Best Places to Visit in Columbia, MD

Robinson Nature Center

Columbia, MD

Robinson Nature Center, is a unique nature education facility situated on 18 acres of land adjacent to the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area. Geothermal heating/air-conditioning, porous paving, solar panels, innovative water conservation methods and a host of other features make this building environmentally-friendly and have earned it the LEED Certified Platinum designation. Each year, the Center runs over 420 programs including field trips, public programs, birthday parties, home school and scout programs.

Rockburn Branch Park

Elkridge, MD

National Cryptologic Museum

Annapolis Junction, MD

The National Cryptologic Museum is the National Security Agency’s principal gateway to the public. It shares the Nation’s, as well as NSA’s, cryptologic legacy and place in world history. Located adjacent to NSA Headquarters at Ft. George G. Meade, Maryland, the Museum houses a collection of thousands of artifacts that collectively serve to sustain the history of the cryptologic profession. Visitors can catch a glimpse of some of the most dramatic moments in the history of American cryptology: the people who devoted their lives to cryptology and national defense, the machines and devices they developed, the techniques they used, and the places where they worked.

Savage Mill

Savage, MD

Savage Mill is a historic cotton mill complex in Savage, Maryland, which has been turned into a complex of shops and restaurants.

Patapsco Valley State Park

Ellicott City, MD

Patapsco Valley State Park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 16,043 acres and eight developed recreational areas. Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback and mountain bike trails, as well as picnicking for individuals or large groups in the park’s many popular pavilions. The park is nationally known for its trail opportunities and scenery. They have over 200 miles of trails, with 70 of those miles identified as maintained trails. There are hiker only trails and multi-use trails accessible from many areas of Patapsco.

Merriweather Post Pavillion

Columbia, MD

Conveniently located in the Baltimore/Washington corridor off Route 29 in Columbia, Maryland, Merriweather is nestled within the 40 preserved acres known as Symphony Woods. The natural, outdoor concert setting is one that simply cannot be matched. For more than 40 years, Merriweather has hosted a diverse range of artists and events, offering the area’s absolute best in contemporary entertainment. At Merriweather, they are committed to delivering a concert experience that is the top-notch in every way.

Clark’s Farm

Ellicott City, MD

Clark’s Farm is part of the farming operation of the Clark family, which is proud to be entering its 214th year of farming in Howard County (actually Howard County in only 150 years old, prior to that they were part of Anne Arundel County). Over those years, they have raised crops and a variety of animals and run a dairy operation, but the main link between the seven generations of farmers in their branch of the Clark family has been raising beef cattle.

Cedar Lane Park

Columbia, MD

Middle Patuxent Environmental Area

Clarksville, MD

The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) is a “forever protected” natural environmental area. At 1,021 acres, it is the largest parkland in Howard County’s system of parks, open space and natural resource areas.  Howard County’s Department of Recreation and Parks manages the area in a cooperative partnership with the Middle Patuxent Environmental Foundation.  The area is managed using ecosystem management concepts to restore and protect the diversity of communities found in this region.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Columbia, MD

SkyZone is an indoor, wall-to-wall trampoline park providing healthy fun and a “wow” experience for all ages. They are an indoor, wall-to-wall trampoline park offering healthy, safe, fun fitness.