Madison in Bloom – Here are Five Beautiful Places to See Spring Flowers in Bloom in Madison…
After emerging from the gray and gloom of winter, getting outside to enjoy the sunshine, warming temperatures, and the spring flowers in bloom all over the city. Here’s our favorite places to enjoy the beautiful spring flowers in bloom in Madison.
Wisconsin State Capitol
The gardens surrounding the stunning Wisconsin State Capitol building are known far and wide as one of the most gorgeous places to see spring flowers in Madison. Starting in early spring, tens of thousands of tulips burst into bloom, bringing a surge of vibrant color to the square. The peak blooms will be dependent on weather, but you’re likely to see the best of the tulips in April, into May. Throughout the summer, you can circle the Capitol and see collections of different flowers throughout the season.
Allen Centennial Garden
620 Babcock Drive
Madison, WI
Escape to Allen Centennial Garden, nestled in the heart of the UW campus, and enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the spring blooms and the changing colors and textures, lasting all summer long. The garden is open to the public from dawn to dusk and is completely free! Well-behaved and leashed doggos are welcome to join you as you stroll the paths. Keep in mind that there are no bathrooms in Allen Centennial Garden, but there are neighboring campus buildings that are open to the public. Be sure to check their website for upcoming events or live music performances. Spring bulbs peak in May, while the annuals/perennials peak in July and August.
Longenecker Gardens
1207 Seminole Hwy
Madison, WI
As one of three distinct garden collections at the UW Arboretum, Longenecker Gardens boasts one of the largest displays of lilacs in North America, including many plantings surviving since 1935. There are new selections added every year so there is always something fresh to discover. Garden tours are offered in the spring, summer, and fall. To see what will be blooming throughout the season, download the map of Longenecker Gardens.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave
Madison, WI
No conversation about flowers in Madison would be complete without Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Open year round, the 16 acres of outdoor gardens really come alive each spring. Stroll through specialty gardens such as the Perennial Garden, Sunken Garden, and Herb Garden. The Bolz Conservatory, a sunny 50-foot-high glass pyramid that houses a collection of tropical plants, orchids, and birds. (Keep in mind, the Bolz Conservatory is closed March 11 – June 14, 2024) Spring bulbs peak in May, while the annuals/perennials peak in July and August.
Take a Hike!
Who says the only spring blooms you get to enjoy are those that have been planted in flower beds? Wisconsin hiking trails boast a variety of spring-blooming wildflowers. While the bloom season for Wisconsin wildflowers will vary based on region, the Madison area should see blooms beginning as early as April, continuing well into May and June. To enjoy prairies of wildflowers in Madison, visit Pheasant Branch Nature Conservancy. It’s been called one of the most beautiful hikes in the state, boasting panoramic views of the Capitol building and the Madison skyline.
Make your plan, pack the picnic basket, and get ready to get out there and enjoy the spring flowers this season!
