Welcome to Columbia!

Columbia is a census-designated place and planned community in Howard County, Maryland, United States. It is a suburb of Baltimore, and, to a lesser degree, Washington, DC. It began with the idea that a city could enhance its residents' quality of life. Creator and developer James W. Rouse saw the new community in terms of human values, not just in terms of economics and engineering. Opened in 1967, Columbia was designed to not only eliminate the inconveniences of then-current subdivision design, but also eliminate racial, religious, and income segregation.

Some of the city's top choices for visitors include:

Columbia Horse Center
10400 Gorman Road, Columbia, MD 20145
301-776-5850
Columbia Horse Center is a complete equestrian facility offering lessons in Hunt Seat, Dressage, Eventing, and Balance Seat for children and adults. In addition to horseback riding lessons we offer the Equi-Lease Program, Show Teams & Clubs, Schooling and In-House shows throughout the year, horse sales, summer and winter camps for kids and adults, a variety of clinics, and boarding. Come visit any Saturday at 1:00, when we offer a free Introductory Lesson and/or Evaluation to those interested in exploring all we have to offer. For horse lovers from age 5 to 105.

Swim Center
10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia, MD 21044
410-730-7000
Voted the "Favorite Place to have a Party" by Maryland Family magazine, the Columbia Swim Center is a cornerstone in family recreation and adult fitness. Two full-sized, 25-yard indoor pools, a wading pool and a one-meter springboard for recreational swimming, aqua fitness and water aerobics classes, KidSpace for children 6 months to 6 years, locker rooms with lockable lockers, a sauna, pro shop and snack bar. Lap swimmers can take advantage of early bird, midday and evening lap times.

Columbia Ice Rink
5876 Thunder Hill Road, Columbia, MD 20145
410-730-0322
The Columbia Ice Rink, situated in the heart of Columbia, has one ice surface. The Columbia Ice Rink is open 7 days a week from morning to night. It has a very active Figure Skating Club and even some activities put on by the Chesapeake Figure Skating School.