Quality of life

People in Gothenburg enjoy all the benefits a small town has to offer. That includes a variety of sports, outdoor and leisure activities.

Ehmen Park: Ehmen Park is a beautiful tree-lined park at 15th & Lake Avenue. Complete with picnic shelters and playground equipment, it is a popular place for family gatherings and community festivals. One of the few Pony Express Stations remaining in existence was rebuilt and moved to the park in 1931 and opened to the public in 1954. Take a peak at history as you tour the Pony Express Station Museum and Gift Shop. Each year over 25,000 tourists visit the Pony Express Station. Gothenburg was designated Pony Express Capital of Nebraska by the Nebraska Legislature in 1992. Let the kids burn off their pent-up energy on the playground.  Restrooms available.

E G West Park: Enjoy a game of tennis or a stroll through the gardens of this lovely old park located on the corner of 20th and Lake Avenue.  This park, once on the edge of town, was donated to the City by one of Gothenburg's first businessmen Eric West.

Lake Helen Recreation Area:  Lake Helen Recreation Area was built around an artificial lake developed in the early 1890's to supply irrigation water and to power area factories. Gothenburg was one of the first communities to have electricity between Omaha and Denver. In the 1970's the area was revitalized with pedestrian bridges, shelters, picnic areas, restrooms, and playground equipment. A concrete exercise trail, historical sites and markers have also been added. It received “Project of the Century” award in 1999.

Lafayette Park: This tree-shaded park located at 27th Street & Lake Avenue (North Highway 47) features picnic areas and playgrounds.  An Olympic quality horseshoe court is available for enthusiasts.