Visitor Guide
Howard — Visitor Guide
Top attractions, trails, food and drink, history, seasonal activities, and everything you need to plan your visit to Howard, Nebraska.
🧭 About Howard
Between the National Mall and the Inner Harbor — Room to Slow Down
Howard County sits between Washington, D.C.'s National Mall and Baltimore's Inner Harbor, close enough to both for an easy day trip but built around its own wide-open spaces and small-town charm. It's a county of contrasts — the planned, lakefront community of Columbia on one side, and the cobblestone streets of historic Ellicott City and Savage on the other — with parks, water activities, and live music tying it all together.
⭐ Top Attractions
Centennial Park
Howard County's central recreation hub in Ellicott City, with paddleboats on the lake, picnic spots, and trails for a full day outdoors.
Historic Ellicott City
A cobblestone-street historic district with ice cream shops, quirky stores, and museums to explore on foot.
Columbia's Lakefront & Lakefront Stage
The heart of Howard County's planned community, with live music by the lake and a walkable downtown.
Patapsco Valley State Park
A nature-focused state park where rock skipping and tree climbing are part of the experience.
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Howard County's signature arts and music venue, hosting concerts and performances.
🥾 Trails & Outdoors
🍺 Food & Drink Trails
🏛️ History & Heritage
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum
A historic railroad station museum in Ellicott City
Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park
A historic park in Ellicott City on the site of a former women's institute
Belmont Manor & Historic Park
A historic manor and park property
Bollman Truss Bridge (Savage)
A historic iron bridge in the Savage Historic District
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
A cultural center preserving local African American history
🗓️ Seasonal Guide
Spring 🌸
Spring festivals mark the start of the outdoor season across the county's parks and historic towns.
Summer ☀️
Summer concerts fill Columbia's Lakefront Stage, and the parks and water activities at Centennial Park are in full swing.
Fall 🍂
Fall farm days and the Howard County Fair bring the harvest season to life, alongside fall foliage in the county's parks.
Winter ❄️
Holiday events and a full theater season, including performances at Toby's Dinner Theatre, keep the county busy through winter.
🗺️ Plan Your Visit
Source: Maryland Mountain Side — Official Allegany County Tourism