venture parks

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory will be closed temporarily starting July 20 for the start of a yearlong construction project. The closure will accommodate the addition of the new Nature Center and Outdoor Education Classroom, a Venture Parks project. The tentative completion of the new project will be summer 2023. The addition will be the park’s new home base for outdoor education activities. “This new addition will help us expand our education programs for park guests and …

Grab the popcorn and enjoy some light-hearted family fun at a Eugene T. Mahoney State Park melodrama this summer. The melodramas are designed to provide wholesome, family-orientated entertainment. This year’s schedule, which runs May 27-Aug. 21, features the premiere of three plays: “The Dragon Slayer,” written by Julie Eschliman, tells the tale of two damsels in distress – and their pet dragon. See if a wandering minstrel can save them from a bloodthirsty dragon slayer. “Something’s Rotten in Green Bend,” …

After 47 years of service, including nine years serving as director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Jim Douglas is retiring. He has celebrated a lifetime of conservation accomplishments. “Ask yourself what kind of world you want to live in and leave for your kids,” said Director Jim Douglas, a statement that says so much about what he has accomplished during his 47 years in conservation. For the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, he has served in a variety …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Construction of the Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park has been completed and reservations will begin at 9 a.m. Aug. 20. The first available rental date is Sept. 10. The Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge is an 11,600 square-foot multi-function event space that takes advantage of a stunning hilltop location overlooking the Platte River. “The new Crete Carrier Riverview lodge is a stunning and welcome addition to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park,” said Superintendent …

Marking 100 Years When Nebraska became a state in 1867, parks — let alone state parks — weren’t needed. Nebraskans of the day, and for years to come, were building homes, farms, businesses and towns, and with all of that work to be done, there was little time for leisure. But the conservation movement had begun, heightening the nation’s awareness of its pristine natural resources and prompting the launch of efforts to preserve them for future generations. The movement led …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has launched an outdoor discovery adventure at its Venture Parks system, a network of four parks nestled in the Platte River Valley between Omaha and Lincoln. This adventure was designed to take participants to all four parks — Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state parks and Louisville and Schramm Park state recreation areas — to discover six of their unique gems and find the answers to clues revealed in the …

Mountain bikers have been riding the trails carved into the bluffs at Platte River State Park for decades, its hills and rocks providing a challenge many yearn for, with the scenery providing the icing on the cake. Now they have a new set of singletrack trails loaded with unique features all for themselves as part of an addition to the park that could become a mountain bike destination for riders from across the country. Along with 4.4 miles of new …

I never feel overwhelmed at Platte River State Park. Whether there are thousands of kids attending an Outdoor Discovery day or just a few vehicles, I can always take a deep, relaxing breath whenever I pull into the park. Located three miles from Louisville – between Omaha and Lincoln – the park is a welcomed break from city life. It offers both family-friendly attractions and solace in its 450 acres, even on the busiest of weekends. I love playing with …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Walter Scott Jr. Observation Tower and surrounding trails at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park will be closed temporarily due to construction starting Oct. 1. The temporary closure will accommodate the painting of the tower and Riverview Event Center construction, a Venture Parks project scheduled for completion in the fall of 2020. The tower and trails will reopen at completion of the construction projects. For information about Mahoney State Park and upcoming activities, visit OutdoorNebraska.org.

LINCOLN, Neb. – There are still spots available for Girl Scouts to take part in the first ever Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend July 13-14 at various state recreation areas throughout Nebraska. Several state recreation areas including Fort Kearny, Lewis and Clark, Lake McConaughy and Wildcat Hills will offer free programming designed to help Girl Scouts and their families discover nature and challenge themselves to try new things. Activities are designed to encourage development of numerous outdoor skills and …