Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Mahoney State Park isn’t your typical state park—it’s a 700-acre outdoor adventure resort packed with more activities than you can fit into a weekend. Located just 30 minutes from Omaha along the scenic Platte River Valley, Mahoney features an aquatic center with water slides, a 42-foot climbing wall, Go Ape ropes course, 57 modern cabins, and a 40-room lodge. Whether you’re seeking relaxation in a riverfront cabin or adrenaline on the toboggan run, Mahoney delivers year-round adventure for every age.

What sets Mahoney apart from other state parks is its sheer variety. This is the park where you can wake up in a cozy cabin with a crackling fireplace, hike to an observation tower overlooking the Platte River, ride horses through the prairie, challenge your teens on a 42-foot climbing wall, cool off in a wave pool, catch a live melodrama performance, paint ceramics with the kids, and finish the day making s’mores at your campsite—all without ever leaving the park. It’s less a traditional park and more an all-inclusive outdoor resort, just one that happens to be run by Nebraska Game and Parks.

Fast Facts About Mahoney State Park

Named after Eugene T. Mahoney, a former Nebraska Game and Parks director who championed outdoor recreation for families, this park was designed from the ground up to be different. While most state parks focus on wilderness preservation, Mahoney was built in 1991 specifically to bring families together through outdoor activities—and it’s been one of the most successful parks in the Nebraska system ever since. Its convenient location at I-80 Exit 426 makes it accessible to travelers from across the region.

Park Entry Fees & Permits

Nebraska uses a two-tier permit system that benefits state residents with lower fees. A daily permit covers all vehicles registered in Nebraska for just $7, while out-of-state visitors pay $14. If you plan to visit multiple Nebraska state parks—and there are many worth exploring—the annual permit is an excellent value. One thing newcomers should know: the park entry fee is separate from activity fees like the aquatic center or individual attraction admissions.

Family Aquatic Center

The Family Aquatic Center is the heart of Mahoney’s summer experience. This isn’t just a pool—it’s a full-scale water park with a zero-depth entry wave pool where toddlers can splash safely while older kids bodysurf the waves, two twisting 236-foot water slides (updated in 2024!), a competition pool with diving boards, and an interactive splash pad that keeps little ones entertained for hours.

Families quickly learn the rhythm of summer days at Mahoney: morning hike or horseback ride while it’s cool, aquatic center from noon to late afternoon, then back to the cabin or campsite for dinner and s’mores. The wave pool alone is worth the drive from Omaha or Lincoln—it’s the closest thing to ocean waves you’ll find in landlocked Nebraska.

Adventure Activities

The Activity Center is the year-round hub of Mahoney’s adventure programming. Inside, you’ll find the impressive 42-foot climbing wall—one of the tallest indoor walls in the state—where climbers of all skill levels can test themselves on routes ranging from beginner-friendly to genuinely challenging. There’s also an indoor playground perfect for burning energy on rainy days or cold winter afternoons.

Outside, the Go Ape ropes course takes adventure to the treetops. This nationally-known adventure company operates a challenging course of zip lines, rope bridges, and Tarzan swings that will thrill teenagers and adults alike. It’s separately ticketed and requires advance booking during peak season, but it’s an unforgettable experience for those who dare.

Winter Activities

While many state parks go quiet in winter, Mahoney truly comes alive when the snow falls. The park transforms into a winter wonderland with ice skating on a maintained outdoor rink, sledding hills with tube and sled rentals, and exhilarating toboggan runs that are thrilling for all ages. Cross-country skiing trails wind through the snowy landscape, and ice fishing is allowed on the park’s lakes.

Winter is also the perfect time to book a cabin. Imagine curling up by the fireplace after a day of sledding, warming your hands on a mug of hot cocoa while watching the snow fall over the Platte River Valley. The cabins have full kitchens, so you can prepare comfort food after your outdoor adventures. Winter cabin rates are lower than peak season, making it an excellent value for a cozy family getaway.

Lodging Options

Peter Kiewit Lodge

The Peter Kiewit Lodge offers the convenience of a hotel with the atmosphere of a wilderness retreat. Named after a prominent Nebraska businessman and philanthropist, the 40-room lodge features beautifully appointed rooms with views of either the park or the Platte River. Sixteen rooms include sleeping lofts and electric fireplaces—perfect for families with kids who want their own space. Caddy’s Parkside Grille provides on-site dining with surprisingly good cuisine for a state park setting.

Modern Cabins

The 57 housekeeping cabins are Mahoney’s signature lodging experience. Unlike rustic cabins at many state parks, these are modern homes with full kitchens, climate control, gas fireplaces, and outdoor decks with grills. They range from cozy 2-bedroom units perfect for couples or small families to expansive 6-bedroom cabins that can sleep 20 people—ideal for family reunions or group getaways.

Each cabin is nestled in the woods with enough spacing for privacy, yet close enough to walk to the Activity Center, lakes, and other amenities. The full kitchens mean you can save money by cooking your own meals, and kids love the freedom of cabin camping—all the fun of outdoors with real beds and bathrooms.

All cabins include: Full kitchen, full bathroom, linens, A/C & heat, gas fireplace, TV, outdoor deck with grill. Pet fee: $15 one-time. Book up to one year in advance for peak dates!

Camping

For those who prefer sleeping under the stars, Mahoney offers two modern campgrounds—Lakeside and Little Creek—with a combined 148 sites. The campgrounds are popular with both tent campers and RV travelers, with sites ranging from basic electric hookups to full-service spots with water and sewer. Both campgrounds feature modern facilities including hot showers, restrooms, and laundry (at Little Creek).

Half the sites can be reserved up to 180 days in advance, while the other half are held for first-come, first-served campers. During summer weekends, reservations are highly recommended. Off-season camping offers a quieter experience and a $5 discount on nightly rates.

Campground amenities: Drinking water, hot showers, modern restrooms, dump station, coin laundry (Little Creek). Reserve: Up to 180 days in advance; 50% first-come, first-served.

Best Times to Visit

Mahoney delivers different experiences with each season. Summer is peak time, when the aquatic center is open and families fill the cabins and campgrounds. It’s busy but vibrant—the park buzzes with the happy sounds of kids splashing, horses clip-clopping, and families creating memories. Fall brings comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and horseback riding, plus stunning autumn colors along the Platte River. Winter transforms the park into a snowy adventure zone, and spring offers quieter trails and the park’s best wildflower displays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

About the Author All Articles