OUTDOORS WE’RE ABOUT TO LAUNCH INTO A NARRATIVE ABOUT HOW LAKE MCCONAUGHY IS AMERICA’S BEST GREAT LAKE. —@KEVINKUGLER., TWITTER “ BIKE THESE TRAILS Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Ashland WARM UP YOUR WINTER Skate or fi sh on the ice // Indoor climbing to outdoor sledding // Dining and arts, too A little winter weather won’t stop you from exploring Nebraska’s state parks. In fact, some of the state’s favorite parks offer exclusive winter activities to keep your adventure going year ’round. At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland—about halfway between Omaha and Lincoln— check into the Activity Center. Kids and adults can scale the indoor climbing wall, then glide around the outdoor ice rink. All the gear you’ll need is available, so no need to pack your own. You’ll also fi nd an indoor play space (complete with tubes, slides, net bridges and a ball pit), an arts-and-crafts center and courses for disc and miniature golf. But for classic winter fun, ask about toboggan runs behind the Activity Center and ice fi shing on Eugene T. Mahoney’s Century Link Lake. (Note that all activities are weather dependent, so check with the park before you go.) After your day’s adventure, catch a melodrama or magic show at the park’s Denman and Mary Mallory Kountze Memorial Theater and enjoy dinner at Caddy’s Parkside Grill in the park lodge. EXPERT ADVICE The ideas throughout this section of the guide were shared by Nebraska Game & Parks. As steward of the state’s fi sh, wildlife and 76 state parks and recreation areas, Game & Parks’ recommendations are your direct line to Nebraska outdoor adventure. Scouting top trails to ride? Nebraska’s terrain gives you ample options. Louisville’s Platte River State Park is in the process of adding fi ve miles of purpose-built mountain biking trails for all skill levels on the park’s east side, joining an already beloved trail system. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Ashland Chadron State Park in Chadron offers miles of mountain biking trails in a uniquely Nebraskan landscape. Check out Northwest Nebraska Trails Association’s trail guide for information. CREDIT: KURRUS/NEBRASKALAND MAGAZINE, NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION VisitNebraska.com 31
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2020 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 31
