at the federated state level within those nations which use "state" as a political subdivision. State parks are typically established by a state to preserve a location on account of its natural beauty, historic interest, or recreational...
of Nebraska
Nebraska
Nebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
, USA, on the Platte River
Platte River
The Platte River is a major river in the state of Nebraska and is about long. Measured to its farthest source via its tributary the North Platte River, it flows for over . The Platte River is a tributary of the Missouri River, which in turn is a tributary of the Mississippi River which flows to...
. The park is located just off Interstate 80
Interstate 80
Interstate 80 is the second-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, following Interstate 90. It is a transcontinental artery running from downtown San Francisco, California to Teaneck, New Jersey in the New York City Metropolitan Area...
near Ashland, Nebraska
Ashland, Nebraska
Ashland is a city in Saunders County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 2,262 at the 2000 census.- History :Ashland is located at the site of a low-water limestone ledge along the bottom of Salt Creek, an otherwise mud-bottomed stream that was a formidable obstacle for wagon trains on the...
, approximately 20 miles (32.2 km) from the Omaha – Council Bluffs metropolitan area.
History
Mahoney State Park, as it is typically referred to, was named after Eugene T. Mahoney, a former policeman, state senatorNebraska Legislature
The Nebraska Legislature is the supreme legislative body of the State of Nebraska, in the Great Plains region of the United States. The Legislature meets at the Nebraska State Capitol in the City of Lincoln, Lancaster County....
, and director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is a public agency of the government of the State of Nebraska in the United States. The commission is charged with stewardship of the state's fish, wildlife, state park, and outdoor recreation resources. The commission is also charged with issuing of state...
. 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.
Features
There are a number of activities and features at the park. They include horseback trail rides, fishing, a marina with paddleboat rental, miniature golfMiniature golf
Miniature golf, or minigolf, is a miniature version of the sport of golf. While the international sports organization World Minigolf Sport Federation prefers to use the name "minigolf", the general public in different countries has also many other names for the game: miniature golf, mini-golf,...
and a driving range
Driving range
A driving range is an area where golfers can practice their swing. It can also be a recreational activity itself for amateur golfers or when enough time for a full game is not available. Many golf courses have a driving range attached and they are also found as stand-alone facilities, especially...
. Athletic facilities include an aquatic center, tennis and basketball courts, and softball fields. There are also extensive picnicking areas and hiking trails, as well as a 70 feet (21.3 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.
The park is located near several other tourist attractions including the Platte River State Park
Platte River State Park
Platte River State Park is a state park of Nebraska, USA, situated on the southern bluffs above the Platte River. It is located west of Louisville, Nebraska, and midway between Omaha and Lincoln. The park has a relatively steep, rolling topography compared to the surrounding region. Combined...
, the Strategic Air and Space Museum
Strategic Air and Space Museum
The Strategic Air and Space Museum is a museum focusing on United States Air Force military aircraft and nuclear missiles located near Ashland, Nebraska, along Interstate 80 southwest of Omaha, Nebraska. The objective of the museum is to preserve and display historic aircraft, missile, and space...
, the Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari, and several golf courses.