Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I get to Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site?

Located at 99 Warren Street, Brookline, MA, Olmsted NHS is accessible by many different modes of transportation. For public transportation and driving directions, check out our Directions.

The visitor center entrance is located through the main drive on Warren Street. The parking lot is located around the corner on Dudley Street. When parking in the lot, walk along the sidewalk up to Warren Street, and around the corner through the main drive.

 

Is there a fee?

There is no entrance or tour fee at Olmsted NHS.

 

When are the tours? Do I need a reservation?

Tour hours change seasonally. Please see our Hours of Operation for the most up to date information. The grounds are open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. No reservations are needed for offered tours unless you are with a group of more than 10 people.

 

How much time should I plan on spending at the site?

We think that you should give yourself 1.5 to 2 hours to take the tour and see the exhibits. Ranger-led tours of the grounds and historic design office are approximately 30 minutes. If you don't have that much time, grab a grounds guide and set your own pace with a walk around the restored landscape. The grounds are less than 2 acres.

 

Can I tour the site without a Ranger?

The grounds and the exhibits can be self-guided. The historic design office is only accessible on ranger-led tours. Resources allow the historic design office and Fairsted grounds to be viewed online.

 

When is the best time to visit the grounds?

Olmsted considered all times of year when he was designing his landscapes so even in the dead of winter there is still color and texture to be seen. In terms of the most "flowery" time, mid-May to mid-June the landscape is at its peak bloom. If your taste runs to more earth tones, autumn brings a palette of oranges, tans, and browns.

 

How do I access the archival collection?

Visit the Olmsted Archives page for research requests, links to our research guide, finding aids, and more!