32 Nebraskaland • October 2023
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Mahoney is a perfect destination for a fall getaway, with
plenty of activities to delight all ages. The park has 57
cabins, and the Peter Kiewit Lodge's 40 guest rooms offer
stunning views and immersion in the Platte River Valley. For
those who like to camp, Mahoney offers 148 campsites and
modern facilities.
During your stay, hike or bike the paved trail winding
through the park or get off-road and traverse the wooded hills
of the park. Also, make sure to climb the 75-foot observation
tower to enjoy the view of the Platte River Valley. With
fewer visitors in the fall, there's a great opportunity for
wildlife viewing and bird watching, and you can fish 10-acre
CenturyLink Lake or Baright Lake, which is 4 acres. If the
weather doesn't cooperate, come inside the Owen Marina
Craft Center or the park's Activity Center where there is an
indoor playground and rock climbing.
Fort Robinson State Park
Fall provides a serene time of year at Fort Rob when you
can discover historical sites, museums and more than 22,000
acres of beautiful Pine Ridge land for hiking, biking and
horseback riding. Fort Robinson also offers fishing at several
renovated ponds, Soldier Creek and the White River. There's
wildlife viewing, too — everything from pronghorn, deer,
and turkey to some great birdwatching.
Guests can stay in historic lodging once used by soldiers
and officers stationed at the fort. Comanche Hall can sleep
as many as 60 people under one roof, making this park a
great choice for family reunions. If you're seeking a camping
experience, Fort Robinson's campgrounds offer everything
from full-service RV to basic tent camping. An equestrian
campground allows riders to haul in their own horses or mules.
Chadron State Park
Nebraska's first state park, Chadron State Park is nestled
among the scenic buttes and canyons of Nebraska's Pine
Ridge. Since its founding more than a century ago, it's
remained a popular spot for camping, family reunions
and old-fashioned vacations. Activities include fishing in
Chadron Creek and the park pond, hiking, biking, playing
tennis and target shooting.
The park offers 22 fully-furnished cabins, each with
two bedrooms, a bathroom with shower, kitchenette and
outdoor charcoal grill and picnic table. Chadron State Park
also offers electric campsites and basic tent sites. Smell the
pine trees or view the stars when you sit outside your cabin
or campsite.
