Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
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Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site at a glance
- Best time
- April–May, September–October
- Trip length
- 2–4 hours to 1 day
- Don't miss
- Historic grounds and interpretive exhibits at Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
- Nearby city
- Brookline, MA
Explore this park
About Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) is recognized as the founder of American landscape architecture and the nation's foremost parkmaker. Olmsted moved his home to suburban Boston in 1883 and established the world's first full-scale professional office for the practice of landscape design. During the next century, his sons and successors perpetuated Olmsted's design ideals, philosophy, and influence.
Weather Information
- Spring
40°F – 60°F
- Summer
Warm temperatures, average high temperature around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, often with humidity.
- Fall
45°F – 65°F
- Winter
Cold, with snow, average low temperature around 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
July and August bring the hottest temperatures. Peak fall foliage is in mid-October.
Operating Hours
Seasonal Park Hours
Hours for the visitor center and house at Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site vary by season. The grounds are open year-round, dawn to dusk. In the summer, the site is open Thursday to Sunday. In the spring, the site is open Fridays and Saturdays. During the winter season, the house is closed to the public, with tours available by appointment only.
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- WednesdayClosed
- Thursday9:30AM - 4:30PM
- Friday9:30AM - 4:30PM
- Saturday9:30AM - 4:30PM
- Sunday9:30AM - 4:30PM
Common questions
Planning Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site. Check the Permits tab on this page and Recreation.gov before you travel — campground, tour, or backcountry permits may apply even without park-wide timed entry.
See Permits tab →
