Olbrich Botanical Gardens Review

This place is beautiful, it's free and well maintained even though they don't charge you for entry

This is one of those places where you could come here once a week and never be bored! This should be at the top of your list when visiting Madison! The outside garden is so beautiful, it will take your breath away. Every possible plant, flower, native to Wisconsin and then some, is in this garden. They also have an herb garden during the summer months, a zen garden, stone paths, a ton of cool fountains, benches to sit on all over, a cool bridge over a small lake, and so many more exciting and awesome things! There is usually something going on there too like Lilly sales, plant sales, fund raisers, you can even rent the garden to get married in! Every plant is labeled with the name and origin as well. This is a place you just have to experience to get the full extent of what I'm trying to describe! Inside the building, there is a tropical garden with a wide array of tropical plants, koi fish and some birds and butterflies. It's a small paradise to experience and relax in. They have a website with their hours and list of events happening on any given day, week or weekend. They even have things for the kids to do! There is a small gift shop inside too. This is a perfect place for a family or anyone wanting to just enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. They even have a temple that was graciously given to us from the amazing people in Thailand. It's one of kind and the ONLY one in the US.

Back in May (2015), some friends and I purchased a photo permit so we could take pictures of some of our competition costumes. When we actually went to go purchase the permit (since we couldn't send it in the mail in time), the staff there was understanding and kind, but there were very limited time spaces for photo sessions. A week later when we actually came for the photo-shoot we had to wait for the program coordinator to okay us taking pictures. This was fine, but it did take about 5 minutes of time we could have used. Near the end of our shoot, the coordinator went out and found us to tell us we had ten minutes remaining, while we were already keeping a close track of time. It gave all 4 of us a very bad vibe that the staff didn't trust us even though we paid for our time just like anyone else would have. As a Madison resident I've always loved the gardens, but this really gave me a sour impression of the staff. Granted, we had "strange" clothes on, but it doesn't change the fact that we paid for and respected our time slot to a T. I'm not sure if we will be going back to Olbrich for future photo-shoots after this experience.

Besides that, the gardens are absolutely stunning and I would definitely recommend visiting during peak seasons. If you're going to take pictures of costumes, maybe choose another venue, but otherwise Olbrich Gardens is definitely worth the drive.

Extremely beautiful and free. So many amazing plants labeled and artfully displayed. Thai garden was stellar and water Displays so peaceful. Art was fun as well. Very nice garden and so fun to bike around the lake to get to it via marked trails.

Beautiful gardens with lots of lovely plants. Unfortunately a contracted staff while working on an outdoor walking path improvement was smoking a cigarette! Kind of spoiled the garden's fragrant experience.

Madison boasts no shortage of beautiful natural greenery, but the Botanical Gardens truly takes the cake when it comes to biodiversity. The gardens are perfect for an afternoon stroll and are equipped with a variety of comfortable spaces for sitting and enjoying the sounds and sights of nature.

I love tree's & flowers, being one with nature. I absolutely fell in love with this place it was nice seeing different tree's & flowers from different parts of the world... it was interesting to see them thrive under one roof in controlled moist and humid environment!! I saw trees from Africa, Puerto Rico, Madagascar!!!! Just lovely I tell you!! It was a really cold day in Madison, it's a great escape from the cold...use your imagination, you'll be in the tropics!! We are so close to Nature, I loved everything about The Botanical Gardens!! I saw a little orange birdie flying around too, he seemed so happy to be there too. They have different places where you can just sit, reflect on whatever your heart desires, some people were even reading. So it's diffently somewhere you can find some peace, even if it's not quiet... it's still a little piece of heaven on Earth!!! I can't wait to Return to see what's new!! BTW...the gift shop is very intriguing as well, you can buy something special for someone else or even yourself!!! It's a bit pricey but worth it for some of the unique items you may only find there!! Enjoy!!

If you haven't been to Olbrich be prepared to be wowed, almost unbelievable.

Always beautiful but this time of year remember to bring bug spray!

The Gleam event was neat, but I kind of expected more lights. I bet the gardens are beautiful in daylight!

Some of the most beautiful plant and animal life I have ever seen. It was very relaxing and enjoyable.

The Thai Pavilion is an extra charm to the already beautiful garden all around. Such a quiet and beautiful walk to get there. It's the closest to being in Thailand when you are in the area. A must see.

Affordable and worth the trip! All gardens are lovely and the live art is great for both kids and adults to look at and play with.

Beautiful gardens, especially in the spring. Very peaceful with a lot to see, and it's also free except for the indoor portion, which is only $2 and worth seeing. The indoor portion also smells really nice.

Really impressive place. We love walking around here. The butterflies in the fall were really fun for the kids. Absolutely beautiful all summer long (I haven't been in the winter)

In Malawaki there are tropical and desert plants, a quiet location, and a beautiful landmark

It is by far my favorite Botanical Garden I have ever been to.
It's an intimate garden, with lot's of small sections.

Incredibly beautiful, well kept, sprawling... Very very cheap conservatory admission and free garden access. A new favorite.

Not a place for native plants, but wonderful place for outdoor landscape design. They also have an inside tropical plant area.

Wonderful place to visit. Especially during winter in Wisconsin. ;-)

Love this place. Even with all the restrictions in place my family had a great time. This is always a great way to spend a few hours.

Nice place to stroll around and take pictures of the flowers, flowering trees, and some wildlife. A lot of people go here for photoshoots, be aware, a permit is required for all photoshoots of people. They also offer a stock photography permit that allows for the sale of pictures taken at the gardens.

Beautiful place to walk around, relax, read, and appreciate nature. All kinds of flowers, trees, and other plants all very well taken care of.

Beautiful in the summer and spring, and it's free for the outdoors part!

A beautiful place to wander and forget the world outside the gates.

So beautiful! So many different plants to admire, and only $2! Definitely excited to come back!

Can never get enough of this garden. Indoor and outdoor is never a disappointment. I come for the expansive selection of orcids. But there's never a dull corner or path everything is so we'll manicured and curated

Went for the hatching butterfly event it was awesome

Enjoyed this little oasis... it's pretty but it was a little on the small side... but that may be a plus for some as it doesn't take that long to get around. Loved the birds fluttering around

Beautiful plants and trees and flowers and it's all free unless you want to check out the atrium section. They do have a donation box but it's not required.

Great place to decompress and take in the beauty of so many plant species, many of which you would never experience. The grounds indoor and out present a plethora of photo opportunities. Reminds me of the Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee where my Uncle Bob took us when we were young.

Pretty cool looking, cheap pricing, has a gift shop, and an indoor garden

The concervancy, a tropical paradise, great place to go to beat the winter blues.

I. Freaking. Loved. This. Garden. Friendly for all ages, a lot of different plants and areas to see. There is also an activity (right now at least) for kids to learn about pollinators, and how to be helpful with the environment, and I think that is wonferful! There are honey bees, bumble bees and butterflies constantly roaming around, and in this time of COVID, I really appreciated seeing this beauty. These pics are just a few glimpses of the gardens!

Great place to visit for a quite and relaxing walk. Enjoy the various flowers and the silence.

Beautiful! So colorful and well cared for. Can't believe the gardens are free. The observatory was well worth $2.

Eastside favorite new lookout has a great view, great for bridal pictures.

One of my favorite things to do in the city. Outside is free and inside is extremely inexpensive. The art exhibit GLEAM is a must see

Great place to visit for a walk and gardening ideas.

Amazing place. Absolutely breathtaking with over 16 acres of gardens and displays. Beautiful art pieces.

This is a Madison gem. We love coming here to see the flora both inside and outside. The special events are always fun and impressive. I am so thankful for this beautiful space.

Felt like I was somewhere else in the world. . somewhere exotically tropical. we will be back many times to explore again.

This place was so beautiful! Lots of flowers and nice wide paths to walk thru the garden. Free admission! What a gem!

Great jungle garden. Fun to show my granddaughter the baby bananas, and my grandson loved watching the Koi. Saw our first spri g robins outdoors, and a magnificent cottonwood tree.

Very nice urban garden conservancy. The butterfly event in late July and early August was outstanding. I would categorize the butterfly event worthy of not to be missed designation. We'll be sure to go back for that event next year.

Went the first week of May and the place still looked a little dead, many plants were not in their best cover yet. Still a beautiful and refreshing short walk

Great place for an afternoon stroll in the cold months.

Lovely garden. Amazing. EPIC!!! ps an amazing place to take your family or significant other :)

Gorgeous gardens which were very much in bloom when we visited at the start of July. Lots to explore and the gardeners that we met were knowledgeable. It was amazing how much further along their plants were (they are USDA zone 5a) than our plants back home (USDA zone 5b). It appears that the deep snow cover during the winter helps somehow.

It wasn't clear which plants they had to dig up and bring inside for the winter -- there were some palms that would only survive down to zone 8b. In any case, it inspired us to improve our garden.

Don't miss the conservatory especially when it is free (Saturday mornings at least).

Free Free Free, who doesn't like free..My family decided to stop by Olbrich Botanical Gardens on our trip to Chicago. All I can say, is it's a must visit place, especially on a beautiful day in Madison, Wisconsin. If you're driving through Madison and have an hour or so to kill. Make sure you visit here! The garden is free (donations welcomed) , while the conservatory is $3 for adults and $2 for children. I didn't have a chance to go to the conservatory, but it looked like it'd be worth the trip.

The garden was beautiful; Green all around. Lots of different types of trees, flowers, bugs, mini waterfalls and lakes and a beautiful Thai Temple that was donated by the Thailand government. I came here with my family on a Thursday afternoon in June. It was not busy at all, I imagine it's busier during weekends, so if you want some good shots, then come during the weekday! There are some gorgeous shots around the garden. Lots of arches, bridges, and other cool relics.

Check this place out if you have a hour or two to spare on your trip to Chicago or Twin Cities!!

Very nice place to visit and the outside gardens are free to walk around in.

This is a stinky Corpse Flower.It only blooms once every 7-10 years so I feel lucky to see it

I always enjoy going to Olbrich. They have a lot of good special events.

Loved it . Very pretty. Sat and smelled the flowers. Thai exhibit outstanding.

Good place to walk and distract from the city for a while.

Very pretty gardens to visit. Came on mothers day to watch a big band concert and had a nice stroll afterwards. The thai pavilion is pretty along with some great views on the terrace they built!

Olbrich Botanical garden was beautiful today, but going back next month when flowers are in full bloom!

The main reason I went was to take my kids to see the butterflies and website didn't mention they are not there until mid July so was disappointed as were the kids but other then that beautiful

I love the different events in here and they are taking care of the gardens around very well. I am thankful for all the volunteers and workers in here.

FREE!! beautiful scenery, huge gardens to walk through. Fun for family or even fun for a date. Try and bring a few singles to tip the garden box.. its free to enter so tipping if you can is always appreciated and helpful. If not don't feel bad, your not obligated. They also have a gift shop!

Well done, much to see and great place to spend an afternoon

Olbrich Gardens is very beautiful no matter what time of the year you go there's always something to see

Beautiful. Friendly works, great time with the kiddos.

Beautiful grounds and conservatory. Art light shows in evening, intertwining the plant life and lighting. Thai pavilion is a colorful red and gold accent among the jungle plants.

Beautiful place to spend a relaxing afternoon with nature

Awesome botanical garden, with unique spices from world wide

Absolutely loved this garden. The temple was outstanding. Beauty at all turns.