Eco-Tourism in Howard County
Columbia Association
More than 3,500 acres of open space and neighborhood amenities such as pools, fitness centers, recreation centers, lakes, parks and walking, jogging and biking pathways.
10221 Wincopin Circle Suite 100Columbia, MD 21044410-715-3000Visit website »Friends of the Patapsco Valley and Heritage Greenway
A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and enhancing the heritage and natural resources of the Patapsco River Valley through educational and recreational programs and activities.
P.O. Box 96 Ellicott City, MD 21041410-480-0824Visit website »Howard County Conservancy
Historic farm buildings, a nature center, hiking trails and educational programs.
10520 Old Frederick Road Woodstock, MD 21163410-465-8877Visit website »Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks
Regional, community, and neighborhood parks containing sports facilities, recreation centers and areas, nature centers, scenic outdoor trails and more; offers an extensive range of recreational programs, activities and special events.
7120 Oakland Mills Road Columbia, MD 21046410-313-4700Visit website »National Aquarium in Baltimore
Experience the world’s aquatic habitats from tropical rain forests to coral reefs; Chesapeake Bay to the world’s oceans.
501 East Pratt Street Pier 3Baltimore, MD 21202410-576-3800Visit website »Patapsco Valley State Park
Nationally known for its trail opportunities and scenery, the park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, with 16,043 acres and eight developed recreational areas.
8020 Baltimore National Pike Ellicott City, MD 21043410-461-5005Visit website »Robinson Nature Center
Howard County’s newest — and greenest — facility! This unique nature education facility is situated on 18 acres of land adjacent to the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area offering over 1,000 acres of forest, meadows and river valley to explore. Designed with energy conservation and sustainability in mind, the center is one of few LEED platinum buildings open to the public in the nation. Highlights include interactive and multisensory exhibits, the NatureSphere digital planetarium and theater, a two-story “Life of the Forest” exhibit, a Children’s Discovery Room, classrooms and an auditorium, natural and cultural history exhibits and wildlife viewing areas.
6692 Cedar Lane Columbia, MD 21044410-313-0400Visit website »
