OutdoorNebraska

32 NEBRASKAland ● May 2006 left and go 1.5 miles west on Adams Street to the lake. Eugene T. Mahoney SP Nebraska's most developed and most visited state park lies halfway between its two largest cities, Omaha and Lincoln, at Exit 426. Travelers will find a host of activities and facilities for the whole family, including fishing, hiking, horseback riding, a water park, picnic shelters, an observation tower, a theater and, in winter, ice skating and tobogganing. Lodging options include guest rooms in a stately lodge overlooking the Platte River, cabins and a modern campground. The facilities are popular for family reunions and weekend getaways, so reservations are strongly encouraged. A restaurant at the lodge overlooks the Platte River. Campers may register at the park office, where they can also purchase fishing and park entry permits. Anglers can fish 4-acre Baright (formerly known as Marina) Lake or 10-acre Qwest Lake. Both have special regulations in place to ensure fish populations are maintained. Baright Lake is located near the campground. Turn right after the park entrance booth and follow the park road 0.5 miles to Baright Lake, where children under 16 years of age, adults with disabilities and adults assisting children who are fishing are allowed to fish. Qwest Lake is another 0.5 miles further down the road. Boats are not allowed on either lake. Fishing tackle can be borrowed for use in the park. Fish species (Baright Lake): Bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish. Fish species (Qwest Lake): Bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, rainbow trout (winter) Amenities: Fishing piers, fish cleaning station at Qwest Lake, lodging, modern camping with electrical hook-ups, restrooms and showers, RV dump station, restaurant, paddleboat rentals, playground, water park, picnic shelters Directions: From Exit 426 at Ashland, take Highway 66 about 0.5 miles west to the park entrance. Platte River SP This is another scenic area reached via I-80 Exit 426. Platte River State Park is located in the oak-forested bluffs on the south rim of the Platte Eastern Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Lincoln Omaha York Seward Recharge Lake ● Twin Lakes WMA ● Conestoga Lake SRA ● Pawnee Lake SRA ● Eugene T. Mahoney SP ● Platte River SP ● Louisville SRA ● Walnut Creek Lake ● Wehrspann Lake ● Zorinsky Lake ● Eastern Nebraska A young angler reels in a trout at Mahoney State Park's Qwest Lake near Ashland. DOUG CARROLL

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