Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is no stranger to firsts. As park employees climb into their vehicles each morning to head across the property, they know another day of creating lifelong memories is about to begin. The anticipation of full parking lots, children's laughter and breathtaking views is enough to keep many of them returning year after year.
Somewhere in the park, a child will climb onto a horse for the first time. A father and son will reel in their first fish. A retiree will discover the joy of birding, learning to recognize the birds, wildflowers and native plants that call Nebraska home. And as the sun dips below the trees, families will gather around campfires, making their first memories of the season with toasted marshmallows, gooey s'mores and grilled hot dogs beneath the open sky.
One of those employees is Michael Townsend, regional superintendent of Venture Parks for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Townsend oversees the park corridor between Omaha and Lincoln, including Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Platte River State Park, Louisville State Recreation Area and several others. He has been with the agency for eight years and shares the deep appreciation for Mahoney that keeps so many visitors returning year after year.
"Mahoney State Park is a memory-making machine," Townsend recalls. "Part of my job is making sure people leave feeling that nostalgia and wanting to come back. I want it to be a place of peace and fun, somewhere families want to return to again and again."
All Year Round
And return they do. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park welcomes more than 800,000 visitors each year, making it one of Nebraska's most popular outdoor destinations. A cornerstone of the Venture Parks system within the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Mahoney has earned its reputation by offering something for every season.
"There's really something for everyone in the family, no matter their age," Townsend says.
Families embrace the mess during the park's annual Mudville event, where children are encouraged to get their hands, feet and clothes dirty while discovering the wonders of nature. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing, ice skating on the park's new Glice Rink and other cold-weather adventures. In the summer, Popcorn Productions takes center stage with interactive melodramas that invite audiences to boo the villains, cheer the heroes and toss popcorn as the story unfolds.
"Our melodramas feature the classic villain, hero and heroine," Townsend explains with a smile. "They're about 90 minutes long with a short intermission."
Summer, however, is when Mahoney truly comes alive. One of its biggest draws is the aquatic center, where visitors can race down towering water slides, splash through a zero-depth entry wave pool, swim in a traditional pool with a diving area and explore an interactive water playground designed for younger children. Together, the attractions make the aquatic center a favorite destination for families looking to beat the Nebraska heat.
Stay Awhile
According to Townsend, spending the night is one of the best ways to experience Mahoney State Park.
"We have 148 campsites and 60 cabins, ranging from cozy two-bedroom cabins to a Mini Lodge that sleeps up to 20 people, complete with bunk beds, two kitchens and everything a large family needs," Townsend states.
For those who prefer a hotel stay, the recently renovated Peter Kiewit Lodge offers comfortable, affordable accommodations in the heart of the park, with easy access to Mahoney's many attractions.
One of Townsend's favorite places to stay, however, is the park's newly renovated treetop cabins. Nestled among the trees, the cabins feature second-story Murphy beds, fireplaces and sweeping views of the surrounding woodlands, creating the perfect blend of comfort and nature.
More Than a Park - A Place Families Return To
A favorite among Nebraskans, Mahoney State Park has become a place where traditions take root. It's not uncommon for families to reserve lodging year after year for annual reunions, camping trips and vacations that span generations.
One of those returning visitors is Joanie Stone, who has been coming to the park with her family for decades. A passionate camper and enthusiastic supporter of the park's events, Stone has become a familiar face at Mahoney.
"Joanie is a staple," Townsend says. "We love hearing her voice over the radio, and she really has become like family here at the park."
Stone serves as a camp host, part of a volunteer program that welcomes dedicated visitors back in a unique way. The program gives repeat visitors an opportunity to help care for the park while becoming an integral part of its culture and community.
"They're the greatest," Townsend explains. "Camp hosts receive two weeks of free camping in exchange for volunteering their time. They help with campground check-ins and checkouts, check restrooms and other facilities, make sure campfires are extinguished and serve as an extra set of eyes throughout the campground."
Where Wonder Never Grows Old
As technology competes for more of our attention, Townsend believes places like Mahoney have never been more important. He smiles as he describes the transformation that happens when children trade tablets for trails.
"The zombie kind of drains off their face," Townsend says. "You see that smile and you see that spark return."
At Mahoney, there's room for every stage of life. Children take their first horse ride, race down their first water slide or discover the thrill of climbing a rock wall. Parents unplug long enough to reconnect around a campfire. Retirees return with binoculars in hand to take up birding, and longtime visitors like Joanie Stone eventually become campground hosts, giving back to the place that has given their families so many memories.
Perhaps that's Mahoney's greatest achievement. It's more than a state park. It's a place families grow up with, where firsts become traditions and traditions become legacies. Long after the campfire fades and the suitcases are unpacked, it's those memories that call people back, generation after generation.
"The zombie kind of drains off the kids' faces. You see that smile, and you see that spark return."
"Mahoney State Park is a memory-making machine. I want it to be a place of peace and fun, somewhere families want to return to again and again."