Olbrich Park
Lakeside park featuring stunning botanical gardens, recreational facilities, and vibrant community events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music & Biergarten vibes
Olbrich Park
Best Time
Live music & Biergarten vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lakeside park featuring stunning botanical gardens, recreational facilities, and vibrant community events.
"Spectacular gardens, a true treasure for all ages, offering beauty and tranquility."
🎯 Free Garden Entry!
Most of the botanical gardens are free to enter, a fantastic value for such beauty. :moneywithwings:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive gardens and park. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens area
Spectacular free gardens with stunning sculptures, fountains, and diverse plant collections. A true treasure for nature lovers.
Conservatory Arboretum
Botanical Gardens
An absolute must-see, this area feels like a seamless experience crafted over generations. Absolutely breathtaking.
Lake Monona Waterfront
Lake Monona shoreline
Enjoy beautiful sunsets, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water. A perfect spot for peaceful reflection.
Biergarten at Olbrich Park
Park pavilion area
A lively spot for drinks and socializing, often featuring live music. Great for a casual evening out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors Year-Round
Garden Admission & Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Garden Entry!
Most of the botanical gardens are free to enter, a fantastic value for such beauty.
:moneywithwings:👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive gardens and park. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos, especially during sunset by the lake. :camerawithflash:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Dedicate at least 2 hours to truly appreciate the gardens and their intricate details. :hourglass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Garden Entry!
Most of the botanical gardens are free to enter, a fantastic value for such beauty.
:moneywithwings:👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive gardens and park. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos, especially during sunset by the lake. :camerawithflash:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Dedicate at least 2 hours to truly appreciate the gardens and their intricate details. :hourglass:
🎶 Check Event Schedule
Look out for summer concerts and festivals for a lively park experience. :musical_note:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, calling them a well-maintained, free treasure with stunning beauty and intricate designs. The park's lakeside location and recreational facilities also receive high praise, making it a beloved spot for all ages. Some minor points of contention include the small fee for certain garden sections and occasional crowding during peak events.
"Beautiful Gardens that is well maintained.
Took us over 2 hours to go through the whole thing. I think its all free except one part they want 6$ a head and that's amazingly worth it."
Chris Moss
"Loved visiting the garden when my wife and I had time to spare. Spent about 2 hours walking around and enjoying the beautiful gardens. You can really tell they take great care and pride in the planning and maintenance of this garden and its Free! I would definitely recommend for a short afternoon."
Gabe Whipple
"The conservatory arboretum is absolutely not to miss. The grounds are particularly amazing. As we walked around and felt like this was the results of generations of love and planning coming together for one beautiful seamless experience. This is truly a treasure."
jesse white
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Olbrich Park is easily accessible from downtown Madison. You can drive, with ample parking available, or take a bus. Many visitors enjoy biking along the lakefront paths.
Yes, Olbrich Park offers plenty of parking, especially near the botanical gardens and athletic facilities. It can get busy on event days, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, Madison Metro Transit buses serve Olbrich Park, making it accessible without a car. Check the Metro Transit website for specific routes and schedules.
Absolutely! The park offers beautiful views of Lake Monona, and the surrounding roads provide a pleasant driving experience, especially during sunset.
Visitors can explore Olbrich Park by walking, biking, kayaking on Lake Monona, or even taking a guided tour of the botanical gardens.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Olbrich Park itself is free to enter and enjoy its many amenities. However, there is a small admission fee for certain sections of the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
While the main park is free, the conservatory arboretum within the botanical gardens has a nominal admission fee, often around $6 per person, which many find well worth the experience.
Olbrich Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. The botanical gardens and conservatory have specific hours, which are best checked on their official website before your visit.
For general admission to the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, advance booking is usually not required, but it's always a good idea to check their website, especially for special events or group visits.
Yes, Olbrich Park hosts various events throughout the year, including summer concerts, festivals like the Starkweather Summer Solstice Festival, and community gatherings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Olbrich Botanical Gardens, including the Conservatory Arboretum, are a major highlight. The Lake Monona waterfront, with opportunities for kayaking and sunset viewing, is also a must-see.
Yes, Olbrich Park is well-equipped with athletic and recreational facilities, including sports fields, playgrounds, and access to Lake Monona for water activities.
Absolutely! The park features playgrounds, open spaces for running, and the beautiful gardens are engaging for all ages. The butterfly and waterfall features are particularly captivating for kids.
You can expect diverse flora in the botanical gardens, including seasonal flowers, trees, and shrubs. The park also offers views of Lake Monona and its surrounding natural environment.
Yes, there are numerous benches strategically placed throughout the park and gardens, providing ample opportunities to sit, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't extensive dining facilities within the park itself, the Biergarten at Olbrich Park offers drinks and a casual atmosphere. Nearby Madison also has a wide array of dining options.
Yes, Olbrich Park is a great spot for picnics. There are many open grassy areas and some designated picnic spots where you can enjoy your own food.
The Biergarten typically offers a selection of beverages and often features food trucks or a limited food menu, depending on the event and season.
Yes, the area surrounding Olbrich Park, particularly along Atwood Avenue and in nearby Madison neighborhoods, offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars to suit different tastes.
The Biergarten at Olbrich Park is the primary spot for purchasing drinks, especially during its operating hours and events.
📸 📸 Photography
The Olbrich Botanical Gardens offer endless photographic opportunities with their vibrant flowers, sculptures, and water features. The Lake Monona shoreline is perfect for capturing stunning sunset shots.
Absolutely! The western-facing views over Lake Monona provide spectacular sunsets, making it a prime location for photographers.
Macro photography of flowers, landscape shots of the gardens, and portraits with the beautiful backdrops are very popular. The fountains and sculptures also make for interesting subjects.
Generally, personal photography is allowed and encouraged. However, for commercial photography or large-scale shoots, it's advisable to check with park management for any specific permits or guidelines.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most flattering light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the gardens still offer beautiful shaded areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in one of the many scenic spots. The Lake Monona waterfront provides opportunities for gentle water play or simply enjoying the view. The overall atmosphere is welcoming and safe for children of all ages.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Nature Enthusiasts
Take advantage of the walking paths that wind through the park and along Lake Monona. The lakefront is particularly ideal for enjoying a quiet moment, watching the water, or capturing stunning sunset photographs. The park's accessibility and the variety of its landscapes make it easy to spend hours exploring at your own pace.
couples
Enjoy a sunset picnic by Lake Monona, or perhaps rent a kayak for a shared adventure on the water. The Biergarten also provides a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying drinks together, especially when live music is playing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Within the gardens, the Conservatory Arboretum is a standout feature, providing a unique indoor botanical experience. Beyond the flora, the park is adorned with captivating sculptures and fountains that add artistic flair to the natural landscape. Families often find the butterflies and waterfalls particularly engaging for children.
Plan to spend at least two hours to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of the gardens. The combination of free admission for most areas and the high quality of the landscaping makes it an unforgettable visit for all ages.
Lake Monona Waterfront Activities
The waterfront is also an ideal spot for sunset viewing. The western-facing aspect of Lake Monona provides breathtaking vistas as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors. It's a peaceful place to unwind, reflect, or simply enjoy the natural beauty.
Beyond water activities, the park offers ample space for picnics, leisurely strolls, and enjoying the fresh air. The presence of benches along the lake provides comfortable spots to relax and take in the serene atmosphere.
Community and Events at Olbrich Park
The Biergarten at Olbrich Park is a popular gathering spot, especially during warmer months. It often features live polka music and provides a lively setting for socializing and enjoying beverages.
Community involvement is also evident, with volunteer efforts focused on park maintenance and environmental projects, such as planting native grasses to enhance the park's ecological value. This active community engagement ensures Olbrich Park remains a cherished and well-maintained destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit