A Stone’s Throw: Sykesville, Md.

What we now call Sykesville was once part of Springfield, a 3000-acre estate owned by William Patterson, a wealthy shipbuilder from Baltimore.  When Patterson passed away he left the land to his son, who later sold off 1,000 acres to James Sykes, hence the name Sykesville.

The first train system ran through the area in 1831 when the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad extended its Old Main Line through the town. Soon after the arrival of the railroad, many stores and hotels were added to the town, making it a prosperous tourist area.

Sykesville is still a great tourist destination today for folks who are interested in sightseeing, shopping and eating.

Visit a museum:

The Sykesville Gate House Museum: This museum documents the history of Sykesville and other surrounding cities. You can learn a lot about Sykesville through the on-site research library as well as special events hosted by the SGHM. Tours of the museum are available on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The Colored Schoolhouse Museum-Originally used from 1903-1938 as a schoolhouse for children of the black community during the days of segregation. The building has been restored and is furnished as it was in 1904. The museum houses many artifacts which bear testimony to the African-American history of Carroll County.

The Sykesville and Patapsco Railway: See a full N-scale train layout housed in a Baltimore & Ohio Pullman caboose. Check out the Sykesville and Patapsco Railway Club’s website for dates, times, and special events.

Visit a Park:

Piney Run Park:  Hiking, tennis, and fishing are just a few things you can look forward to at Piney Run Park.  You can also rent rowboats, paddle boats, and kayaks for use on the 300-acre reservoir. An extensive nature center is the nucleus of the park, staffed with naturalists year round.

Millard Cooper Park: This 3-acre park has a playground, pavilions and picnic tables. Shady areas provide a nice venue for a quiet afternoon in the park. This park is also within walking distance of the Gate House Museum.

Sykesville offers quite a few options for dining, here are a few suggestions to complete your perfect day:

Baldwin’s Station: This restaurant is housed in the town’s original train station, dating back to 1883.  It offers quaint and cozy dining indoors or outside on the deck, where you caN feel the rumble of the train as it passes through town.

E W Beck's Pub:   Indoor and outdoor dining right on Main St.  Enjoy a relaxing dinner, lunch or patio party, featuring live music.