Parks and recreation departments in Ellicott City, Maryland

The Patapsco Recreational Trail is a part of the Department of Recreation & Parks in Ellicott City, Maryland, United States. This institution offers a variety of recreational and leisure opportunities to improve the health and well-being of the community. With over 9,768 acres and more than 50 developed parks, the Department provides approximately 7,000 programs each year, including leagues, classes, and camps. Volunteers play a crucial role, donating over $1.5 million in labor costs annually. The Patapsco Recreational Trail is dedicated to managing, protecting, and conserving resources to ensure a high quality of life for current and future generations. The Department strives to be model stewards of the environment, using an equity-centered lens to create opportunities for all members of the community. Accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, the Department meets 154 professional standards to maintain quality and efficiency in its operations.

The B&O Ellicott City Station Museum is a historic landmark located in Ellicott City, Maryland. It serves as the terminus of the first 13 miles of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the first common carrier railroad in the United States. The museum is housed in a building that was originally designed as a freight depot in 1831 and later renovated to accommodate passengers in 1857. Although passenger services to Ellicott City ended in 1949, the museum now showcases the history of the railroad through various exhibits on two levels. Visitors can explore the Freight Agent's Office, Superintendent's Office, Telegraph/Ticket Office, Men’s Waiting Room, and Car House. Outside, the Freight House displays a HO-scale model of the first 13 miles of the B&O Railroad and a restored Caboose built in 1927.

Located at 3711 Maryland Avenue in Ellicott City, Maryland, the B&O Model Train Yard is a popular tourist attraction that offers a glimpse into the history of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The institution, also known as the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum, is the terminus of the first 13 miles of the historic railroad, which was founded in 1827 as the first common carrier railroad in the United States. Passenger services to Ellicott City began in May 1830, with horse-drawn rail cars initially used for travel between Baltimore and Ellicott’s Mills. In August 1830, the B&O showcased the first American-built steam locomotive, the Tom Thumb, at Ellicott's Mills. The Ellicott City station, built in 1831 as a freight depot, was renovated in 1857 to accommodate passengers. Although passenger service ended in 1949, freight service continued until 1972, when the station was restored by Historic Ellicott City, Inc.