Olbrich Park is Madison’s largest lakefront park, with a wide range of athletic facilities for all seasons. It also boasts a boat launch, fishing pier and is just steps from Olbrich Botanical Gardens. This is a fantastic article to read.
The gardens have 16 acres of stunning landscapes & Midwest-hardy plants, as well as the tropical Bolz Conservatory. One of the highlights is the Thai Pavilion, a gift from the Thai government.
Athletic Facilities
Located on Madison’s east side along the skirt of Lake Monona and adjacent to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Olbrich Park is one of the city’s largest lakefront parks. It is also a popular recreation destination for families and individuals.
The park has a variety of athletic facilities sure to interest you no matter what time of year you visit. Whether you’re interested in playing soccer, volleyball, softball, football, basketball, or tennis, Olbrich Park has you covered.
Breese Stevens Field, a multi-purpose stadium, was opened in 1932. It is still used for a variety of events, including scholastic sports, concerts, exhibition games, and football. It is currently the home field of USL League One soccer team Forward Madison FC.
Boat Launch
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Madison’s lakes and waterways is by boat. There are many facilities throughout Dane County that provide direct access to the water or a carry-in trail for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. Some of these facilities feature paved boarding piers, fish cleaning stations, and paved parking areas while others are more secluded or offer only a gravel shoulder to park on.
Olbrich Park on the east side of town has a very nice boat launch with a view of Lake Monona. The park is also home to the Biergarten at Olbrich Park and Rutabaga Paddlesports, which offers rentals of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
The City of Madison’s boat launch has been in the news recently because it has become an issue with navigation due to low water levels and sediment from Starkweather Creek. The City has been working with regional and state partners to address the issue. Here is another spot to visit.
Fishing Pier
Madison is a city that thrives in the great outdoors. Its four large lakes are a natural paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are numerous activities and events to enjoy throughout the year.
Whether you’re visiting the capital for the first time, or returning after years away, you’ll find plenty to do in Madison. From hiking and biking to kayaking and swimming, the city offers something for everyone.
While you’re here, be sure to visit Olbrich Park Madison WI’s fishing pier! The accessible pier provides the perfect spot to take in Lake Monona’s stunning skyline while casting your line for trout or bass.
The pier is just across the street from Schluter Beach and the park. This popular playground features a fun parent/child swing, bathrooms, and changing rooms, a beach with sand and toys, and a fishing pier! The park also boasts a free tram that runs throughout the day. If you’re visiting in the winter, be sure to check out their ice skating rink and giant sledding hill!
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
The 16 acres of outdoor gardens and the year-round tropical Bolz Conservatory delight the senses with chlorophyll-rich wonder. The Sunken Garden, with regional prairie-style terraces and an 80-foot reflecting pool; and the Perennial Garden, with a meandering stream, feature colorful mixes of perennial plants hardy to the upper Midwest.
The two-acre rose garden features a tower with innovative mixed borders of Midwest-hardy shrub roses. The exotic Thai Pavilion and Garden, the only one in the continental United States, is a gift from the Thai government to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The garden’s ten-thousand-square-foot conservatory is home to a diverse collection of tropical plants, a rushing waterfall, birds, and fish. It also houses a gift shop and a horticultural library. Continue reading about McKee Farms Park.
Driving directions from Madison Window Cleaning Co. Inc. to Olbrich Park
Driving directions from Olbrich Park to McKee Farms Park
