While some Wisconsinites embrace the snowbird lifestyle and head to warmer climes at this time of year, most of us are hunkered down under the covers post-holidays.
But Madison does offer a warm and humid alternative to flannels and fleece.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, best known for its meticulously maintained landscapes, native plants and spectacular Royal Thai Pavilion & Garden, draws a regular crowd of visitors to its indoor Bolz Conservatory during the winter months.
The glass pyramid, home to more than 650 plants — including exquisite orchids, massive banana and carnivorous plants — is kept at a comfy range of 65 to 80 degrees. Coturnix quail can be seen scurrying around the ground and bright yellow canaries occasionally fly by.
“Our attendance in the conservatory definitely goes up in the winter,” said Katy Nodolf, public relations and marketing manager for Olbrich, located on Madison’s east side at 3330 Atwood Ave. “It’s really common to go in and see people just relaxing, reading a book on a bench, or maybe they have a little watercolor palette.
“It’s like a tropical vacation but you’re still here,” she said.
Visiting the conservatory is $6 for the general public, $3 for kids 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Olbrich members get in free, and entry is free for everyone on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
Adding to the appeal of the temperate spot are several special wintertime ticketed events. Cocktails in the Conservatory, which offers botanically inspired drinks and music from local DJs, has been popular since it launched a decade or so ago, Nodolf said. It typically sells out quickly. Upcoming dates include Jan. 16, Feb. 27 and March 20. The Canopy Sessions are also evening events where the conservatory hosts live music (Feb. 13, March 6 and April 17).
And in February, Olbrich’s annual Orchid Escape brings in hundreds of additional orchids in artful displays, creating a tropical paradise in the thick of the winter slog.
If flowers are not your jam, other spots for peaceful breaks this time of year are the Madison Public Library branches. The library is celebrating its 150th year with an ambitious art exhibition on display across seven of its branches: Alicia Ashman, Central, Goodman South, Hawthorne, Meadowridge, Pinney and Sequoya.
Artists were given a specific year from the library’s history and created an artwork inspired by a new word recorded or added to the dictionary that particular year.
“These selected words, tracing 150 years of evolving language, have sparked a dynamic collection of innovative, playful and thought-provoking artworks,” according to the library’s website.
Thanks for reading our January issue, and have a good start to 2026!
