There is ongoing construction due to roofing project. Please practice caution on the grounds and do not enter marked areas.
+1 more active alerts
Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site is a hidden gem located in Massachusetts. While many tourists flock to the major parks, this national historic site offers a much more peaceful and intimate experience with nature. It is preserved for its unique history, diverse habitats, and local significance.
About Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site is a national historic site located in Massachusetts. Summer: Warm temperatures, average high temperature around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, often with humidity. July and August bring the hottest temperatures. Fall: Cooler temperatures, mean temperatures between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, sometimes rainy. Peak fall foliage is in mid-October. Winter: Cold, with snow, average low temperature around 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring: Cold to cool temperatures, average mean temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Site is located on the southwest corner of Warren and Dudley Streets in Brookline, south of Route 9, near the Brookline Reservoir. Site is 0.7 miles from the Brookline Hills MBTA stop on the Green Line, D Branch.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Frederick Law Olmsted is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits, and 2 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Frederick Law Olmsted
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Frederick Law Olmsted
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Frederick Law Olmsted before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 2 active alerts for Frederick Law Olmsted. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Frederick Law Olmsted. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Frederick Law Olmsted
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
More Parks Nearby
Adams
From the sweet little farm at the foot of Penn’s Hill to the gentleman’s country estate at Peace field, Adams…
Blackstone River Valley
The Blackstone River powered America's entry into the Age of Industry. The success of Samuel Slater's cotton spinning mill in…
Boston Harbor Islands
. . . where you can walk a Civil War-era fort, view historic lighthouses, explore tide pools, hike lush trails,…
Boston
Discover how one city could be the Cradle of Liberty, site of the first major battle of American Revolution, and…
New England
From the Sound to the summits: the New England Trail covers 235 miles from Long Island Sound across long ridges…
Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route
This 680-mile-long trail follows the paths taken by George Washington's Continental Army and Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau's Expédition Particulière during their…