If you are looking for a relaxing getaway in Madison, Olbrich Gardens is where you need to go. Located just 3 miles from downtown Madison, Olbrich Gardens is a great place to visit to distress and enjoy some beautiful scenery. The Outdoor Garden is free and open to the public every Tuesday to Sunday, and the indoor Bolz Conservatory is just $2 to visit (currently closed due to COVID-19).
There is a lot to see at Olbrich Gardens, including the Sunken Garden, Thai Palace and Garden, Rock Garden, Meadow Garden, and Rose Garden. Each has its own beauty and is a must see for yourself. I suggest taking many trips if you live in or near Madison to fully enjoy all the beauty that Olbrich has to offer.
Olbrich Gardens Thai Pavilion and Garden
One of the most popular spots at Olbrich Gardens is the Thai Pavilion and Garden. The pavilion was a gift for the Thai government to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The University gave it to the city which decided on Olbrich Gardens as its resting place. It is the only Thai pavilion in the continental United States and the only one surrounded by a tropical-styled garden.
The Thai pavilion is truly a work of art and something to be seen up close in person. There is also a beautiful reflection pool that accompanies the pavilion.
I don’t want to give everything away as I highly recommend visiting if you have never been. If you can’t make it to Olbrich Gardens and want more in-depth information/images, then the Olbrich website is a great resource.
Olbrich Gardens Bolz Conservatory
The Bolz Conservatory is a massive pyramid-styled greenhouse that houses over 750 tropical plants. What makes the conservatory even better is that it is also home to many different species of birds. It also includes a beautiful koi pond with different kinds of fish and amphibians. The best part is that the Bolz conservatory is open year round, and a warm place to visit on a cold winter day in Madison. The conservatory is one of my favorite spots in Madison and really a must stop spot for any nature enthusiast. The smells, the sounds, and the beauty will keep you coming back for sure.
I’ll finish this post with a couple of other images of Olbrich Gardens I took. Like I have said, there is so much to see at Olbrich, so these are just a few of the images of all the beauty that Olbrich has to offer.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Location: 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704
Phone: (608)246-4550
Hours: Daily: 12-4 pm
Admission: Free
Bolz Conservatory
Hours: Daily: 12-4 pm
Admission:
$6 – General public admission
Children 5 & under are free
Free public admission: 10 am -12 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays only
Website: olbrich.org