Olin Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Olin Park is primarily a scenic outdoor park offering stunning panoramic views of Lake Monona, the Madison skyline, and the State Capitol. It features large open, well-groomed grassy fields and some hiking trails through a forested area. While it's noted for hosting various community events and offering space for general relaxation, it is not described as having traditional playground equipment, making it more suitable for general outdoor appreciation and specific seasonal attractions.
Key Highlights
- ✓Excellent panoramic views of Lake Monona, the Madison skyline, and the State Capitol.
- ✓Large, well-groomed grassy fields suitable for open play, relaxation, or picnics.
- ✓Scenic hiking trails through a forested area.
- ✓Hosts a popular, free Christmas light drive-thru event starting mid-November annually (donations accepted).
- ✓Offers benches to sit and relax while enjoying the views.
- ✓Accessible location close to downtown.
Standout Features
- ⭐Panoramic views of Lake Monona, Madison skyline, and State Capitol.
- ⭐Large, well-maintained grassy fields.
- ⭐Hiking trails through the forest.
- ⭐Free Christmas light drive-thru event (donations accepted).
- ⭐Benches available for sitting and relaxing.
- ⭐Proximity to downtown Madison.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →If your primary goal is a traditional playground with swings, slides, etc., Olin Park does not appear to offer these based on available reviews; consider alternative venues.
- →Combine a visit with Turville Point Conservation Park next door if your family desires more extensive outdoor exploration or nature activities.
- →Visit the 'Olin Park Vantage' for the closest and most impressive view of the Capitol.
- →Plan a visit in mid-November or later to experience the free Christmas light drive-thru event.
- →Consider visiting in summer for general family time, picnics, and potential lake-related activities (implied by mentions of Polar Plunge and lake access).
Things to Consider
- ⚠Reviews indicate it 'isn't much of a destination' for specific children's activities and 'not much else' beyond views and fields, suggesting a lack of dedicated playground equipment (swings, slides, climbing structures).
- ⚠Limited structured activities for children beyond general open space and trails.
Price & Value
Entry to Olin Park appears to be free for general access. The Christmas light drive-thru event is also free, though donations are accepted. This offers excellent value for a free scenic outdoor experience with seasonal attractions.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •The park is described as 'excellently groomed' and features 'benches to sit and relax,' suggesting general accessibility in parts. However, no specific accommodations for special needs or detailed information on trail accessibility are mentioned.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not explicitly mentioned, but the presence of large grassy fields and suitability for picnics implies outside food is likely permitted for general park use. No on-site food vendors for families are mentioned.
🚗Parking Info
- •Not explicitly detailed regarding spots or cost, but the park hosts large events like weddings and a Christmas light drive-thru, suggesting ample parking capacity and vehicle access. Its 'close to downtown' location might influence parking availability during peak times.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Expect higher crowds during major events like the Christmas light drive-thru (mid-November onwards), large festivals (e.g., beer fest), or booked weddings. General park usage during other times is not specified but may be moderate due to its scenic nature and proximity to downtown.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features for children or general park users (e.g., staff supervision, first aid stations, locked entrances) are mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If your children specifically require dedicated playground equipment (swings, slides, climbing structures) for entertainment.
- • If you are looking for an all-day destination with structured, curated activities for kids, as the park offers more of a general outdoor experience.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Olin Park Pavilion Closure for Repairs
2026
N/A
The Olin Park pavilion will be closed in 2026 for essential repairs and maintenance by City Engineering.
Boat Launch Parking Lot Restriping & Limited Access
Wednesday, October 1 (pavilion and main boat launch lots) and Friday, October 3 (overflow boat launch lot)
N/A
Parking lots in Olin Park will be restriped. The boat launch will be accessible with limited stalls from 4:00am to 10:00am on these dates.
2026 Shelter Reservations Opening Day
Monday, November 3, 2025
Varies by shelter (Full payment due at time of processing)
Reservations for park shelters for the following year begin on the first business day in November. Can be made online, by phone, or in person.
🍎Food Policy
- • Alcohol is allowed at certain beaches; see Park Rules for further details (Glass is never allowed in any Madison Park).
- • Alcohol is permitted in most Madison Parks. If a park is alcohol-free and you wish to bring alcohol, an alcohol permit is required and must be obtained when placing a shelter reservation (permit not given without a reservation).
🛡️Safety Policy
- • No lifeguards are on duty at Olin Beach.
- • Water quality test results (OK/CLOSED) are posted on the page; 'OK' means approved for swimming, but does not mean a lifeguard is on duty.
- • Only US Coast Guard-approved lifejackets are allowed on beaches.
- • Toys are allowed on beaches, but their use may be restricted for the safety of patrons.
- • Boats are not allowed in the designated swimming area (defined by outer buoys) at beaches.
- • Fishing is not allowed in the designated swimming area at beaches.
- • Watercraft storage: Owner accepts all liability for theft or damage to their property.
- • Watercraft storage: Parks Staff reserves the right to cut any lock and remove any watercraft, under any condition it deems necessary for the function of the boat storage program.
- • Firearms or weapons are not permitted at any of the shelters. Violators may be considered trespassers and may be subject to forfeiture or arrest.
📅Booking Policy
- • Olin Park Pavilion reservations may be made online (credit card only), by calling (608) 266-4711 (credit card only), or in-person at Parks Lakeside Offices (credit card, cash, or check payable to City Treasurer).
- • Full payment for shelter reservations is due at the time of processing.
- • Any required permits (e.g., amplified sound, alcohol) for shelter reservations are required at the time of processing.
- • Multipurpose Fields are reservable online or may be used on a first-come, first-served basis if not already reserved.
- • Watercraft storage: You may be placed on a waitlist at no charge by calling (608) 266-4711 or emailing. Include name, phone, email, and order of preferences on storage location.
- • Watercraft storage: Current users can renew yearly in late winter/early spring, no later than March 15.
- • Watercraft storage: As spaces become available, those on the waitlist are contacted after April 1.
- • Lake Access Permits can be purchased ONLINE or by calling during regular office hours. Iron rangers are NOT available for on-site cash purchasing.
🚗Parking Information
- • Parking Lot available (at Olin Beach and Olin Park Pavilion).
- • Parking lots in parks are available for park programs or events during regular park hours (4:00 am to 10:00 pm).
- • Parking Rules (Ordinance 8.16): Long stalls are for parking vehicles with trailers only.
- • Parking Rules (Ordinance 8.16): Regular-size stalls are for parking vehicles with no trailer only.
- • Parking Rules (Ordinance 8.16): Parking on the grass is prohibited.
- • Parking Rules (Ordinance 8.16): When the launch parking lot is full, you must find an alternative launch site.
- • Parking Rules (Ordinance 8.16): Violators are subject to a citation.
- • Three-hour limit in all parks, as posted.
- • No parking after hours: 10pm to 4am. Overnight parking is not allowed.
- • Follow all onsite parking regulation signs.
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Brianna Kraft
a year agoI 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!
Edward Brunton
2 years agoOlin 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.
Jason Currie-Olson (Faithful Wanderer)
8 months agoA phenomenal venue for The Great Taste of the Midwest beer fest. A beautiful venue right on the lake. Excellently groomed. I love this place.
Bonnie Morgan (Bons)
3 years agoI love this park, we did the polar plunge there and it was the ultimate! I can’t wait until summer to be able to spend time here with the family
Faith
2 years agoAwesome park close to downtown. Pretty views of the capitol and city lights at night across Monona lake. Benches to sit and relax. Some hiking trails through the forest as well. Christmas light drive-thru (free-donations accepted at end) is neat. Starts mid-November every year.