One of the complaints I hear a lot when talking to Nebraskans about exciting travel and things to do in our state is the “lack of” adrenaline pumping activities.
While I actually slightly disagree (you just have to look in the nooks and crannies or think outside the box), I do understand what they are saying.
I mean, no, we don’t have mountains to ski on (but plenty of locations to both cross country and snow shoe!), oceans to dive in (but huge lakes with plentiful water sports available) or pikes to climb(but still lots of great hiking options!)
But in my humble opinion, it’s really just a matter of reframing our perspective on these type of activities and then finding others that can be just as fun and adrenaline pumping!
Like Rock Climbing.
Again, I do understand that we don’t have natural cliffs to climb, but that doesn’t mean that if you live in Nebraska you can’t both learn to rock climb and/or become an expert!
That is even more the case now that Mahoney State Park is opening the 40+ foot rock climbing and bouldering walls!
Mahoney Venture Climb
There are over 20 courses to climb at the new Mahoney rock climbing facility in the Activity Center (which also holds the mega indoor playground and the outdoor ice skating rink in the winter).
Read More About The Other Things To Do At The Activity Center Here
(Like the indoor playground, ice skating and birthday parties)
In addition to the walls, there is also a bouldering area, which means you can climb 15 feet with no ropes and harnesses (and a thick padded ground…you know, just in case!)
Various Levels of Difficulty
The great thing about the Venture Climb is that it really is great for all levels of climbers.
Beginners, both young and old, can learn the basics and there are plenty of courses to help learn how to climb
But even the advanced climbers will find difficult areas that challenge their skills
Who Can Climb
Technically, “anyone who fits in a harness” can climb, according to the facility.
You will need to sign a waiver and if you (or an accompanying minor) is under 18, an adult (19 years+) must be present to sign one
Children under 13 must have an accompanying adult
Mahoney State Park Rock Climbing Hours
The hours for the Venture Rock Climb are the same as the activity center hours
Winter Hours (September- May)
Monday, Thursday and Friday:4 p.m- 8 p.m
Saturday:11 a.m.- 8 p.m and Sunday from 11 a.m- 6 p.m
Tuesdays and Wednesdays CLOSED
Summer Hours Are:
Monday and Friday from 4pm-8pm
Thursday: 11am-8pm
Saturday: 11am-8pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm
Tuesday/Wednesday: Closed
Costs and Admission
Adults and Children Over 13: $11
Children (12 and under): $10
Other Climbing Gyms in Nebraska
If you are looking for other indoor climbing gyms in the Cornhusker State, here is a great list.
As a traveler who loves physical activities and trying new things, I’m absolutely ecstatic about this new addition to the state parks!
Who else can’t wait to give it a climb!?