Ellicott City Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Maryland, Ellicott City is a charming census-designated place that offers a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and small-town charm. Located in the United States, this picturesque destination is sure to captivate the hearts of travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience.

One of the highlights of Ellicott City is its rich history. Founded in 1772, this town boasts a fascinating past that can be explored through its well-preserved historic sites. Stroll along the historic Main Street, lined with beautifully restored buildings that house a plethora of boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Immerse yourself in the town's history by visiting the Ellicott City Station, a former train depot that now serves as a museum showcasing the region's railroad heritage.

For nature enthusiasts, Ellicott City offers an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Take a leisurely hike along the picturesque Patapsco Valley State Park, where you can marvel at the stunning waterfalls and lush greenery. Enjoy a picnic by the river, go fishing, or simply take in the tranquil surroundings. The park also offers various trails for biking and horseback riding, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Food lovers will delight in the diverse culinary scene that Ellicott City has to offer. From cozy family-owned eateries to upscale restaurants, there is a wide range of options to satisfy any palate. Indulge in delectable Maryland seafood, savor authentic international cuisines, or treat yourself to delicious desserts from local bakeries.

Art and culture enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Ellicott City. The town is home to numerous art galleries, showcasing the works of talented local artists. Visit the Howard County Center for the Arts, a vibrant hub of creativity that hosts exhibitions, performances, and workshops throughout the year. Immerse yourself in the local arts scene and discover unique treasures to take home as souvenirs.

Alternative names: Founded: 1772 (252 years ago)Population: 65.8 thous.Area: 30.08 mi²Elevation: 167 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°16'3"N, 76°47'57"W

Location

MarylandUnited States

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Ellicott City Top Attractions

Ellicott City Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ellicott City offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Lake Centennial, Saint Paul Catholic Church, Shrine of St. Anthony, Clark's Elioak Farm. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Centennial
Centennial Lake is a man-made 54-acre reservoir, in a 325-acre park in Howard County, Maryland, near Columbia, Maryland and Clarksville, known as Centennial Park. It was created by damming the Centennial Branch of the Little Patuxent River.
Church
Saint Paul Catholic Church
Saint Paul Catholic Church is a Catholic parish located in Ellicott City, Maryland. It was founded in 1838 and is part of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Babe Ruth married here. It is a two-story ashlar granite church which faces north. It is three bays wide and four bays deep.
Sacred and religious sites • Church
Shrine of St. Anthony
The Shrine of St. Anthony is a Roman Catholic shrine honoring St. Anthony of Padua. The shrine is located within the St. Joseph Cupertino Friary in Ellicott City, Maryland, USA. The shrine is a ministry of the Conventual Franciscan Friars, Our Lady of the Angels Province, USA.

Farm • Zoo
Clark's Elioak Farm
Clark's Elioak Farm, located along Maryland Route 108 in Howard County, Maryland, is a historic farm covering 540 acres. All of the acreage is part of county or state farmland protection programs, barring use of the property for non-farm development.
Church
St. Luke's African Methodist Episcopal Church
St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church, is a historic African Methodist Episcopal Church located at 8435 Main Street in Ellicott City, Maryland. The building was constructed in 1889.
Universities and schools
Patapsco Female Institute
Patapsco Female Institute is a former girls' boarding school, now a partially rebuilt historical site, located on Church Road in Ellicott City, Maryland, United States.
39°16'7"N • 76°47'54"W
Howard County Courthouse
The Howard County Courthouse is a former Courthouse building in Ellicott City, Maryland that now houses the Orphan's Court. A stone house on main street served as a temporary courthouse during construction from 1840-1843.
Park
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is a Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks' public park located in Ellicott City, Maryland. It surrounds Centennial Lake, covering an area of 337 acres. Traveling around the lake is a 2.4-mile paved trail loop.
39°16'2"N • 76°47'54"W
The ClayGround Studio & Gallery
Museum
Church
St. John's Episcopal Church
St. John's Episcopal Church is located in Ellicott City in Howard County, Maryland, United States. The church stands on a land grant originally patented as "Three Brothers". A section of the land owned by Caleb Dorsey was donated for the church. The building was erected out of local granite in 1823.
39°16'3"N • 76°47'47"W
HorseSpirit Arts Gallery
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
Neighbourhood
Ellicott City Historic District
Ellicott City Historic District is a national historic district in Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland. The Ellicott City Station is a National Historic Landmark located within the district.
39°16'36"N • 76°53'35"W
Doughoregan Manor
Doughoregan Manor is a plantation house and estate located on Manor Lane west of Ellicott City, Maryland, United States. Established in the early 18th century as the seat of Maryland's prominent Carroll family, it was home to Charles Carroll, a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence, during the late 18th century.
39°16'9"N • 76°47'47"W
Mt Ida
Mt Ida is a historic home in Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland. Mt. Ida was built for William Ellicott, grandson of one of the city's founding brothers, Andrew Ellicott in 1828. It was built by Charles Timanus, who was also the principal builder of the neighboring Patapsco Female Institute and the Howard County Courthouse.
Church
Mount Gilboa Chapel
Mount Gilboa Chapel is a historic African Methodist Episcopal Church located in Oella, Baltimore County, Maryland. It is a small stone church measuring 28 feet by 42 feet, built about 1859 by free African Americans. The front façade is ashlar masonry, but the sides and rear are of rubble.
39°15'0"N • 76°45'0"W
Bethesda
Bethesda is located in Ellicott City, Maryland within Howard County, Maryland, United States. The home is sometimes mistakenly referred to as "Dower House" because a small dower house exists on the property.
39°16'54"N • 76°47'31"W
The Oaks
The Oaks is a historic home and slave plantation located in Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland. The house is situated on a land tract named Joshua's Addition patented in 1723 by Joshua Sewall fronting an Indian trail latter named Claggett Road.
Church
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church is a historic church in Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland adjacent to the Howard County Circuit Courthouse. The church is a cruciform shaped structure made of granite stone construction. The building was expanded and rebuilt after a basement collapse during construction in April 1894.
39°15'48"N • 76°47'38"W
Lilburn Cottages
Lilburn Cottages are a group of historic cottages part of Liburn Mansion, located in Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland. The cottages were built on an original 2,500-acre land grant named the Valley of Owen.

Day trips

Ellicott City – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ellicott City, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Walters Art Museum (Baltimore), Royal Farms Arena (Baltimore), National Museum of Health and Medicine (Silver Spring).

10 miE
Ancient and 18th-19th century art
Walters Art Museum, Baltimore
The Walters Art Museum, nestled in the heart of Baltimore, United States, is a cultural gem that boasts an extensive collection of art from around the world. This prestigious institution is renowned for its assemblage of treasures ranging from pre-dynastic Egyptian...
9.8 miE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Royal Farms Arena, Baltimore
Nestled in the heart of downtown Baltimore, Royal Farms Arena stands as a beacon for sports enthusiasts and concert-goers alike. This multifaceted venue, which has been a staple of the city's architecture since its inauguration in 1962, continues to host a diverse...
22 milesSW
Collection of medical specimens
National Museum of Health and Medicine, Silver Spring
Nestled in the city of Silver Spring, Maryland, the National Museum of Health and Medicine is a fascinating establishment that beckons visitors with an interest in the intricacies of the human body and the history of medicine.
10 milesE
Hiking, Hiking trail, Scenic walking areas
Baltimore Heritage Walk, Baltimore
Baltimore Heritage Walk is a journey through history nestled in the heart of Baltimore, United States. This urban hiking trail offers both residents and visitors an opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Baltimore's past, winding through iconic historical...
12 milesE
Museum, History museum, Historical place
Fort McHenry, Baltimore
Fort McHenry, nestled in the vibrant city of Baltimore, United States, stands as a national icon and a museum that beckons visitors to delve into the nation's past. Renowned for its pivotal role in the War of 1812, this historic star-shaped fortification was the site...

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Best Time To Visit Ellicott City

Learn when is the best time to travel to Ellicott City weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in April and May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in May.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Ellicott City?

The top attractions to visit in Ellicott City are:

What is the best time to visit Ellicott City?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in April and May. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.