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ParkWisconsin, US
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens offers a stunning 16-acre oasis of horticulture and tranquility in Madison, Wisconsin.
About
Olbrich Botanical Gardens offers a stunning 16-acre oasis of horticulture and tranquility in Madison, Wisconsin.
This award-winning botanical garden is a year-round destination, recognized as one of the top 10 most inspiring gardens in North America by Horticulture Magazine. Visitors can immerse themselves in diverse landscapes, from serene outdoor themed gardens to a tropical indoor conservatory, providing a refreshing escape in any season.
The gardens feature a breathtaking array of collections, including the iconic Royal Thai Pavilion and Garden, the only one of its kind in the continental United States. Inside the magnificent glass pyramid of the Bolz Conservatory, a lush tropical paradise awaits, complete with a rushing waterfall, exotic plants, free-flying birds, and a vibrant koi pond. Outside, explore the formal English-style Sunken Garden with its 80-foot reflecting pool, the fragrant Herb Garden, the vibrant Rose Garden boasting hundreds of varieties, and the unique Rock Garden simulating a mountain slope.
Whether you're seeking inspiration for your home garden, a peaceful place to unwind, or an engaging educational experience, Olbrich Botanical Gardens delivers. Its commitment to connecting people and plants is evident through its diverse offerings, seasonal events like the popular "Blooming Butterflies" exhibit, and stunning displays that ensure a memorable visit for all ages. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens was officially established in 1952, taking its name from Michael B. Olbrich, who envisioned a sweeping park and flower garden adjacent to Lake Monona as early as 1916. The gardens are jointly owned and operated by the City of Madison Parks Division and the non-profit Olbrich Botanical Society, a partnership that has been crucial to its development and success. Significant milestones include the completion of the Bolz Conservatory in 1991, offering a tropical escape year-round, and the addition of the exquisite Royal Thai Pavilion in 2002. This pavilion, a generous gift from the Thai Government and the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association, is a testament to international friendship and cultural exchange, assembled by Thai artisans using traditional techniques without nails or screws.
What to do here
Stroll through diverse plant collections, enjoy the tropical environment of the Bolz Conservatory, ride the free electric tram for a guided tour of the outdoor gardens, and check the calendar for seasonal events, classes, and special exhibits like "Blooming Butterflies."
Seasonal info
Spring: Witness the awakening of the gardens with vibrant daffodils, tulips, and flowering trees. Participate in the annual Perennial Plant Sale.
Summer: Enjoy peak blooms in the Rose Garden, Perennial Garden, and Meadow Garden. Attend outdoor concerts, the Summer Breeze Block Party, and the "Blooming Butterflies" exhibit.
Fall: Admire stunning fall foliage throughout the gardens and learn about seed collecting.
Winter: The Bolz Conservatory remains a warm, tropical haven. Look for special holiday events like Holiday Express.
Accessibility
Olbrich's outdoor gardens and Bolz Conservatory are wheelchair and stroller accessible, featuring wide brick and stone paths with no stairs. House wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for checkout in the lobby, and all entrances have power doors. A free electric tram provides guided tours of the outdoor gardens for visitors needing assistance. ADA-compliant and gender-neutral restrooms are also available.
Don't miss
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Don't miss the Royal Thai Pavilion & Garden, the Bolz Conservatory, the Sunken Garden, the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, and the various themed outdoor gardens.
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Good to know before you go
Wear comfortable walking shoes to fully enjoy exploring the 16 acres of diverse gardens.
Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the beauty; tripods are permitted in outdoor gardens but monopods are recommended in the Bolz Conservatory to ensure clear pathways.
Take advantage of the free electric tram for a relaxing, guided overview of the outdoor gardens, especially if you have mobility concerns.
Check Olbrich's event calendar before your visit to catch seasonal highlights like "Blooming Butterflies," "GLEAM," or live music performances.
Consider visiting the Bolz Conservatory during its free admission hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to noon to experience the tropical oasis without a fee.
Parking is free, but during popular events or peak seasons, the lots can fill up, so having an alternative plan or arriving early is advisable.
Frequently asked questions
- The outdoor gardens at Olbrich Botanical Gardens offer free admission to all visitors. Entry to the Bolz Conservatory typically requires a fee, but it is free on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to noon, and for members.
- During winter, the Bolz Conservatory at Olbrich Botanical Gardens provides a warm, tropical escape, filled with diverse plants, a rushing waterfall, free-flying birds, and blooming orchids. While the outdoor gardens may be dormant, the conservatory remains a vibrant attraction.
- The Royal Thai Pavilion is a stunning and ornate structure, handcrafted in Thailand from teak and adorned with intricate gold leaf. It was a gift from the Thai government and the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association, and it is the only such pavilion in the continental United States surrounded by a garden.
Recent snaps at this place
Jun 4, 2026
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Jun 4, 2026
Jun 4, 2026
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Jun 4, 2026
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