What is Lake Helen Recreation Area like?
Lake Helen Recreation Area is one of 110 PDGA-listed courses in Nebraska, and one of 1 in Gothenburg itself. The layout runs 9 holes to a par of 27 over 3,168 ft, averaging roughly 352 feet per hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is prairie/open — wide open prairie fairways, which puts the emphasis on big arms and wind management. Exposed prairie layouts let you throw everything you have, but a crosswind will move a disc thirty feet off line before it lands.
ThrowSpot rates the course forgiving overall, making it a good first course or a relaxed round. Shorter holes and open landing zones mean errant throws are usually recoverable, which is exactly what a newer player needs. Most groups finish in about 45 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Lake Helen Recreation Area?
For a course like this, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers the majority of shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. Because the fairways are open here, it is also worth checking the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
This course is free to play, like the majority of the 7,008 courses in the ThrowSpot directory. There is no booking system and no check-in — turn up and play. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Lake Helen Recreation Area
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Getting to Lake Helen Recreation Area
Gothenburg, NE — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Lake Helen Recreation Area
More disc golf near Gothenburg
Lake Helen Recreation Area is the only PDGA-listed course in Gothenburg, but Nebraska has 110 in total. See the nearby courses above, or browse every course in Nebraska.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Lake Helen Recreation Area?
Lake Helen Recreation Area has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 3,168 ft, averaging about 352 feet per hole.
Is Lake Helen Recreation Area free to play?
Yes. Lake Helen Recreation Area is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Lake Helen Recreation Area good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with wide open prairie fairways and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play Lake Helen Recreation Area?
About 45 minutes for a typical group on 9 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Lake Helen Recreation Area located?
Lake Helen Recreation Area is in Gothenburg, Nebraska, at coordinates 40.94259, -100.16542. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Lake Helen Recreation Area?
For this layout, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers most shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.