Go ape over new zip line course at Nebraska’s Mahoney State Park

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Woman riding zip line
Members of the local media and Lincoln Southwest High School participated in checking out the zip line course.

They don’t swing from the limbs, but watching people move from tree to tree, it’s easy to see why Mahoney State Park’s new zip line course is called Go Ape. The six-course attraction is now open at the state park near Ashland.

The course features obstacles on six sets of rope and steel cable connected among the trees, which stand up to 40 feet tall. As people complete each course, they finish with a ride on a zip line. The course is open to all ages, but people need to be at least 4′ 7″ tall. Participants should plan to spend 2-3 hours on the course following a 20-minute safety orientation.

People climb along the obstacle course on steel cables.
Participants climb along one of the six courses operated by Mahoney State Park and Go Ape.

Public-Private partnership

The zip line course is operated by Go Ape Treetop Adventure, in partnership with the state game and parks system. The park manages the attraction, using park employees. Tickets are bought online through Go Ape. The Maryland-based company operates 16 locations around the country.

Go Ape's Chris Swallow and Tim McCoy of Nebraska Game and Parks cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the zip line course.
Go Ape’s Chris Swallow and Tim McCoy of Nebraska Game and Parks cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the zip line course.

The obstacle course is a great fit for Mahoney, said Tim McCoy, deputy Game and Parks director.

“The course is exciting and fun, but also protects the trees,” he said. “It really fits with our mission. We’re trying to steward the resources and also provide great opportunities for the public…It’s a great opportunity for users to get up in the trees, challenge themselves, find out they can do things they maybe didn’t think they could. Experience the tree tops, experience birds, learn about the outdoors.”

A Lincoln Southwest student navigates one of the courses.
A Lincoln Southwest student navigates one of the courses.

The Go Ape course is part of a major face lift Nebraska’s state parks are undergoing to continue to draw visitors. Mahoney is the state’s most popular park, but the zip line course, as well as a 40-foot tall rock-climbing wall and year-round sledding hill, maintains its relevance. Three other state parks between Omaha and Lincoln – Platte River, Louisville and Schramm (Gretna) – will also receive makeovers.

To check availability and reserve course times, please visit www.goape.com or www.outdoornebraska.gov/mahoney.