Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

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Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a 16‑acre public garden and indoor conservatory located on Madison’s east side, near Lake Monona in Wisconsin.

Founded in 1952 and named after local attorney Michael Olbrich, it is jointly operated by the City of Madison Parks and the nonprofit Olbrich Botanical Society. The site features several themed outdoor gardens such as a Sunken Garden with a long reflecting pool, a Perennial Garden, an Herb Garden, and a meadow‑style space, as well as the only Royal Thai Pavilion in the continental United States set within its own ornamental Thai garden.

The 10,000‑square‑foot Bolz Conservatory, shaped like a sunny glass pyramid, houses tropical plants, orchids, a waterfall, birds, and fish, offering a warm, year‑round escape from the Midwestern climate. The outdoor gardens are free and open daily, while the conservatory charges a small admission fee, making Olbrich a popular spot for walking, photography, events, and informal gardening education.