Eugene T. Mahoney State Park — Attraction in Ashland

At a recent weekend excursion we had the privilege to stay in one of the cabins that Mahoney State Park offers. The park over all is a nice get away from the city life of Lincoln or Omaha or where ever. It's got a good amount of activities to keep a family occupied. At the moment I'll just focus on what we experienced.

The cabin was a great atmosphere, it was one of those that are tucked away with a nice view of the Platte River and surrounding lowlands. There were great hiking trails near by, and it was very peaceful.

The space was a little tight inside, but manageable. The kitchen was limited, and not stocked, or equipped. I believe the cooking equipment are either the originally supplied pieces or they are just items that people have brought and left behind. They were sufficient to cook what we needed, but I'd recommend bringing your own if you have that capability.

The bathroom, a single for occupancy of 5-6, was on the small side, but the water pressure was good, and we had no plumbing issues. The sink was out separate from the toilet and shower which was convenient given the limited nature of the facility.

The dining area was spacious enough to fit 6 people at the table. The bedrooms were surprisingly quiet at sleep time, we weren't disturbed by other people moving about the cabin. The bunk beds are for the shorter people, perhaps they had children in mind for these. I'm 6'2 and my feet poked out of the end a bit.

The windows on and the roof on the cabin were in a poor state of repair, we did not experience weather during our stay, but I would guess by the recent paint spots in the ceilings that there has been some leakage. I believe both the roof and windows are the originally installed, and show significant wear. Some windows detached upon opening them, so you had to pull the screen off to get it back closed.

We did not have to use the air conditioning but the heating unit kept the cabin comfortable. However it gave an unsettling rumbling and noise under the kitchen when it operated.

Despite the issues present, the camping (glamping) experience was very positive and we had a great time. We brought most of our own food, but did have one meal at the Lodge. I don't have a lot of feed back for the buffet, it was like most buffets, decent but not exceeding expectations.

We had two young children with us so we spent most of our time at the playground, which while probably had pieces not up to current safety standards provided a lot of fun. (Only say it that way because I haven't seen a merry-go-round since I was a kid!)

We were very pleased...

Honestly the worst functioning state park and campground I have ever been to, and we have been on the road traveling for a month so that’s a lot. You have to pay the normal price to enter ($8 everyday you’re at the campground for out of state plates- and they never have come around to check that we paid or check when we come back in the park) and you have to pay full price do all the activities. You don’t get any discount at all for staying at the campground. I would think to promote they would at least give you a discount on something. You never get a map of the park when you enter. You have to drive in circles to find everything yourself. When I went into the building at the front gate and asked for help, and they gave me the list of activities I could do with the prices. Second time I went in, after I couldn’t find disk golf or rock climbing, they tried to give me the same sheet. I explained I already have a sheet and have done a circle to find the things I want to do but to no avail. The lady finally then gave me a map. I asked where everything was on the map, and she didn’t actually know where disk golf was. She sent me to the golf shack, who sent me to the lodge (who knew there was one?) to rent the disks after telling me where to find the course. You are never told where the showers are and that you don’t have to pay for them. Which is annoying because when I found them, I went back to my site to find quarters to just have them do nothing in the machine (because you don’t need them). The showers are also filthy. The room is easily 90° and the water choice is either hot or scorching. They are lacking in maintaining the facilitates The mini golf course hasn’t been blown off in a while. And there are trees that overhang the permanent fire pits in the campground. That’s just a recipe for a fire disaster. The breakfast brunch is $18. When we went at 12:45, most of the fruit was finished. I thought it ended at 3pm, so that would stink to be the last people paying $18 for...

A 1/2 hour from Dodge st. & I-680 in Omaha this is a nice park that has a little bit of something for everyone. 1/2 mile off I-80 & Hwy. 66 near Ashland this is a great place for family fun. If you’re hungry or want to shop Nebraska Crossing is on three way & about 5 miles away. Once at Mahoney parking permits are required. $7 daily $35 yearly for in state, doubled for out of state $14/$70. 2 water slides, one for big kids ( yes mom &!dad, this includes you) & a small set for the younger thrill sneakers. Mini golf, horse stables, zip lines, playgrounds, event center along with campgrounds & the Keweit Lodge ( currently closed for renovation & opening July, 1st. Park opens Memorial Day weekend. The Nebraska Air & Space Museum is right next door & I have not been there myself but have had many tell me if you go, plan a whole day for it. I guess it’s time well spent & everyone says that. While out there remember, no alcohol after 10 pm. If you can’t have fun here then you are not a fun person & should stay home. They are handicap friendly & that includes amenities. It is a State Park so there are rules. Also not far away is Country Grove golf course. Have only driven by it but it appears to be in great shape & a nice little coarse. 9 hole I believe. 5-10 minute drive from the park. This is nestled in with the Platte River so if you like the water, it has that too. Rafts, canoes, air boats. Not good for speed boats. Catfish all day long but many other species can be caught too. (Always wear a life jacket& is a law for those under 18 & just good common sense. Enjoy your time there because that is why it’s there. Easy to find & close to Omaha & Lincoln both. One more thing is there’s a Cabela’s not far away. I-80 as you come into Omaha Good for a weekend or a week. A gram wildlife drive thru safari & Schram Aquarium are 2 more places nearby Not to mention The Omaha Henry Dooley Zoo (#1 zoo in the country only 25 miles away. Plenty of things to do...