
Olin Park
Olin Park offers stunning lake views, a free holiday light show, and a budget-friendly event venue, blending nature with cityscapes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful nature escape

Olin Park
Best Time
Peaceful nature escape

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Olin Park offers stunning lake views, a free holiday light show, and a budget-friendly event venue, blending nature with cityscapes.
"Olin Park's a scenic gem with killer Capitol views & sprawling lawns, perfect for chilling."

🚗 Parking Convenience
Ample parking available, making it easy to access the park for a stroll or event.
✨ Free Holiday Magic
The Holiday Fantasy in Lights is free, though donations are welcome. A sweet family tradition!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Monona & Capitol Views
Waterfront
Stunning panoramic views of Lake Monona and the Madison skyline, including the iconic Capitol building. Perfect for photos and relaxation.

Holiday Fantasy in Lights
Throughout the park
A dazzling free Christmas light display that transforms the park into a winter wonderland. A beloved local tradition.

Olin Park Pavilion
Event space
A budget-friendly outdoor venue ideal for weddings and events, offering beautiful park and lake backdrops.

Nature Trails & Wildlife
Wooded areas
Explore serene walking paths through wooded areas, perfect for spotting local wildlife like owls and deer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Olin Park
Beyond the Park: Nearby Gems
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Convenience
Ample parking available, making it easy to access the park for a stroll or event.
✨ Free Holiday Magic
The Holiday Fantasy in Lights is free, though donations are welcome. A sweet family tradition!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of the Capitol and lake, especially during golden hour.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with Turville Point Conservation Park for more nature and trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Convenience
Ample parking available, making it easy to access the park for a stroll or event.
✨ Free Holiday Magic
The Holiday Fantasy in Lights is free, though donations are welcome. A sweet family tradition!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of the Capitol and lake, especially during golden hour.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with Turville Point Conservation Park for more nature and trails.
🎶 Event Hotspot
Olin Park hosts various events like music festivals and community gatherings. Check local listings!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Olin Park is praised as a scenic gem with beautiful Capitol and lake views, ideal for relaxed outings and events like weddings. While some find it lacks destination appeal compared to nearby spots, its tranquil atmosphere, free holiday lights, and natural beauty make it a beloved local park for picnics and leisurely strolls.
"I am a wedding photographer and photographed a wedding at the Olin Park Pavilion in August 2023. The pavilion is such a great budget-friendly outdoor wedding venue. The park has an excellent view of Lake Monona and the Madison skyline. You can choose which outdoor location in the park you want to hold your ceremony. I would definitely recommend booking your wedding ceremony and reception here!"
Brianna Kraft
"Olin Park’s a scenic gem with killer Capitol views & sprawling lawns, perfect for chilling 😊. Polar plunge was a wild rush! Great for Midwest Beer Fest or Christmas light drives. Trails & benches add charm, but it’s no hotspot 😕. Hit Turville Point nearby for more. Can’t wait for summer vibes!"
Joly Sujon
"Olin Park is fine but isn't much of a destination. You get a decent view of the capital and there is a large grassy field but not much else. You can look at that said, Turville Point Conservation Park is next door if you want something more. Go to the Olin Park Vantage for a closer view of the capital."
Edward Brunton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Olin Park is accessible by car with ample parking available. It's also reachable by public transport, though specific routes may vary. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking to the park, especially from nearby areas.
Yes, Olin Park offers convenient parking facilities for visitors, making it easy to access for day trips or events.
Absolutely! Olin Park is bike-friendly, with paths and ample space to enjoy a ride. It's a popular spot for cyclists exploring Madison's scenic routes.
The park features paved paths and accessible viewpoints, making it generally accessible. However, some natural trails might be uneven. It's always a good idea to check specific accessibility details if needed.
The best vantage point for the Capitol view is along the waterfront, particularly from the Olin Park Vantage area. It offers a clear, unobstructed panorama.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Olin Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Access to the park and its grounds is free for all visitors.
Olin Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. However, specific areas like the Holiday Fantasy in Lights have set operating times during the holiday season.
No, the Holiday Fantasy in Lights is a free event. While there's no charge for entry, donations are gratefully accepted to support the display.
Yes, the Olin Park Pavilion is available for booking events, including weddings. It's a popular and budget-friendly outdoor venue.
Typically, pets are allowed in Olin Park on a leash. Always check local park regulations for the most current pet policies.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Olin Park is great for leisurely walks, enjoying scenic views, picnicking, and wildlife spotting. It also hosts events and is a popular spot for photography.
Yes, with its diverse habitats including wooded areas and waterfront, Olin Park is a good spot for bird watching. You might see various local species.
Visitors have reported seeing wildlife such as owls, deer, and wild turkeys in the more natural areas of Olin Park.
While Olin Park offers open green spaces for play, it may not have dedicated playground structures. Families often enjoy the open fields for games and activities.
The Olin Park Vantage is a specific viewpoint within the park offering a closer and clearer view of the Madison Capitol building.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Olin Park itself does not have on-site restaurants or cafes. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food for picnics or dine at nearby establishments in Madison.
Absolutely! Olin Park is a fantastic spot for picnics, with plenty of open lawns and scenic views to enjoy your meal.
You'll find a variety of dining options in the surrounding Madison area, a short drive from Olin Park. Explore downtown Madison for diverse culinary choices.
During special events or festivals held at Olin Park, food vendors may be present. It's best to check the event details for specific information.
Alcohol policies can vary. It's advisable to check the current Madison Parks regulations regarding alcohol consumption in public parks like Olin Park.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront offers stunning views of Lake Monona and the Capitol, especially during sunrise and sunset. The park's natural areas and event spaces also provide diverse photographic opportunities.
Yes, Olin Park is a popular choice for engagement and wedding photography due to its scenic beauty, lake views, and the Capitol backdrop.
Drone usage may be subject to park regulations and FAA guidelines. Some creators have flown drones for aerial shots, but always check current rules before flying.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photography. The park also looks magical during the Holiday Fantasy in Lights.
Events like the Holiday Fantasy in Lights offer unique, festive photo opportunities. Live music events can also provide dynamic backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a meal with a view of Lake Monona. During the holiday season, the Holiday Fantasy in Lights is a must-see, offering a magical experience for children of all ages. Remember to bring warm clothes if visiting during winter!
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Creators have utilized the park for everything from FPV drone footage capturing dynamic aerial shots to documenting events and nature. The Olin Park Pavilion also provides a picturesque setting for event photography.
❤️ Couples & Event Planners
Event planners can leverage the park's natural beauty and the pavilion's facilities for various gatherings, from intimate parties to larger community events. Its accessibility and picturesque views make it a versatile choice for creating special occasions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Olin Park's Holiday Lights
Visitors often describe the experience as enchanting, with creative displays that light up the winter nights. While the event is free, donations are welcomed to help sustain this beloved attraction for years to come. It's a perfect outing for families and anyone looking to embrace the holiday spirit.
Pro-tip: Due to its popularity, the park can get quite busy, especially on weekends. Some visitors opt for early morning or late-night visits during the display's run to avoid the peak crowds, as one creator filmed at 1 am to capture the lights without congestion.
Olin Park as a Venue for Events
Couples can choose from different outdoor locations within the park for their ceremony, adding a personalized touch to their special day. The scenic beauty and accessibility make it an attractive option for those seeking an outdoor celebration.
Beyond weddings, Olin Park is a venue for community events, music festivals, and gatherings. For instance, the Harvest Season Fest has been held here, featuring live performances, highlighting the park's versatility as a community hub.
Nature and Recreation at Olin Park
The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with visitors reporting sightings of owls, deer, and wild turkeys. The natural setting provides a peaceful environment for quiet contemplation or active recreation.
For those seeking more rugged natural experiences, Turville Point Conservation Park is located adjacent to Olin Park, offering enhanced opportunities for hiking and deeper immersion in nature.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit