Lake Elkhorn Park — Attraction in Columbia

Beautiful park that you can walk around. It would take about an hour if you want to walk the whole park around the lake.

There is a small pavilion you can have a rest at.

There is a small playground where there is a sand box the kids love to play in. There are some donated sandbox play kit too. They have a swing set and some slides, one slide set for the little ones (up to 5 yr old, I think), the other for the bigger kids.

Restroom: I have not used it there yet so do not know whether the porta potty exists. But you have an option to use McDonalds’ across from the playground on Cradlerock Way. Their ice cream is cheap and yummy, too.

Parking: -There is some parking visibly located on Broken Land Parkway right next to the park. (When you are traveling from the south or 32) -Some street parking on Cradlerock Way, when you make a RIGHT TURN after you pass the park on Broken Land Parkway. (When traveling from the south or 32) -Some more parking nestled in the park; make a RIGHT onto Cradlerock Way from Broken Land PKWY (when traveling from the south or 32) and make ANOTHER RIGHT at DOCKSIDE LANE...

I recommend this spot for families, to bring your pets, study in peace, etc. Just being what you need and take whatever you brought with you, respectfully. ... My experience if you care 😘:

My dog and I had a nice walk with some play time. Lots of places to explore and the kids I walked past seem to really enjoy the gym bars built in along the pathway. I was excited when I saw they had a working drinking faucet, that included a lower faucet for pets. Unfortunately, that faucet was not working.. Plenty of parking, and there's a McDonald's across the street, if you wanted to grab an ice cream or snack. Just don't litter!! I loved that the park was clean! Only a few pieces of trash I picked up, which with these winds. I'm sure it just flew away from someone's picnic. 😅 We definitely will be back.

Oh, I did see a few ramps, and I was curious if I can bring my ISUP . Seems like a decent place to go paddleboard. There were a few people fishing. I will have to look and check back to update...

Lake Elkhorn Park is a popular recreational area in Columbia, Maryland, centered around Lake Elkhorn, a 37-acre man-made lake built in 1974 as part of the Columbia Association’s stormwater management system. The lake was named after Elkhorn Branch, a tributary of the Little Patuxent River.

Development and Purpose

The lake was constructed to help control stormwater runoff from nearby residential and commercial developments in Columbia, a planned community founded by James Rouse in the 1960s. Along with other lakes in Columbia (such as Lake Kittamaqundi and Wilde Lake), Lake Elkhorn was designed to manage water flow while also providing a recreational space for residents.

Lake Elkhorn Park is a favorite spot for Columbia residents and visitors. It provides a scenic retreat while also serving as an important part of Columbia’s environmental infrastructure. The park is managed by the Columbia Association and remains a key feature of the community’s network of...