pedal boats on the lake at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Named after a former Nebraska state senator and director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is a beautiful public recreational space near Ashland in Nebraska.

Spread over 690-acres, the park features a wide variety of recreational activities, including everything from a water park, indoor playground and miniature golf to hiking, horseback riding and fishing.

The park is also home to the Peter Kiewit Lodge, a full-service conference center and lodging facility, as well as several camping options, which ensures it is a complete destination for families, nature lovers and outdoor adventurers to enjoy.

Activities

The best thing about this Nebraska state park is that guests can take part in several outdoor leisure activities during the time they have there.

Presented below is a quick rundown of some of the main activities you can engage in at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.

Water Park at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

The Family Aquatic Center at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is a popular attraction during the summer months.

Within it there is a large wave pool, several water slides, a lazy river, and a children’s play area with water features.

When not on any of these, there are also plenty of lounge chairs and shaded areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the sun.

For guest safety, the water park is staffed with lifeguards. Visitors can purchase daily admission tickets or season passes to it, and there are also party packages available for birthdays or other events.

Fishing at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Fishing is a popular activity at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, with several options available for anglers of all skill levels.

All up, the park has two stocked lakes which are home to several species of fish, including catfish, bass, crappie, and bluegill.

If you want to cast a line whilst at the park you can do so from the shore or in a boat or kayak out on the water. There is also a handy fishing dock you can use as well.

To fish at the park, you will need to ensure you have a valid Nebraska fishing license. You can pick one up at the park’s office or purchase it online.

Trails at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

For those with a more adventurous spirit, the park offers several miles of hiking and biking trails for visitors to enjoy.

These trails navigate their way through its beautiful landscape of forests, prairies, and wetlands and include both paved and unpaved paths. Thus making it accessible for people of all skill levels. In addition, the park also offers guided trail rides for horseback riders.

Overall, the trails at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is a great way to explore the outdoors and get some exercise while enjoying the natural beauty of the park.

If you tackle them on foot, be sure to wear a hat and proper footwear. It is a good idea to put on sunscreen and take plenty of water with you. Should you not have a bike, you can rent them from the park’s main office.

Miniature golf course at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

The park also boasts an 18-hole miniature golf course, which is located near the Family Aquatic Center.

Fun and challenging, the course is designed with various obstacles, including hills, water features, and sand traps, making it an entertaining activity for all ages.

It is open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day and is set in a beautiful outdoor setting with well-manicured landscaping.

While there is a small fee to play, equipment is provided.

Indoor playground at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

One of the park’s most popular attractions is its indoor playground.

Nestled inside the Peter Kiewit Lodge, it is designed for children aged 1 to 12 and features a variety of climbing structures, slides, and interactive games.

Open all year round, the area is padded and safe for children to play, and there are also benches and tables for parents to relax and watch their kids.

Admission to the indoor playground is free for guests staying at the Peter Kiewit Lodge, and there is a small fee for non-guests.

Birding at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Be sure to bring your binoculars with you if you are into birding because Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is a great destination for birding enthusiasts.

Overall, the park accommodates a diverse range of bird species to its forests, wetlands, and prairie habitats.

Depending on the time of year you visit, some of the birds that can be spotted at the park include bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, woodpeckers, and songbirds.

Pets

Pets are allowed at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, but there are some restrictions.

For example, dogs must always be kept on a maximum six foot long leash, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

There are also several designated areas where pets are not allowed, including the indoor playground, cabins, and lodge rooms.

For a full rundown of their pet policy it is worth contacting the main office.

Camping

For those who need somewhere to stay overnight there are several accommodation options available to visitors at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.

Overall, the park features both RV and tent camping sites, as well as cabins and lodge rooms for those who prefer a more comfortable camping experience.

The camping areas are well-maintained and include amenities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and shower facilities.

As the park gets very busy, especially during the warmer months of summer, it is worth making a reservation for a cabin, lodge, or any of the RV and tent sites well in advance of your visit there.

Park Location

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
28500 W Park Hwy
Ashland, NE 68003
Phone: 402.944.2523

Park Website
Reservation

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park: