Olbrich Park — Attraction in Madison

Olbrich Botanical Gardens — 5/5

I brought my girlfriend (visiting from out of state) and my mom (a Madison local since the early '90s) to Olbrich, and it was the perfect spring day.

My girlfriend was blown away—especially by the Thai Pavilion, with its intricate gold design and peaceful energy. We wandered further, and the early blooms and budding trees made the whole place feel alive and hopeful.

I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, and even after years having moved out of state, Olbrich still feels like home.

Madison’s gems—like its bike paths and Olbrich itself—always draw me back. Sharing this place with my girlfriend and mother made it even more special.

After exploring both the indoor pavilion and the outdoor gardens, we walked over to Garver Mill, we loved seeing all the cyclists out enjoying the path. My girlfriend was equally impressed by the space, and we wrapped up the visit with a shared slice of Ian’s Pizza—classic Madison ;).

Pro tip: Free admission to Olbrich's outdoor gardens makes it an easy visit, and it’s well worth...

What a beautiful place. The parking lot is a little small. But there was plenty of parking available for when I was there. I went into the tropical room which is very humid and warm. You can go up and down the steps or you can walk around and around going up and down. There's a pond and stream and waterfall with Koi. I got to see a Quail run across the path. Some beautiful flowers and unique colors. The area is a little small though so not everyone can spend all day wandering around looking at stuff. I then went outside on the walking paths but it was the beginning of January and 40° outside so nothing is growing. There are some cool buildings to look at and benches to sit on. The different birch trees were neat. It can be hard to find the labels for some of the plants and flowers and trees. It's a great place to take photographs. Once everything outside is in bloom it would be a great place to paint or just sit and enjoy the scenery, read, etc. There is another room in the main building where they host events like the yearly...

Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin, stands out as a remarkable oasis that offers a peaceful and inspiring retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The dedication and hard work of the individuals who nurture and care for the gardens' plants and flowers are truly commendable. These amazing humans pour their hearts and souls into maintaining a diverse and thriving environment, ensuring that each visit is a unique and enchanting experience. Their efforts foster a welcoming space that encourages exploration, relaxation, and a deeper appreciation for nature's beauty. The gardens themselves are a testament to the love and commitment of these caretakers, showcasing an array of stunning landscapes that captivate the senses. From the serene beauty of the Japanese garden to the vibrant colors of the annual displays, Olbrich Botanical Gardens is indeed a treasure. The people behind its maintenance deserve more recognition for their significant contributions to creating such a splendid sanctuary for...