Lake Helen Lafayette
Park Ehmen Park E.G.
West Park Summer Recreation
Hunting
and Fishing Gothenburg Senior Center Area Events
Wild Horse Golf
Club
Gothenburg has four parks covering 55 acres. Summer Recreation
facilities include swings,
picnic areas, pool, athletic fields, frisbee golf course, football stadium, ball parks, camping
areas, and playground equipment. Two playgrounds in Gothenburg have all types of
playground equipment.
Lake Helen 
The Lake Helen Recreation Area on the north edge of Gothenburg features
activities for the whole family including fishing and picnicking. There is also
a paved exercise trail, a 9-hole frisbee golf course, three sand volleyball courts and a historically
registered covered bridge.
A variety of large and small lakes
nearby provide good fishing and boating. Pheasant, duck and deer hunting are
popular in the area.
Lafayette Park
and Lafayette Park Campgrounds
Located on the north edge of Gothenburg along Highway 47 and 27th Street,
this shady park offers a place to relax, picnic and camp. Enjoy the beauty
of the nearby Lake Helen Recreation Area just across the canal by way of the
covered foot bridge. Features of the park include electric and water
hook-ups, shower, dump station, large camping spaces, walking trail, view of
Lake Helen, playground and horseshoe courts.
For reservations or information contact Jim or Karan Smith at (308) 537-2299; or the city office at (308)
537-3677, or e-mail to Lafayette
Park.
Reverend William Ehmen came to this area in March 1879 as an agent for the
Union Pacific Railroad. The Ehmen homestead extended from what is now lake
Avenue to the east. Ehmen was instrumental in attracting German settlers
to this area from the eastern states. His family set aside an entire block
in 1890 to be the city park. Located between 15th and 16th Streets and
Lake Avenue and Avenue F, this park offers covered picnic shelters, a
playground, and the Pony Express Station. Relax at this
park bordered by historic homes each with its own story. Walking Tour of
Historic Gothenburg brochures are available at the Pony Express Station or the
Gothenburg Chamber of Commerce office. The Pony Express Station is open
and FREE of charge from April to October.
E. G. West, a native of Sweden, came to Dawson County in 1882. He
became a prominent businessman dealing in lumber, hardware and coal. A
park to honor his contributions to the community is located on the corner of
20th Street and Lake Avenue. The park at one time featured a goldfish pond
and beautiful landscaped gardens. No goldfish can be found today, but it
provides a great escape to relax with tennis courts, play equipment for the
children and pleasant surroundings.
Gothenburg has a summertime recreation director and 15 employees. A modern swimming pool is included in a recreation
area near the Community Building that also includes tennis courts, picnic
grounds, paved parking and a lighted baseball park. Also, Lake Helen, on the
north side of Gothenburg, features a 9-hole frisbee golf course. For information on Summer
Recreation activities contact the City Office at (308) 537-3668.
A variety of large and
small lakes nearby provide good fishing and boating. Gothenburg is located
12 miles east of Jeffrey lake and reservoir and 28 miles west of Johnson Lake
and reservoir.
Pheasant, duck and deer
hunting are also popular sports in the area.
The Senior Center (308-537-7465), located at 20th and Lake Avenue, provides
various activities and programs including pool, snooker and cards for
individuals age 60 and over. Bus service is provided to senior citizens.
Gothenburg School Alumni Banquet ~ Held annually over Memorial Week-end.
Fourth of July Celebration ~Held annually July 3-4th: The Pony Express Rodeo and Mutton Busting
Contest, Jr. Rodeo Queen Contest, Boy Scout BBQ, and Fourth of July Fireworks
are all major attractions of this annual event, which draws visitors from across
the state.
Farmer's Market-Held annually last Thursday in July until last Thursday in
September: Purchase farm fresh produce and fresh baked goods raised
and prepared by area growers and bakers. Sales begin at 4:30 p.m. until
6:00 p.m. or while supplies last. "Dogs on Parade" Dog Show is
held in conjunction with the Farmer's Market in mid-September. The biggest
and smallest dogs and the best-dressed dogs all vie for the top
prizes.
Annual Harvest Festival ~Held annually 3rd weekend of September: This event features a talent show, art show, carnival, foods and crafts in Ehmen
Park. An annual parade along Lake Avenue begins the weekend events.
Ehmen Park is located at 15th Street and Lake Avenue.
Numerous other activities and celebrations are held throughout the
year. For current information, please call the Gothenburg
Chamber at (308) 537-3505.
