It’s not always easy to find a bit of peace and lush nature in the middle of the city, but Elmwood Park in Omaha offers just that. The beautiful park dates all the way back to 1889, and it’s undergone some significant changes in the 127 years since then.

Elmwood Park is best known as that big green space near the UNO campus.
Yelp/Sarah G.
Shakespeare on the Green is held here every summer, and the park is well known for its golf course.
But the part of the park that a lot of people don't know about is hiding at the bottom of this stone staircase.
Yelp/Connie S.
It's known as the Elmwood Park Grotto, and it's a truly wonderful hidden gem in this urban park. In the park's early days, there was briefly an ill-fated "monkey island" here. The monkeys escaped and Monkey Island was no more, but the grotto has remained and has even been renovated several times.
The grotto is an oasis within a retreat - a double layer of peacefulness.
Yelp/Connie S.
The area is surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful perennial plants. Even in the colder months, there's something magical about this place.

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This spot was originally built up around a natural spring.
Yelp/Connie S.
The water was fresh and cool, and people came from all over to drink it from long troughs.
The water has since been deemed unsafe to drink, but the natural spring still plays a big role in the peaceful grotto.
Yelp/Connie S.
The spring water is routed through seven spouts that constantly gurgle water out into rock and concrete water features. The water encircles the main area of the grotto.
This is an especially popular spot for weddings.
Yelp/Connie S.
It's not surprising that so many couples want to start their new lives together in the grotto. It's a hidden feature that many people don't realize is here, even those who have visited Elmwood Park plenty of times.

This video gives an idea of how tranquil this space is with the constant sound of trickling water all around you. As lovely as the video is, it can’t compare to the experience of visiting the grotto in person.

After you’re done visiting the little oasis, be sure to experience everything else Elmwood Park has to offer: miles of trails, playground equipment, a swimming pool, sports areas, and a historic pavilion you can rent. There are also festivals happening at the park throughout the year.

If you can’t make it to Omaha – or you’re just looking for an outdoor space on a bigger scale – check out our 8 beautiful state parks.

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