Elmwood Park Grotto

## Overview The Elmwood Park Grotto is a beloved hidden gem tucked within Omaha's historic Elmwood Park, a sprawling green space that has served the community since 1890. This public drinking spring features a charming stone grotto structure — a picturesque, cave-like alcove built from native stone — that has long been a favorite stop for park visitors, joggers, and families exploring the park's winding trails. Elmwood Park itself covers approximately 204 acres along the banks of Happy Hollow Creek, making it one of Omaha's largest and most cherished parks. The grotto and its spring have been highlighted by local media, including KETV, as one of the city's "hidden gems" — a quiet, scenic spot that many longtime Omaha residents have never discovered. The spring water has historically been used as a drinking water source by park visitors, though water quality can vary and has not been independently verified. ## Directions 1. From downtown Omaha, head west on Dodge Street (US-6) toward the Dundee neighborhood. 2. Turn south onto 60th Street. 3. Follow 60th Street south until you reach the Elmwood Park area near Jones Street. 4. The park entrance is accessible near **5919 Jones Street, Omaha, NE 68106**. 5. Once inside the park, follow the main path along Happy Hollow Creek. The grotto is nestled along the creek area within the park's interior — look for the distinctive stone structure set into the hillside. 6. GPS coordinates: **41.253511, -96.005429**. Using these coordinates in a navigation app will bring you close to the grotto's location within the park. ## What to Expect The Elmwood Park Grotto is a beautifully constructed stone alcove that houses the spring outlet. The surrounding area is lush and shaded, with mature trees, gentle slopes, and the soothing sounds of Happy Hollow Creek nearby. The grotto itself is a popular spot for photos and a peaceful rest stop during walks through the park. Elmwood Park offers paved and unpaved trails, picnic areas, and plenty of open green space, so a visit to the grotto can easily be combined with a longer outing. The park is open year-round, though the grotto area may be less accessible during winter months or after heavy rains when the creek can rise. Parking is available at several lots within the park, with the Jones Street entrance providing convenient access. The spring water has been reported by visitors to taste clean and refreshing, and the grotto has been a traditional drinking water stop for generations of Omaha park-goers. However, as with any natural spring, water quality is not guaranteed and may fluctuate seasonally.