Some of the best secrets are those hiding right under your nose. This beautiful outdoor space is right in the midst of Omaha’s Old Market, a busy area that’s often packed with people.

Find your way to the Passageway, which is on the north side of Howard Street between 10th and 11th.

TripAdvisor/Alvin C. The Passageway is an old alley that’s been converted to a covered shopping destination. It’s worthy of a visit, even if it’s just to walk around and admire the brickwork and plants.

When you walk in, veer to the right and go almost to the end of the hallway. You’ll see the below sign.

Facebook/The Garden of the Zodiac Step inside the Garden of the Zodiac Gallery and spend some time with the art. It features rotating contemporary exhibits that perfectly mesh with the unique light and space of the gallery.

Step to the back wall of the gallery space and peer through a doorway leading outside.

Yelp/rosalinda f. You can tell right away that you’ve stumbled onto something very special. The garden is tiny, with a brick walkway surrounding it.

Twelve busts inhabit this hidden garden - one for each sign of the zodiac.

Yelp/Jennifer H. The sculptures are by artist Eva Aeppli and have graced this special space for a very long time.

Each one is unique, with its own personality.

Yelp/Jennifer H. Because the top of the garden is open, you’ll hear the sounds of birds overhead.

In the warmer months, the garden is full of lush, beautiful greenery and colorful flowers.

Facebook/Garden of the Zodiac There are not only plants growing in the garden; there are also trees overhead, creating a multi-layered garden.

Walking from the cool, dark Passageway into the natural light of the Garden of the Zodiac is like taking a deep breath. It’s so peaceful and unusual that it’s hard to believe you’re still in the middle of the city.

TripAdvisor/Alvin C.

The Passageway is an old alley that’s been converted to a covered shopping destination. It’s worthy of a visit, even if it’s just to walk around and admire the brickwork and plants.

Facebook/The Garden of the Zodiac

Step inside the Garden of the Zodiac Gallery and spend some time with the art. It features rotating contemporary exhibits that perfectly mesh with the unique light and space of the gallery.

Yelp/rosalinda f.

You can tell right away that you’ve stumbled onto something very special. The garden is tiny, with a brick walkway surrounding it.

Yelp/Jennifer H.

The sculptures are by artist Eva Aeppli and have graced this special space for a very long time.

Because the top of the garden is open, you’ll hear the sounds of birds overhead.

Facebook/Garden of the Zodiac

There are not only plants growing in the garden; there are also trees overhead, creating a multi-layered garden.

Find the gallery – and the wheelchair accessible garden – at 1054 Howard St, Omaha, NE 68102.

This is just one of Nebraska’s many beautiful gardens. Want more? Read our list of 10 of Nebraska’s most beautiful public gardens.

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