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Ellicott City is the county seat of Howard County, Maryland, about 10 miles west of Baltimore, with a population of about 75,000 in the wider community. It was founded in 1772 by the Ellicott brothers, Quaker millers who built a flour mill on the Patapsco River, and grew into an important mill town on the first line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
The historic district climbs a steep granite valley along Main Street, lined with 18th and 19th-century stone buildings that now hold antique shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The B&O Railroad Museum: Ellicott City Station preserves the oldest surviving railroad station in America, and the Thomas Isaac Log Cabin, the Firehouse Museum and the Ellicott City Colored School tell more local stories. The town has rebuilt after damaging floods in 2016 and 2018.
Patapsco Valley State Park surrounds the town with river trails, swinging bridges and waterfalls, and the hilltop ruins of the Patapsco Female Institute overlook the valley. Centennial Park and Clark's Elioak Farm are favorites with families.
The steep main street of the historic district, lined with 18th and 19th-century granite buildings housing antique shops, boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants. Shops and owners have rebuilt after major floods. Wear comfortable shoes for the hills, and visit on a weekday or evening when parking is easier.
The 1830 stone depot at the end of the first section of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the oldest surviving railroad station in America, now a museum with exhibits, a caboose and a model railroad. Kids love the trains and costumed history talks. Check opening days, which are limited.
A small museum in a stone firehouse built in 1889, among the oldest in Howard County, with antique firefighting equipment, photos and stories of local fire companies. It sits on a hill above Main Street. It is open on limited days in warmer months, so check the schedule and combine it with nearby historic sites.
A small 18th-century log cabin on Main Street that is among the oldest buildings in town, furnished to show early settler life in the Patapsco valley. Volunteers lead free visits on weekends in season. It takes only a few minutes to see, so combine it with the railroad museum and a walk along Main Street.
The stabilized granite ruins of a girls' boarding school opened in 1837, set on a hill above the town with gardens and walking paths. Open for tours, theater productions and seasonal events, it is especially atmospheric in fall. Climb the hill from Main Street and check the schedule for open days and ghost tours.
A restored one-room schoolhouse built in the 1880s as Howard County's first public school for African American children, now a museum telling the story of segregated education in the county. Docents share stories of former students and teachers. Hours are limited, so check before visiting.
A long state park following the Patapsco River for miles around Ellicott City, with hiking and biking trails, the swinging bridge, Cascade Falls, the Thomas Viaduct and old mill ruins. The Avalon area is closest to town. An entry fee applies at main areas; arrive early on weekends, as lots fill by late morning.
A large Howard County park around Centennial Lake, with a popular paved loop of about 2.5 miles, boat rentals in summer, fishing, playgrounds, picnic pavilions and sports courts. It is a favorite for walking and running. Rent a kayak or paddle boat in season, and visit at sunset for calm views over the lake.
A working family farm with a petting zoo, hayrides, pony rides, pick-your-own pumpkins in fall, and a collection of whimsical fairy-tale figures rescued from the old Enchanted Forest theme park. It is a favorite with young children. Check the season dates, as the farm closes in winter, and bring snacks for the animals.
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