Early bird registration ends on August 15, 2023! Register now to pay $250. After August 15, registration is $350.00. No refunds after August 15.

Wisconsin is not just beer, brats and Packers Football! It’s also a great showcase of Olmsted landscapes. Join the Olmsted Network as we explore Olmsted in Wisconsin and see firsthand the under-appreciated Midwestern gems that the Olmsted firm created. 

We’ll spend two wonderful days in Milwaukee, exploring Lake Park, Riverside Park, Washington Park and Newberry Boulevard through local-led walking tours. On the third day, we’ll travel to Lake Geneva, the extraordinary lakeside community where John Charles Olmsted and Jens Jensen were both active. In Lake Geneva, we’ll tour Yerkes Observatory— home of astrophysics— and learn about the exciting work underway to restore the observatory and the John Charles Olmsted landscape around it. 

We promise an inspiring line-up of expert presentations on: 

  • Olmsted Landscapes in Wisconsin 
  • Public-Private Partnerships 
  • Milwaukee’s Cultural and Environmental History 
  • John Charles Olmsted in Lake Geneva 
  • Horticultural Challenges in Historic Landscapes 
  • Historic Designation 

And, we’ll hear from municipal and civic leaders in a lively discussion about great parks, public health and social justice. 

Of course, it won’t be all work and no play! We will dine at the famous Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro, which overlooks Lake Michigan. We will honor extraordinary Olmsted stewards during our awards dinner under the stars on the rooftop terrace of the Grohmann Museum. And last but not least— a visit to the Lakeside Brewery. (This are option events, requiring add-on fees.)

You won’t want to miss this great conference! 

Need a hotel room? We’ve reserved a two block of rooms: 

One at the famous Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. From September 19-23, rooms are $249 per night. The rate is good until August 29. To book, call (414) 935-5942 and ask about the Olmsted Network block, or use this link to book online. 

Another at the Drury Plaza Milwaukee Downtown. These rooms are $198 a night. The rate is good until August 18. To book, call 1-800-325-0720 and use Group Number 10071317, or use this link to book online. 

If you’re able, we recommend extending your trip! Stay the weekend for Historic Milwaukee’s Doors Open on September 23-24. 

More details coming soon! Have questions? Email us at info@olmsted.org. 

By registering for this event, you consent to receiving emails from us!

Photo Credit: Lake Park by Eddee Daniel