Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a 16-acre property with multiple themed sections, including herb gardens, rose gardens, and perennial beds surrounding a central glass conservatory. The grounds also feature a Thai pavilion and various garden rooms that visitors can explore year-round.

Michael Olbrich founded these gardens in 1952 and established a partnership between Madison Parks Department and the Olbrich Botanical Society. This collaboration shaped the joint management and development of the site for decades to come.

The garden received a Thai sala pavilion in 2002 as a gift from Thailand's government and Wisconsin Alumni Association, bringing traditional Thai architecture to North America. This structure shows how cultural exchange happens through architectural gifts and brings new perspectives into a public space.

Outdoor areas are free to explore and open daily year-round. Visitors can rent mobility equipment and should wear comfortable shoes since there are many paths to walk through.

The Bolz Conservatory houses about 750 plants from roughly 550 different species, impressing visitors with its diverse collection of exotic species. The space maintains carefully controlled temperatures between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit (18-27°C) to create varied growing conditions that also attract canaries and quail.