Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison (must see)

Olbrich Botanical Gardens horticultural artistry meets sustainable design. Founded in 1952 and named after philanthropist Michael Olbrich, the gardens are jointly maintained by the City of Madison Parks Department and the Olbrich Botanical Society. Visitors can meander through over a dozen specialty gardens-such as the Sunken Garden, Herb Garden, Meadow and Wildflower Gardens, perennial beds, Rock Garden, and a dynamic Rose Garden housing more than 700 varieties of roses.

One of its features is the Thai Pavilion and Garden, uniquely positioned within a serene pool and linked by a 155‑foot arched footbridge. This royal sala, gifted by Thailand’s government and alumni association, is one of only two Sala structures in the United States, and the only one outside Hawaii. Surrounding plantings are chosen for their year‑round interest, emphasizing resilience to Wisconsin’s climate while maintaining tropical aesthetics in summer months.

Upon entering, visitors will discover the Bolz Conservatory-a bright, glass-paneled pyramid structure that soars approximately 50 feet high. This tropical enclave houses over 750 plant taxa across more than 550 species, including banana, coffee, vanilla, and carnivorous plants, along with free-flying birds and a cascading waterfall. It’s a warm, counterpoint to Madison’s seasonal temperatures and open year-round-including the colder months.

Beyond its botanical beauty, Olbrich is a champion of sustainable practices, from eliminating pesticide‑heavy roses and emphasizing native species to using permeable paving, rain gardens, and electric maintenance equipment. The recent Frautschi Family Learning Center earned LEED Platinum certification, demonstrating a commitment to eco‑sensitivity in both garden and infrastructure planning . Educational programming for all ages-from school visits and garden classes to community workshops-fosters connection between visitors and the environment.