City Parks
Ehmen Park & Arboretum:  
Located in the center of the city, north of the downtown business district at 15th & Lake Avenue, Ehmen Park was designated as an arboretum in 2014. The park is home to over 110 trees in 62 different species and varieties. Complete with picnic shelters and playground equipment, it is a popular place for family gatherings and community festivals. It is also home to one of the few Pony Express Stations remaining in existence. The station was rebuilt and moved to the park in 1931 and opened to the public in 1954. Spend some time walking through the park, playing on the playground or taking a peek at history in the Pony Express Station. Restrooms available.
E G West Park:  
Take some time to relax and enjoy the serenity at E G West Park. Take a step back in time with a stroll through the gardens or have some modern fun in the splash pad and new playground equipment that were added in 2024. You can also take in a game or two of tennis at the tennis courts. This lovely historic park located on the corner of 20th and Lake Avenue was once on the north edge of town. It was donated to the City by one of Gothenburg’s first businessmen Eric West. 
Lake Helen Recreation Area:   
Originally an artificial lake developed in the early 1890s to supply irrigation water and power to area factories, Lake Helen is now a recreation area. Located north of downtown Gothenburg on Lake Avenue, the lake was renovated in 2015 and features activities for the whole family including fishing, boating, a 9-hole Frisbee golf course, concrete exercise trail, playground, picnic pavilions and plenty of room to run and play. There is also a historically registered covered bridge. Restrooms available. 
Lafayette Park: 
This tree-shaded park located at 27th Street & Lake Avenue (North Highway 47) features 32 camping sites with electric and water hook-ups in addition to numerous sites for tent camping. Amenities include large camping spaces, view of Lake Helen, walking trail, modern showers and a dump station. The park boasts an Olympic quality horseshoe court, playground for the kids as well as a pavilion that is available to rent for parties and events. It is also home to the Gothenburg Girl Scout and Boy Scout facilities. If geocaching is your thing, you’ll find many caches throughout the park and surrounding areas. Restrooms available. Call 308-537-2299 or click HERE to book a camp site
Four-Plex: 
It’s “Play Ball” in the summer for adults and youth with a strong, locally financed program. Four-plex ball fields are busy throughout the summer with local competitors as well as with teams from across the state.
The area offers a playground, picnic tables and ample parking for the needs of visitors. The four-plex is also a venue for summertime events as well as the annual Easter Egg hunt. Restrooms are available.