Howard County, Maryland

Howard County Local Guide

Settling In Guide

Enjoy the Area

Find a new favorite walk, spend an afternoon with local history, or make room for an everyday stop. 17 places to get to know Howard County.

17 local places
3 ways to explore

Time Outdoors

Parks, trails and places to pause

6 places
Pathway and flowering trees at Rockburn Branch Park.
Pathway and flowering trees at Rockburn Branch Park.Photo: Scott218

Elkridge Parks & Nature

Rockburn Branch Park

Explore pathways and trails or visit the park’s play and sports areas. East and west entrances lead to different facilities.

Before You Go Use the park map to choose between Landing Road and Rockburn Branch Park Road access.

Official Visitor Information
Winter garden at the Howard County Conservancy at Mt. Pleasant.
Winter garden at the Howard County Conservancy at Mt. Pleasant.Photo: Sebwite

Woodstock Parks & Nature

Howard County Conservancy at Mt. Pleasant

Explore the Conservancy’s Mt. Pleasant property through its walking routes and native plant garden. The farm setting connects environmental education with the landscape’s history.

Before You Go Use the Mt. Pleasant location, not the Conservancy’s Belmont site. Organized groups should contact the office before visiting to avoid conflicts with programs.

Official Visitor Information
Lake Kittamaqundi in September 2022.
Lake Kittamaqundi in September 2022.Photo: DiscoA340

Columbia Parks & Nature

Lake Kittamaqundi and the Columbia Lakefront

Walk the lake pathway or pause along the Columbia Association Lakefront. The waterfront connects everyday recreation with Columbia’s original idea of a central gathering place.

Before You Go Accessible ramps are available near Millie Bailey Park and beside the stairs toward the fountain. Check Columbia Association’s rules before boating or fishing.

Official Visitor Information

More to Explore3 More Places to Discover

  • Centennial Park

    Ellicott City Parks & Nature

    A lake loop and picnic areas make room for an easy outdoor outing.

    Walk the paved lake pathway or choose a picnic and play area. Different park entrances serve different facilities.

    Before You Go Choose the correct park section before driving. Boating follows separate seasonal rules.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Middle Patuxent Environmental Area

    Clarksville Parks & Nature

    Protected habitat offers a quieter nature outing.

    Follow marked routes through this conservation landscape, managed for wildlife, environmental education and passive recreation.

    Before You Go Use the official trail map and designated access points. Expect natural surfaces rather than developed park facilities.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Robinson Nature Center

    Columbia Parks & Nature

    Indoor exhibits and woodland trails connect learning with the natural world.

    Explore the center’s environmental exhibits, discovery room and natural play area, then follow trails toward the Middle Patuxent River. Planetarium programs add another dimension to a visit.

    Before You Go Confirm admission and parking gate access before driving. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed on the trails, with service animals accommodated.

    Official Visitor Information
Back to Interests

History & Culture

Art, heritage and local stories

6 places
Ellicott City’s historic railroad station in 2020.
Ellicott City’s historic railroad station in 2020.Photo: Antony-22

Ellicott City History & Culture

Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum

Explore the historic station, freight exhibits and model of the railway’s early route. The building began as a freight depot and later served passengers before becoming a museum.

Before You Go The museum spans two levels without an elevator. An exterior accessible ramp is available in the turntable pit. Guided tours are arranged by appointment.

Official Visitor Information
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in September 2025.
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in September 2025.Photo: Pemilligan

Columbia History & Culture

Harriet Tubman Cultural Center

The center honors Harriet Tubman High School and the experiences and achievements of African Americans in Howard County. The school building now supports historic interpretation and community cultural programs.

Before You Go Check the center’s program listing and visitor information. This is the Howard County cultural center, not the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad visitor center on the Eastern Shore.

Official Visitor Information
Historic Ellicott City Firehouse Museum.
Historic Ellicott City Firehouse Museum.Photo: Preservation Maryland

Ellicott City History & Culture

Ellicott City Firehouse Museum

Learn how local firefighters worked among closely spaced buildings and sloping streets. The surviving firehouse gives the story a compact, tangible setting.

Before You Go Museum access is limited to scheduled opening days. Confirm the Church Road location and current visitor hours.

Official Visitor Information
The historic Log House in Ellicott City.
The historic Log House in Ellicott City.Photo: Chris_Doig

Ellicott City History & Culture

Log House

Interpretation reflects recent research into Levi Gillis and the house’s origins in an African American neighborhood. The building later belonged to Thomas Isaac.

Before You Go Check seasonal opening days. The house stands at Main Street and Ellicott Mills Drive, not at its temporary postflood location.

Official Visitor Information

More to Explore2 More Places to Discover

  • Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park

    Ellicott City History & Culture

    Stabilized ruins preserve the setting of a nineteenth century school for young women.

    The former school’s stone remains invite reflection on women’s education and the building’s later uses. The hillside setting overlooks historic Ellicott City.

    Before You Go Public access is seasonal and weather dependent. Check the county’s current opening information before climbing the hill.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Museum of Howard County History

    Ellicott City History & Culture

    Local collections connect the county’s people, institutions and changing landscapes.

    Visit the Howard County Historical Society’s museum for exhibitions rooted in its collections and research. Its Court Avenue location is separate from the society’s archives at Miller Branch Library.

    Before You Go Use the museum address at 8328 Court Avenue and check its current opening days. Research appointments at the archives are a different visit.

    Official Visitor Information
Back to Interests

Libraries & Community

Everyday places to learn and connect

5 places
Howard County Library System Central Branch.
Howard County Library System Central Branch.Photo: Toohool

Columbia Libraries & Community

Central Branch

Explore the Central Branch’s collections, meeting spaces and adult learning resources. Project Literacy supports English language, citizenship and other educational goals.

Before You Go Use the current branch at 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway. The proposed lakefront library is a separate future project.

Official Visitor Information
East Columbia Branch Library.
East Columbia Branch Library.Photo: FlugKerl2

Columbia Libraries & Community

East Columbia Branch

Use the branch’s collections, computers and learning spaces, including resources for teens and maker activities.

Before You Go Check class registration and room availability before visiting. Use the Cradlerock Way branch address.

Official Visitor Information

More to Explore3 More Places to Discover

  • Charles E. Miller Branch & Historical Center

    Ellicott City Libraries & Community

    Books, study spaces and a teaching garden support learning across generations.

    Browse library collections or explore resources connected to the Enchanted Garden. The branch also houses the Howard County Historical Society’s archives.

    Before You Go Check room reservations and class registration separately. Contact the historical society for archival research rather than assuming library hours cover its services.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Elkridge Branch + DIY Education Center

    Elkridge Libraries & Community

    Library resources meet practical learning and a collection of borrowable tools.

    Use the branch for books, study spaces and classes, or explore its DIY collection for household repair, gardening, crafts and other projects.

    Before You Go Check borrowing eligibility and availability before planning a project around a tool. DIY classes and room reservations have their own booking steps.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Roger Carter Community Center

    Ellicott City Libraries & Community

    Indoor recreation brings swimming, fitness and community activities together.

    The center offers a pool, gymnasium, fitness spaces and classrooms. Its range of facilities provides options for different interests and activity levels.

    Before You Go Check the schedule for the activity you want and confirm admission or membership coverage. A basic center membership does not include every facility.

    Official Visitor Information
Back to Interests

Check the official websites for current access, reservations, fees and seasonal operations before visiting. Destination information reviewed .

General information to help you find the right starting point. Requirements, eligibility, service areas, and application processes can change. Confirm details with the office or provider serving your exact address. Official links open in a new tab. Found a broken link or a changed office? Contact LizyTylerCo and include “Howard County Guide,” the link name, and what happened. Return to All Resources.