Outdoor Gardens,
Lobby + Gift Shop
April - September
10 am – 6 pm daily
October - March
10 am – 4 pm daily
Bolz Conservatory
Closed March 11 - June 14 for Planned Maintenance
Schumacher Library
Permanently Closed
Guided Group Tours
Get an insider's view of Olbrich's outdoor gardens during a 45 to 60-minute guided tour led by a volunteer tour guide. Tours are held rain or shine and will vary according to season and reflect the garden areas that are at peak interest. Tours will only be canceled in the event of dangerous lightning. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Guided tours are intended for adult groups. Some exceptions may be made for older youth groups. Contact [email protected] to inquire about a guided tour for your older youth group.
Reservations must be made at least four weeks in advance and are dependent upon volunteer availability. Click the button below to request your tour reservation or call 608-245-3648.
Self-Guided Group Visits
Olbrich Botanical Gardens offers guests of all ages inspiration and beauty no matter the season. We invite you to come explore Olbrich Botanical Gardens as a group by scheduling a self-guided group visit of the outdoor gardens or indoor Bolz Conservatory. Self-guided visits offer incredible value in a setting unmatched for beauty, relaxation, and inspiration. Self-guided group visits are perfect for groups who prefer to explore Olbrich at their leisure and without a tour guide.
Group reservations only need to be made for groups of 15 people or more. Groups of 14 or fewer do not need advanced reservations. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance and are subject to availability. Click the button below to make request a visit or call 608-245-3648.
Guided Garden Strolls
Sundays, June - August | Tours depart at 1:30 & 3 p.m.
All ages are welcome for this casual overview of the outdoor gardens. Guided Garden Strolls will vary somewhat according to the season and reflect the garden areas that are at peak interest. Guided Garden Strolls are free, drop-in only - no registration is required.
Strolls start and end in the lobby near the Garden entrance and are about 45 to 60 minutes in length. Strolls are held rain or shine and will be canceled only in the event of dangerous lightning. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Youth Tours
Interested in a guided trip for youth, but none of the Explorer School Program dates or time work? We can coordinate a 60-minute, interactive youth group tour that includes a closer look at Olbrich's outdoor gardens and a scavenger hunt or tour in the indoor tropical Bolz Conservatory. Tours are available during open hours pending staff or volunteer availability for K-12 grades of up to 65 students. You can pick a theme for your tour to enrich your curriculum or group goals. Choose from the themes below or we'll work with you to create something new!
- Plant adaptations (All Seasons)
- Comparing WI Forests & Tropical Rainforests (All Seasons)
- Habitats (All Seasons)
- Pollinators (Summer)
- Colors of Nature (Summer, Fall, Spring)
Please contact Ariel Christian, School and Out-of-School Programs Specialist, at [email protected] for any Explorer questions, Scout Group inquiries, or to plan a youth tour.