Olbrich Park
3527 Atwood Ave.Madison, WI 53704 Directions
Acres: 90.01
Whether you are looking for a day of leisure, a picnic with your family, or just a great place to revitalize, Olbrich Park is the place to be. Located on Madison's East side along the shore of Lake Monona and adjacent to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Olbrich Park is one of Madison's largest lakefront parks.
Alternate addresses:
- 3301 - 3401 Atwood Ave.: west lakefront and south boat launch
- 3402 Atwood Ave.: softball fields and north boat launch (canoe/kayak)
- 201 Garrison St. : ice rinks
- 502 Walter St.: softball fields
The Biergarten at Olbrich Park and Rutabaga Paddlesports rentals are open seasonally.
Learn about the history of the public process for the Biergarten.
Alcohol is prohibited in this park. For more information, see the Madison General Ordinance 8.24. In order to have alcohol in this park, you must have an alcohol permit, which may be obtained through the Parks Administrative Office.
Gaga Ball Pit
A few years ago a park patron suggested we install a gaga pit. Quite honestly this was the first we'd heard of the game. But with a little research and talented and resourceful staff, Madison now has a Gaga Ball Pit at Olbrich Park! It's a BYOB - bring your own ball and similar to dodgeball but with a little less force! Perfect for children. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Learn more about the game and rules.
At this Park
Athletic Fields & Courts
Most athletic fields and courts are available first-come, first-served. You must reserve fields and courts online for leagues, lessons, or tournaments.
Basketball
Full Courts: 3
- near Walter St. parking lot - 1
- Near Biergarten parking lot - 2
Full Small Courts: 1
- Garrison Street
Definitions: Full Court = 50' x 84' and Full Small Court = 44' x 74'
Multipurpose Field
6 fields, 1 backstop
Multipurpose Fields are reservable athletic fields with no game-specific design or limitations. Often used for soccer, ultimate, lacrosse or football, yet open to your imagination. They may be used on a first-come, first-served basis if not already reserved.
Softball
4 softball diamonds.
Tennis & Pickleball
Courts: 2, asphalt
4 pickleball courts with portable nets share the space with two tennis courts.
Volleyball
Courts: 4, sand
By beach
Beach
On the shores of Lake Monona, Olbrich Park beach offers paddlesport rentals through Rutabaga.
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline on Lake Monona.
There are no lifeguards on duty.
Public Health Madison & Dane County monitors water quality from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check beach water quality.
Boat Launch
Access to Lake Monona from the mouth of Starkweather Creek.
A Lake Access Permit is required.
Boaters are advised to use caution when navigating the narrowed channel and may consider using an alternate launch site. Boaters may consider launching at alternate sites such as Olin, Tonyawatha or Winnequah.
Botanical Gardens
Olbrich Park is adjacent to Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
Canoe and Kayak Launch
Access Lake Monona.
Canoe and Kayak Storage
Store your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. All storage racks are outdoors and uncovered.
Fishing
People 16 years and older need a fishing license from the Wisconsin DNR.
Eating fish can be a delicious, low-cost, and nutritious meal. However, eating certain fish can also be harmful because they may contain mercury, PCBs, or PFAS. Learn more at Public Health Fish Advisories.
Gaga Pit
Madison now has a Gaga Ball Pit at Edward Klief, Penn, Olbrich, and Warner parks! It's a BYOB - bring your own ball and similar to dodgeball but with a little less force! Perfect for children. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Learn more about the game and rules.
Hockey Rink
Closed for Season
Check the status before heading out. If a rink is listed as closed, do not go on the ice.
Ice Skating
Closed for Season
Check the status before heading out. If a rink is listed as closed, do not go on the ice.
Playground
Three playgrounds.
With 160+ playgrounds throughout Madison, you are never too far from a playground. Playground design and amenities vary by park.
Restrooms at Beach
Open
Restrooms are open when Olbrich Biergarten is open. Visit olbrichbiergarten.com.
In 2026, restrooms are open April 25 – early October.
Restrooms at Canoe Launch
Open
Near softball diamonds.
In 2026, restrooms are open April 25 – early October.
Restrooms at Lakeland Ave
Open
In 2026, restrooms are open April 25 – early October.
Restrooms at Walter St
Open
In 2026, restrooms are open April 25 – early October.
Sledding
Sledding hills are suggested with good snow cover. Open and closed statuses are not monitored.
Walter Street Shelter
Please review reservation policies, shelter prices, and current park projects before reserving.