The Treetop Trail That Will Show You A Side Of Nebraska You've Never Seen Before
By Delana Lefevers|Published July 03, 2018
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
There’s always plenty of excitement to be found in Nebraska, and that goes double for summertime. If you’re looking for a unique adventure this summer that will both entertain and challenge you, head on over to Ashland for a totally new experience.
The Go Ape Zip Line and Treetop Adventure opened at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in April, 2018. This unique treetop experience is the first of its size and scope in Nebraska.
It was made possible by the Venture Parks program, an initiative that will revamp four eastern Nebraska state parks and add next-generation attractions like this one.
The Go Ape adventure course may look a little intimidating at first, but those who have traversed it say that you hardly even notice you're so far above the ground.
There are six courses to conquer, all of which will challenge you in different ways. They're set against the backdrop of the park's thick trees, providing a serene and beautiful view as you go from one activity to the next.
Make your way over bridges and find creative methods for scooting yourself from one platform to the next. There are 40 bridges to cross, a "fishing net" to climb, and a variety of other activities to keep you on your toes...figuratively speaking, of course.
Don't worry about your safety, though - you'll be safely strapped into a harness the whole time, which in turn is attached to a secure cable that's strong enough to hold a car. If you should happen to lose your grip or footing, you won't fall.
All participants are given instructions and a safety briefing before setting out. Everyone is advised to wear closed-toed shoes, a T-shirt, and long shorts or athletic pants.
This isn't your typical walk through the trees; you'll need to use strength, balance, and courage to tackle these courses. It's a physical activity, to be sure.
But it's all worth it when you get to the grand finale: the zip line. There's one at the end of each of the six courses. Flying through the air is a feeling like no other.
The Go Ape Adventure Course can be found at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, midway between Omaha and Lincoln at 28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland. You'll need a parks permit to get into the park.
Prices for the adventure course are $49 for ages 16 and up and $39 for ages 15 and under. There is no minimum age requirement, but participants must be at least 4’7″ tall. Book your visit in advance on the Go Ape website.
If you want to get out into nature but aren’t quite up to walking in the treetops, check out this otherworldly trail in a state park just down the road from Mahoney.
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