Lake Kittamaqundi Reviews

I walk around the lake several times a week The area is nicely landscaped. I enjoy watching the foliage change colors from season to season. There are many varieties of birds and water foul. New bridges allow you to walk completely around the lake. It makes for a very pleasant atmosphere early in the morning.

Having lived in Columbia for 20 years, I must be one of the few people that actually loved walking around this lake before the paved walkway was put in. It was something to be said for having a bit of ‘wild’ in downtown Columbia and I do miss this. However I appreciate that having a walkway has made this much more accessible and it makes for a good walk. There are other trails leading off from the lake including the one to Wilde Lake across the road which I also recommend. Having a selection of restaurants as well as Whole Foods right there is a bonus.

The landscape around the lake is really looking nice since the construction concluded. It's a great place to stretch your legs if you work in the downtown Columbia area.

The lake has a busy side with restaurants, hotel & family oriented entertainment. There is a walkway around the lake and the far-side is quiet and provided a view of the busy downtown side. Plenty of parking.

The lake is a wonderful feature of Columbia with walking trails, restaurants and Whole Foods all on its banks.

Very nice place to ride a bike. There is also a big play ground. The view is very calming. Usually you can see ducks and birds.

My wife and I moved in to a condominium within a few minutes walk of Lake Kittamaqundi, about five years ago. Within the past year, the county finished the walking path encircling the lake and planted many more grasses and trees and plants of all types, beautifying the entire area around the lake.

Lake Kittamaqundi is a lovely place to take a stroll, paddleboat or enjoy the view from one of lakefront great restaurants. You have your choice of American, Italian, French or Japanese. Who could ask for a better way to spend an afternoon or evening.

ive eaten on the deck of Clydes for happy hour and for lunch on the summer rays and for romantic dinner with a friend. all the time ive had super wait staff who go out of the way to be pure gentleman and professional wait staff knowing their foods and wines. hostess inside asked us to wait until an outside table was vacant and we did and manager himself brought my elder friend a selzter and me a glass of wine and then brought it both to our outside tables. I was speecless and thanked them profusely for their attention for us when we were the late ones.. clydes is for Columbia commnnity patrons..

There is a really nice path that circles the lake. It is a 1.4 mile easy hike. There are benches along the way to take a break, spots where you could put your feet in the water if you so desire and even a little exercise area. Great place for dogs, people, strollers and bikes. And, in typical Columbia fashion, when I walked there last week we heard multiple languages being spoken.

Walking path loops around the lake. Great restaurants and entertainment year round. Sheridan sits right on the lakefront.

Summer activities are held here music, fireworks and festivals. The port a potties are not very useable "smelly". Nice area to sit and relax on any day. There is a big fountain, kids on a warm day love to play in it. Nice walking/exercise trail. Restaurant with outdoor seating. The parking lot is very small and is connected to Whole Foods. Love the scenery and the relaxation of the area. Lots of geese tend to walk around, sometimes you have to watch where you step.

For an easy stroll in a beautiful setting try Lake Kittamaqundi. Easy to walk paved pathway through wooded trails, nature abounds and you are in the middle of a hustling area of Columbia. Folks fishing and catching bass others sitting on the dock area observing the others around the lake. Rent a paddle boat and relax in the middle of the lake. Bring a picnic lunch or get takeout from the many restaurants and Whole Foods Market nearby. Check the Columbia Association Calendar of Events for concerts and other activities.

This small lake offers many options. now that the trail around the whole lake is open it has it all. Close to great food, shopping with easy access make this a one stop place to park your self and enjoy. Try the new spa, go into Whole Foods, have a drink at Clyde's or eat sushi at Sushi Ono.

This approximately 1.5 m paved path around the lake is gorgeous, and well-used, with the added bonus of places to grab coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, Whole Foods fancy groceries ..... We saw all sorts of water birds, an added bonus.

This is a good loop walk around the lake of 1.3 miles. It can get crowded on a good weather day but it’s enjoyable nevertheless. The lake is surrounded by restaurants and Whole Foods on one side.

There are always interesting and friendly people down at the lakefront. Plus great restaurants and plenty of space to go for a stroll around the lake or just sit somewhere. You can also ride bikes here. In the summer there are movies or live music playing at certain scheduled evenings.

Nice wide shady path, beautiful calm lake waters. Stroller access to the waterfront from the parking lot behind the restaurants.

I love this lake! You can walk all the way around it, and it is level all the away around...during the summer there are concerts every evening, and there are restaurants overlooking the lake. Paddle boats are available during the summer too. I consider it the hear of Columbia!

We visited this Lake during 4th of July weekend. Very nice and scenic. We watched 2 free concerts in the park here and was a great experience. While my wife and I listened and watched the groups perform, the kids could play in the park. It was a great experience overall.

Beautiful Lakeside, the People Tree, flanked by great restaurants and a pleasant view of Lake Kittamaqundi.

This is the main lake in downtown Columbia. The setting is very nice, with paddle boats and several restaurants on the water (Petite Louis Bistro and Clyde's).

During summer months, there's often live entertainment on Thursday through Sunday. Unfortunately, not enough live entertainment is booked, and often, on a beautiful Saturday night in mid-August, there's no music or other entertainment (besides the occasional lame outdoor movie). The schedule needs to be improved. This is one of the premiere settings in Columbia.

Any time of the year, the Columbia lakefront/town center is pleasing to the senses. During the warmer months, there are boat(paddle) rentals and LOTS of FREE outdoor entertainment/movies. All year round, there are very good restaurants (during warm weather outdoor seating).And, all of this is auto free. During the Winter, Spring and Fall(weather permitting) the walk around the lake can be refreshing and beautiful(according to the season flowers or colorful trees)

. Lake Kittamaqundi keeps improving. The bell tower is back in place ringing out every 15 minutes. Gardens have been planted around the perimeter. New benches have been installed. There are four excellent restaurants right on the lake to enjoy after a pleasant hike. There is lots of convenient parking. The path is a wide updated macadam that keeps your feet dry and clean. It is never crowded. On weekends free entertainment is offered included movies and concerts. It is a nice place to ride a bike. My whole family enjoys this hike which is not a strain for small children or older adults. It is designed to keep my three generation family together.

Great walking area-fitness path as well as shaded areas and lakefront views. Really enjoyed this path around the lake.

This is supposed to be the center of Columbia. The actual center is the Columbia Mall across the street. This area feels like a shopping center more than a Main Street. Watching the fireworks or one of the special events is fun. But there isn't much to do other than take a nice stroll or bike ride around the lake for moderate exercise. There are a handful of restaurants, but no shops, no museums, no public amenities other than the lake.

Lake has a loop of around 1.5 mile stretch for a nice morning or evening walk. The Whole Food Store by the lake attracts people who like to try quality food. There are many other restaurants around the lake from Sushi to French cuisine. Across the street from the lake is the best shopping Mall in Maryland, The Mall in Columbia. This mall has many upscale shops and food choices inside the mall and outside it.

This is a beautiful walk. Newly paved to go all the way around the lake. Pretty gardens border the walk. The path connects to the Wilde Lake path if you want to go further. Very easy walk, completely flat.

Outdoor concert and restaurants along the water. Right down from the mall and The Merriweather Post Pavilion. Downtown Columbia, MD.

Once again we went down to the lakefront to watch the Fourth of July fireworks. The area was not as crowded as in other years--maybe because of the rain. We had a great view from Clyde's pavilion, but my friend said she also had a good view from near the People Tree. She said the music was annoying. I agreed, but I wasn’t quite so close. Of course, lots of people were watching from blankets on the lawn on the left, as you face the lake.This year the fireworks display was particularly good.

Safe walk place with nice path. There is some restaurants, Whole Foods there as well and I understand in summer there is activities

Great weather. Great vendors. Unusual art by local artists. Music was jumping and everyone was having a great time. The lakefront has free concerts and movies all summer long.

This lake has a paved trail around it for walking and biking. It has many water birds and other birds. Part of the path is wooded. From the path there is an extension path that takes you to Wilde Lake. The walk around the combined lakes is a mostly flat 4 miles. On one side of the lake are several resturants, Whole Foods and Haven on the Lake. Clydes is one of the resturants and is a Columbia institution known for crab cakes. In the summer there are paddle boats for rent on the lake. The lake is accessible from the Columbia Mall by an overpass walking bridge.

They have completed a really nice walking path around the lake that goes through woods, open space and around the perimeter of the lake. Afterwards, grab a bite at Clydes, Sushi Sono or the soon to be opened Italian restaurant. You can even get your shopping done at Whole Foods or get a massage at the CA Facility. Our favorite part is the walk itself - you can extend the walk by crossing Patuxent Parkway and going around Wilde Lake, too.

The area includes a walking path around the lake as well as Whole Foods, Restaurants, and during the warm seasons, various outdoor entertainment. Something is always going on during the summer, movies, dancing, etc.

I hate to promote this place, because right now it's a little used gem. it's not crowded at all, and it will be when the masses find out what a great walk it is! 1.5 flat miles on a paved path around a lake with a variety of birds. Many herons spend their days there. Afther the walk, you can go right into Whole Foods and sip a cup of coffee.
If you take the spur off the path, you can cross the street and walk around Wilde Lake too, making the walk about 3.5-4 miles.

This lake finally has a completed loop around it all. Several places to eat if you go after 11am. Firework show here on July 4 is awesome.

I've lived in Coumbia for many, many years and I am so glad that Jim Rouse was the force behind the planning. Open trails, lakes, open space, great shopping and easy to reach.

I love to spend time here. You can walk or run the trail that surrounds the lake, walk the dog, take the kids for a ride on the floats during spring/summer, rest and enjoy the peace and quiet, and then have a bite at Clyde’s (which I highly recommend). You can even run into Whole Foods for some quick shopping on your way home.
Whatever your preference, there’s something for everyone!

Very clean and well maintained. Went there for a walk during the social distancing and it seemed that everyone I passed was doing the same thing....exercising, getting fresh air and keeping their social distances. Nice day for a walk and the views and areas were very nice!

Columbia is not a city - really just a large home owner's association located in Howard County, so one should be forgiven thinking it odd that the town center is a shopping mall combined with the lakefront setting with some chain restaurants. Lake Kttamaquandi is one of several artificial lakes in and around Columbia and does its job of providing a backdrop, but one that has to be dredged every once in a while.

But it has its charms. The Columbia Association (CA) organizes many free events starting the middle of June through of the rest of summer, quality musical groups - I once saw Charlie Bird's brother play there - movies etc. There's a small - get there early - stepped grassy area to set up chairs, bring your blankets etc. Several restaurants also, including the venerable Clyde's, solid, can't go wrong food and I believe there's a roped off area near the music where one can drink beer. So, on warm summer evening when you want to get out of the house and be entertained, but don't want to work too hard for it, this is a charmer. For Columbia, this is about as civic as it gets, however, that "downtown" area is going through some extensive changes.

The lakeside area allows a 10-15 stroll on sidewalks and one can walk entirely around the lake on dirt paths which would take me 45 minutes at a clip. This is a great area for strollers and families.

It's a great place for singles, couples, and families to relax with a little fun... You can walk the trial or sit outside and have a picnic...

During this sunny spring day, Lake Kittamaqundi provided a peaceful setting for walking, fishing, or contemplating. There are benches well placed along the waterfront. Interestingly, no one was on the well maintained pier. The surrounding buildings and forests reflected nicely on the lake surface. Underneath were great green globs of unappealing algae, but the ducks, geese, and fish did not seem to mind. Evening entertainment referred to as "Lake Front Live" was promised on numerous signs. Parking was available, as were several restaurants overlooking the lake.

Love the lake for walking especially at this time of social distancing and lockdown. The path is wide enough to keep you distance and there are many shady areas that keep the heat down. I only wish thete were signs telling folks not to feed the geese and ducks. I've been reading that by feeding them you really hurt them and they could get sick and die.

Great food choices...approximately 4 restaurants plus hotel dining, sight seeing, bird watching, exercise trails, biking, drinks and fun!

My daughter and I visited the lake on a Thursday night. There was a concert and several people sitting on blankets enjoying the summer night. The outdoor seating at the restaurants was crowded. The whole area is lively and fun. We walked around the lakefront and a bit along the path that finally surrounds the whole lake.

About a 40 minute walk around the lake. Some in sun, some in shade. Goes right by the lakeside restaurant area.

great food! Will def be returning to this place. Recommending it to many friends and family as a night out

This man-made lake is so beautiful and accessible for recreation (there's a track around it, and piers for boats). It's right near some terrific restaurants. I would love to come back when it's warmer and walk around the lake.

It's always beautiful and is a great place to take a good walk. There are good restaurants at the lake side and often there are activities on the weekends..

I visited Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia recently. It is a delightful man made lake that covers an area of 27acres.

The name is said to mean Great Beaver Place or Strong Bear.

We are also told that the lake was named after the the first Indian settlement in Howard County. Apparently, Kittamaqundi in the Indian tribe's language means "meeting place."

Located just across from The Mall of Columbia, this area is used for music concerts and entertainment regularly.

There are a number of restaurants and bars on the area and water sports (paddle boats) are available as well.

A really beautiful area, there are walking trails to enjoy too.

Highly recommended!

This is one of my favorite activities in Columbia--walking the dog around the beautiful Lake Kittamaqundi! A great walking/bike path goes around the lake and connects with other paths/lakes. The distance around this lake is a little over a mile and if you take the route that connects with Wilde Lake, circle that lake and then return to the start you have walked about 4.25 miles. A year round activity and bikes can be rented at the top of the waterfront.

As the weather warms a walk around Lake Kittamaqundi is a terrific activity for an individual or family. After the 1.4 mile walk there are a number of restaurants to reward yourself for your efforts.

Nice place to jog. Great restaurants too( but not at the same time). They have free summer concerts and an arts festival....Plus they got paddle(peddle?) boats.

This is a really wonderful place to walk in Columbia. The walking paths are all well-paved with lovely surroundings along the lake. You can take a very long walk for miles, if you'd like, or just a short jaunt around the lake itself (1.4mi). There is lots of flora and fauna along the edge of the lake. You also have restaurants like Clyde's, Lupa, Sushi Sono if you'd like to grab a bite before or after. My favorite place to walk in Columbia!

Used to live in Columbia in the 70s and the changes are really huge. While it is a bustling and modern city, it was nice back in the day as a quiet and growing place.

Its been over 10 years since I have been down to the lake area . Glad to see its still there and better than ever . Its a nice place for a walk weather for pleasure or exercise . Its safe with nice views .

Beautiful location, excellent for a nice walk around the lake. Stop and shop @Whole Foods, lunch or dinner @ Clydes with outside dinning. Other restaurants nearby. Enjoy Spring and Summer entertainment lakeside!

You can walk, on paved pathways, all the way around Lake Kattamaqundi. Its an easy walk, with decent views, and you will meet many families and people enjoying the outdoors along the way. There are many restaurants on the western side of the lake, and a Whole Foods -- so there is plenty of food options for all. The Columbia Association offers its premiere gym, with yoga studios and salt scrubs beneath the Whole Foods.

Great place to visit no mater what season, take a walk round the lake, lunch at Clydes or coffee and a great pastry at Petit Louis. Or pick up lunch at Whole Food and enjoy while taking in the view across the lake. Capture the heart of Columbia!

We stayed at a hotel that overlooks the lake. It was nice strolling along on the path Hyatt runs around it. The restaurants around it were excellent.

The new loop around Lake Kittamaqundi makes for a wonderful walk no matter the season. The landscaping with native plants is quite lovely. There are several benches to sit and enjoy the scenery. I've lived in Columbia for 41 years and to me this is the best improvement to our outdoor environment that has ever been made.

Lake Kittamaqundi offers various family entertainment, like live music, movies, and fireworks on the 4th of July. There is plenty of parking and restaurants. Folks can walk around the lake or hang out at the pier.

They had a jazz bad playing on a Saturday night. It is a great place to sit and hang out with friends.

very clean, very level walking path. Beautiful views of the lake. One mile walk. One of our favorite places to get outside.

We stayed at the Sheraton Columbia at Christmas. Our room & the hotel restaurant had beautiful views of the lake, which even on a very cold winter day had people biking, walking, & dog-walking around the paved path that circles the lake. Birds & nice sunrises. A branch of the trail goes into the woods with fitness bar stations as well. Looks like it would be even more fun in warm weather, with a huge fountain & maybe small boats. Restaurants & a spa are around the edge of it plus a Whole Foods store. Mall & movie theatres are short walk or drive away. Lots of free parking.

Natural seasonal beauty abounds in a paved, level walking/biking path around the lake. Stores, restaurants, outdoor seating. Walking access to Hotel, Clydes, Whole Foods, and more.

An excellent place for everyone! You can excercise by walking/running around the lake. You can enjoy some of the neighboring restaurants. Lots of festivals take place in the summer. Beautiful environment!

The lake in Columbia makes a lovey walk. You can walk all the way round it, and you get nice views of Columbia's Frank Gehry building.

Excellent walk for visitors staying at the Sheraton.

Very busy with walkers, and thankfully very few inconsiderate cyclists who plague country trails with their No Bell bikes.
Birdlife activity was lower because of how busy it was but the whole area is well maintained and a very pleasant 2.5 mile walk

just relaxing after lunch at Clyde's Columbia, seems to be the activity of the day. A perfect day, a perfect fall view and just chillin' watching the water fowl and blue sky reflecting on the water.

Beautiful paved walk around the lake! The length is 1.4 miles and very level. Shade and sun, so even on hot days, there is still shade.

A very well done, artificial lake with waterfront dining, entertainment, and walking paths.
Several very good restaurants serve food outdoors with a great view. The lake has a paved walking trail that goes completely around in about 1.5 miles. It is paved and landscaped and very well marked and maintained. A great place to go for a walk.

This is a quick walk around a man-made lake, but it's still pretty. It's right in the middle of town, so you can still hear cars on the highway when you get out near it, and you still see the buildings, so it's not going to feel as 'in the woods' as some other walks like Lake Elkhorn or Centennial Lake (both nearby, but longer), but it's still nice. You can eat at one of the many restaurants that are on the way back to your car if you get hungry :) I guess this goes without saying, but it's also very dog-friendly, as are the outdoor sections of the restaurants. Tripadvisort made me put in a time that I went, but I go all year round--it's always a good walk, but it's busier in the summer evenings because Columbia has events there for families. Also, there are plenty of benches if you need a rest or just want to enjoy looking at the lake.

Nice place to hang out in the summer. The lake has a beautiful walking path around it, as well as off-shoots to longer walks/runs. Nice restaurants and a night club also very conveniently located if staying at the Sheraton Waterfront Hotel.

after 40 years Columbia succeeded in completing a wonderful walkway around the lake. Clyde's is the perfect way to finish a very nice walk.

Loveliest place to walk, enjoy a peaceful and romantic moment to sit on lakeside bench or share a beverage as the sun sets....not to mention the many restaurants which are always accommodating.

Such a great spot to visit during the day, go for a walk with a friend or as a family, ride our bikes, paddle boat, grab some good grub, enjoy being OUTDOORS.

Howard County does it right. Well maintained, activities to suit almost anyone, and a beautiful lake arond which to walk, bike, jog, bird-watch, and more. Basketball, tennis, handball, picnic pavilions, boat launch... this park has it all and access is free.

What a surprise. Four lanes of traffic on each side but this little gem nestled in between is calm and fairly quiet. It is also a beautiful setting for concerts or dinner and a drink at a bordering restaurant. Not just Columbia but the entire state of Maryland has worked hard to preserve land, flora and fauna and provide places away from the hustle. This spot half way between Baltimore and Washington, DC is appreciated.

We walked the lake on Sunday morning. The path is well maintained. Great place for a walk with the family

The walk around this lake is about 30 minutes. Personally, I prefer longer walks than that. It's not super scenic and pretty. In my opinion, Lake Elkhorn in Columbia is better to walk around - it also has a lot more people walking around it than this one did on a Saturday afternoon. On the plus side, this lake has a lot nearby, such as Whole Foods and a number of restaurants. Today, I saw those swan boats that you can peddle out onto the lake for a price. If you live nearby, this path is okay to use, but you might get bored of it after the first few times of walking around it.

The path around this lake, unlike a few others in Columbia, is relatively flat, and only about 2 1/2 miles long, so it's great for little ones who want to ride tricycles and such. The view is lovely, with plenty of foliage and wildlife, including waterfowl and reptiles. It has a mixture of sun and shade. There are plenty of restaurants to enjoy after your walk that include Sushi, Italian, French, and American fare. Most have outdoor seating overlooking the lake if the weather's nice. There's a cafe in the French restaurant or Whole Foods if you want a quick bite instead of a meal. Definitely one of our favorite walking spots!

Stayed at a local hotel for business and walked 5 miles around the lake without getting bored. It has a number of restaurants around the lake and a Whole Foods to get your own food and sit around the lake.

It is right across the street from the Columbia Mall.

Lake Kittamaqundi is the heart of downtown Columbia. With good restaurants nearby, it is a great place to just hang out and watch the wildlife swim around. There is a path that circumnavigates the lake with paddle boats in the summer. It is also the home of the annual Columbia birthday celebrations, the fireworks on the 4th, weekly movies, outdoor entertainment and a great photo background for professional and amateur photographers.

Beautiful scenery, can be awed by nature, read a book, fish or take a nice stroll. A place for all ages.

The lakefront is a nice place to stroll around. There are plenty of restaurants and often music, craft shows, and other events. And the lake has pedal boats. The Fourth of July fireworks display they put on is wonderful. But be prepared for hot and crowded. On the Forth, we usually park in the lot at the corner of Governor Warfield and Little Patuxent Parkways and walk down the hill to the lakefront. That avoids some, but not all, of the worst traffic. You can go over early in the morning and leave a blanket on the grass facing the fireworks, then come back later and enjoy the show.

Relaxing oasis in the middle of suburbia! Nice walking path and pedal boats are available to rent for a nice time on the lake. Several very good restaurants front the lake.

Went to the lake before dinner hoping to do some paddle boating but unfortunately due to the flooding in Ellicott City there had been water damage so we were unable. Still a beautiful area and great place to sit and listen to some good live music!

i love this place in summer time. it is a place to come and take a walk or even have a mini family picnic.

The Village in Howard a group of seniors who want to age in place walk around Kittamaqundi every Saturday morning unless it rains and have coffee at Whole foods. We are the sneakers and coffee group.

Great walking path, restaurants, rest areas, live entertainment on the weekends, plenty of parking, close to grocery store for snacks, across the street from the Mall, quiet yet active.

Nice, easy, flat walk! Is mostly shaded and there are always people walking, lot’s of families, dog walkers so I feel secure,

Plenty of parking and even though there are no public bathrooms, whole foods is right there

This is the centerpiece of Columbia. There are restaurants, festivals, movies, etc at the lakefront. There is now a completed bike/walking path that goes around the lake. But if you're a bike rider, avoid it on the weekends. Far too many weekend warriors.

It's a meeting place, gathering place, and can really be fun. Check out local papers before coming down. Parking can be better. You can take your pets on the path. Bring your camera.

Sometimes you forget about the beauty right in your own neighborhood. I haven't been to the lake since the new Whole Foods went up so that was the place to start. Had a healthy lunch there then went to walk it off by taking a stroll along the lake. A few short steps from Whole Foods was Clydes which is a restaurant on the lake with great views and craft brews...so we stopped in and had a few. (There goes the healthy lunch!) So now we're feelin nice and continue the stroll and walk to the Tomato Palace and had a slice of great NY style pizza. By now we're feeling wonderful and decided we would do the paddle boats. What a relaxing ride! Worked off the beer & pizza with a few laps around the lake. Can't wait until the warm weather comes back sobZi can enjoy the beauty right in my own backyard.

Lake Kittamaqundi is a man-made lake that has paths for walking, places to picnic and to just have a good time with the family. It is paradise because it has nature all around you.

The Lake Kit. has first, a lovely nature walk, second, a choice of restaurants on the West side, finally it has statue of The Founder, Mr. Rouse, lovely fountains, and in the
summer musical events, free to all.

Not worth going out of your way to see but if your looking for a place to take a stroll it’s worth considering

Easy access and parking available.

This is a great place for entertainment, restaurants, or a pleasant walk around the lake. Also, the Columbia Mall is close by.

Lake Kittamaqundi is a lovely little lake/reservoir in the heart of Columbia, adjacent/parallel to Route 29. The highway is heavily traveled, but a row of trees shields the lake from the traffic, at least partially. Upgrades over the years have improved the area which includes a nice walking trail around the lake, planted resting areas, attractive bridges, a beautiful large fountain, an open-air stage area, a pier-type wooden walkway and benches around one side of the lake and several restaurants.

Saw a fisherman enjoying the space. Has swam boats. Lovely walking area and paved for ADA access. Saw a lady being cared for quickly by EMS. Saw a Dad and Daughter throwing a football around. Very laid back and nice.

I really enjoy walking around this lake, especially after eating lunch at Whole Foods. The view is nice regardless of the season. You never have to worry about trail space or being run over by bikes, as it is never busy.

In the middle of the crazy city the park is quite nice. There are different ethnic food places (I recommend the Sushi one). The trails are nice in the spring time and the lake sparkles like a jewel. Wonderful place for evening walks.

This is a man-made lake. It is very small, but also very pretty. Our hotel overlooked the lake, and we sat on the balcony admiring the view.

A lovely spot to walk. Grab lunch at Whole Foods or other restaurants there. In summer there are boats to rent. Just don't feed the geese!

Love this location. You can walk around the lake which is flat and has lots of birds and flowers. Wonderful place to take pictures and some great restaurants nearby. They have music events and craft shows.

Lake Kit (as it is commonly known here) is absolutely gorgeous. Haven on the Lake offers free outdoor yoga during the summer. Columbia Association offers free weekday concerts throughout the summer. The restaurants also take advantage of the beautiful views with outside dining. It is not uncommon to see many ducks and turtles while journeying around the lake. The woods provide a good amount of shade even on the warmest days. The lake is perfectly located within walking distance of the Central Library Branch and the Mall of Columbia so it is a very popular (20-30 minute) walk for parents pushing strollers, people walking dogs, and people of all ages in general. The one thing that this lake does not have that Centennial Lake, Lake Elkhorn, and even Wilde Lake have is a playground! I believe this lake would be utilized much more by families if there was a better outlet for young children to run, climb, and explore. Other than that, Lake Kit offers a pretty perfect retreat right in the heart of downtown Columbia.

Lake Kittamaqundi is a small lake, you can walk around within 20min or have a run, aside the lake you will find the Sheraton Hotel and few good restaurants and a supermarket too

Clean, quite open space. Nice walking trails that are wide and well maintained. Good restaurants and great summertime entertainment. I love it there.

This lake is within easy walking distance from the bustling Columbia Mall, Merriweather Post and the Howard County main library. There are several good restaurants, like Clydes, nearby along with Whole Foods Grocery store which has it's own casual restaurant I don't recommend. The lake is lovely with paddleboats available in the summer and Canada geese to enjoy watching. A nice afternoon for a young family, or for a group of elderly women.

We love to walk the loop around this lake. On one side you've got the Columbia Town Center with all the food and activities it has to offer. Or, on the far side of the loop you suddenly feel miles away, surrounded by nature, trees, birds and sometimes ducks. Columbia has done a great job of bringing a real escape into nature right in the heart of our beautiful down town.

Great place to take a walk and have good conversation. The trail is clean and well maintained in a beautiful area in the midst of a very populous area. Good selection on places to dine as well. Will return when I get the chance.

Take a walk around the lake, and stop off at one of the many restaurants or whole foods that is there. This is a peaceful and historical place for those who know and love Columbia MD

This is close to the mall and restaurants. Great walk with kids and close to lots of stuff. Perfect place to walk your dog.

You can walk on paths around the lake. There's small watercraft to rent. A cool two-story water fountain that's fun to explore for kids (walk under it). Right "downtown"--grab a bite to eat at Clydes or Tomato Palace. In the summer there are events (Fireworks, concerts, etc...). When we were kids we used to iceskate on the lake!

It's a nice place to walk your dog, dine ne and just plain relax. There's a Sheraton hotel within the perimeter too.
Unfortunately Howard Hughes corporation wants to destroy the ambience by building 15+ story buildings in a small area knowing there won't be enoug parking spaces and destroying the area.

This is lake is just beautiful. Take a stroll and enjoy the water view. The playground 🛝 is very clean and modern. There are no public restrooms.

Under the People Tree, just at the base of the southern steps, is where Life in Columbia comes together to witness Life in Columbia. Yes, there are other places, too -- Merriweather Park, Howard Community College, rec centers ... But check out Lake Kittamaqundi when myriads gather for a festival, when myriads come together for an art show, when myriads just want to hang out. Check it out on the evening of the 4th of July when the skies light up in unison with the celebration. Come during the day when there's peace among the picnickers stretched out on blankets. Come after dark for the movies and the impromptu dancing, for teen night and musicians, and be sure to bring your (leashed) dog. If you don't bring your own munchies, have a sit-down at Clydes or any of the eateries that line the lake. Or take a walk around the entire periphery. Or rent a paddle boat for a lazy ride along the water. Lake Kittamaqundi is a bonafide joy.

We love to either walk or bike around this lake. It is always clean and well cared for. We love eating at the five restaurants located right on the lake where you can enjoy the view. We have lived here for almost 50 years and never had a bad or unpleasant experience. On Summer weekends there is often free entertainment. Just this past year the county completed the paved path all around the lake and added Whole Foods to the group of restaurants with a view of the lake. In the past we skated here in the winter besides boated in the summer.

The lakefront here is a nice place to spend a summer evening, particularly when there are movies on summer nights.

Lake Kittamaqundi is nice for taking a walk around, relaxing on the docks near the fountain or eating at one of the few restaurants overlooking it. It's across the Little Patuxent Parkway from the upscale Columbia Mall, and also within walking distance from another great lake set in the first residential village, Wilde Lake. Occasional events with live music take place here, as do 4th of July fireworks.

Great to walk or run around now that the pathway around the lake is totally completed.
Excellent amenities border the lake including Whole Foods, Clyde's restaurant plus other fine eating establishments. Across the road (Little Patuxent Parkway) from the Lake is the Columbia Mall with a good selection of fast food and eat-in restaurants. My wife and I often walk to the Lake from our residence which also takes us past Wilde Lake (the lake not the neighborhood) which is another enjoyable walk.

The lakefront is known to be a gathering place for the residents and visitors to Columbia, MD. There are small restaurants, a Whole Foods and a local upscale spa for its members. There are events, particularly during the summer, where a free movie or local bands could be enjoyed by the whole family, arts and food festivals with live music also take place here. They completed a walking path that goes completely around the lake which is a little over a mile long but also has paths that connect to some of the other near by communities and the main library. It is an easy looped path used by walkers and bikers. Families enjoy bringing their children with their small scooters or bikes to get a bit of inexpensive outdoor exercise. There is no playground but a simple walk around the lake can be enjoyed and then playing in the grassy knolls by the lakefront with a picnic under the large tree is just as enjoyable.

The walk was ok, the water was not that great, the waterfall is wonderful. There are jazz concerts!!

We love this lake for dog walks. The walk around the lake is 1.7 miles and mostly flat. There are other paved paths that lead off from the lake so if you are interested in more distance there are lots of options. If you have dogs, there is a supply of bags for pick up and there are plenty of garbage cans along the way for deposit. My lab likes to swim and there are several entry points for him to take a dip. The lake is home to ducks, geese, and beavers. It is also a favorite spot for fireworks on the 4th. The restaurants on the lake are all very good. There is a major hotel on the lake. There is a spa there and also a Whole Foods. Very safe area with easy access to the mall but also very quiet and isolated. Great for walking, jogging, and bike riding. Super easy for kids because the hills are minimal. We go there several time a month.

Nice short walk before shopping, eating and exercising - great views as you walk around the lake on the paved path.

Nice lake to visit. Has a few restaurants and a whole foods surrounding it as well. Worth a visit. I think there is boating available too.

Park in free lots, wander around very pleasant waterside, attractive artworks, some world class architecture, very convenient dining.

This lake is a little gem at the heart of downtown Columbia. On one side is a plaza with restaurants where you can relax and eat, including the cafeteria at the new Whole Foods that has a great view of the lake. There are often free concerts on summer evenings, plus an art festival. And the lakefront is where the town has its Forth of July Fireworks. The path around the lake has recently been refurbished, and it's a great place to walk.

My family visits "the lakefront" each week for a walk around Lake Kittamaqundi. It makes for a beautiful and reasonable walk given the wildlife, the people watching opportunities, and the well-maintained trail.

My wife and I recently went to Lake Kittamaqundi. It is in the center of Columbia and a real surprise. It is surrounded by a nice walking path which passes through a pleasant wooded area along a river. On one side are really nice restaurants and a Whole Foods. Just behind those stores is the Columbia Mall. There are plenty of things to do.

This is a great spot where you can get beautiful photo shots, grab a bite to eat, shop at Whole Foods, shop at The Mall not faraway, listen to a concert close by. Brings many smiles!

The roughly mile and a half paved walking trail around Lake Kittamaqundi is flat and easy. There are a few bridges as the path winds in and out of wooded areas. The pathway links to other paved trails around Columbia, so you can go for a longer walk if you want. Whole Foods is right next to the parking lot, so you can do a lap or two before grocery shopping. There is a water feature, boat rentals (seasonally), and a few restaurants also at the lakefront area. Some nights in the summer there are free concerts and movies. Most times I have visited I have seen one or two blue herons in and around the lake. Would be REALLY nice if Columbia Association could spring for a marquee with a map of the trail and surrounding areas, though there is ample signage along the pathway. If you are coming from out of town, you could easily spend at least half a day or more here exploring the area.

Lake Kittamaqundi is on the other side of the street from the mega mall in columbia. It took me a few trip to discover the spot. It is a very nice place with a few nice restaurants on the bank of the lake. Some nice little park and stage for event and performance are also there. The town did a good job to soften the look of Columbia as a complete town, rather than just the mall and big buildings. There is also a nice bike and strolling path along the lake. If you are in the area (shopping), it is worth a time to stop by to enjoy it.

The pathway goes all around the lake and takes you into wooded areas and open landscaped lawns, with benches. The walkway is level and about a mile around. There are plenty of birds and waterfowl to enjoy. After the walk, people stop at Whole Foods or Petit Louis for a coffee. It is a favorite walking path for friends and families.

Our dog walking group typically walks this lake. Its not a long walk and typically takes about an hour depending on who your with and who likes to talk

You can now walk all the way around the lake, which is really nice, and there are a whole bunch of restaurants that you can sit right by the lake. There are also little paddle boats you can rent, which is also pretty cute. There are a lot of movie festivals, music festivals and a bunch of summer fests, incl 4th of July fireworks.

Lake Kittamaqundi was right outside the Sheraton Hotel. There is a nice Boardwalk like area down from the hotel, where you can get Sushi, Pizza, Pastries, Burgers, etc. Paddle boats are also available for rental. If we had more time, we would have explored more.

This is a great place to read a book, magazine, etc... Excellent walking space. A great place to sit outside to eat your lunch or dinner. Available for all ages.

You can sort out your issues in the peaceful surroundings, without interference.

My husband and I walked our dog around the recently completed path around Lake Kittamaqundi and it was lovely, quite an improvement over the old path. The landscaping was very nice and it was just a relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Beautiful walk around the lake, great restaurants,people watching,relaxing time.A great way to spend the day

The City of Columbia has finished paving the entire lake in recent years. It is a nice level (ie flat) paved path to walk, rollerblade, scooter, run around. You will see several geese. Watch out for there droppings. Nice walk after or before dinner at a local eatery around the lakefront.

Great atmosphere! Great food. Great spring/summer time hangout for adults; because f the outside dining areas, as well as paddle boats for the lake. Great view of downtown Columbia; to include fireworks for July 4th.

My new favorite local lake/path for a nice walk. Not hilly, new path surface, wide path, natural but manicured landscapes all around the lake. All kinds of wildlife. Take a stroll!

Great place that makes Columbia special, stroll or stop and eat... lots to see and do. We had live music the evening we visited.

We love this local trail for walking, running and biking. Beautiful scenery as you walk around the lake. And it I just long enough to get a good workout without killing yourself. Entertainment in the summer is awesome. Wonderful for families, couples and individuals alike.

We love this lake so much, time by the we hear other people thinking the same that the lake area is most beautiful place in MD, there are so much to do, you can enjoy fantastic restaurant or shop at whole foods, walking around the lake or just the fountain as well as exciting free concerts in the weekends from May to See.

We were staying at the nearby Sheraton and had a wonderful time walking around the lake, watching people fish and boat around on the lake.

Nice area to do a short walk, perhaps before lunch or dinner. Even in winter time provides a nice view of the lake and the surrounding forest.

Improvements have been made to the walking trail and now you can completely walk around the lake, which is clean, and litter free. The beginning part of the trail has been recently repaved.

It is an enjoyable walk where you can enjoy nature. Along the lake trail, you can see wild flowers, the creek that runs along the lake, water fowl including a blue heron, butterflies, and healthy trees.

I would suggest that a sign should be posted for all children to wear a helmet while riding any type of bicycle, skateboard, roller blades, or scooters.

Fireworks on the fourth of July, Free lakeside entertainment most summer nights. Restaurants to dine it or out on the patio, Whole Foods grocery store with great sandwiches and pizza.

My family loves this lake for a nice walk to get out of the house and get into nature. It's hard to believe this lake is right in the heart of Downtown Columbia with the mall and restaurants and such right next door!

Lake Kittamaqundi in downtown Columbia is a pleasant, relaxing, and entertaining spot. There is a 2 mile paved path around the entire lake, great for walking or biking. On the back side the trail goes between the lake and a stream and one can find interesting wildlife such as herons and ducks. The city side boasts great restaurants and a town stage that provides free entertainment throughout the summer. Any time of year the lake is a good meeting place and good for exercise (walking or biking) and bird watching and just hanging out. I frequently bicycle around the lake and in the summer visit with my grandchildren.

I’ve lived in Columbia over 30 years and always had a fondness for Lake Kittamaqundi, since it serves as the city’s primary downtown gathering place. But I’ve always wanted to walk the circumference of the lake versus back and forth along one side. The renovations have been wonderful in making all sides of the lake accessible, and in allowing everyone to see just how large and beautiful the lake and it’s surroundings are. I love to spot turtles and cranes, and it was especially thoughtful to provide a walking path to Wilde lake across the parkway. Even during its busy time at midday, there is never a sense of crowdedness. Love it!

This park with wild lake trails are the greatest. I love to exercise at both places.
I love to walk and there are all kinds of ways to make your walk different each and every time.

I always have a great time every time I visit there. Lots of great restaurants and a very beautiful place.

We went to Clydes for a graduation dinner and stayed to take pictures around the lake. I had moved to Columbia in 1970 and the lake was nice but it has been improved. Next time I'll take the walk around the lake on the wide path.

The overview of the lake should include details about the Indigenous people for who it was named. In keeping with BIPOC efforts a short history about the origins would be helpful.

Watching the waterfowl on and around the lake is both soothing and exciting.
The walk is level and the lake is in view at all times.

Beautiful lakefront close to the upscale Columbia mall and lots of places to eat, drink and have fun. If you stay in one of the hotels in downtown Columbia, the path around the lake is great for evening stroll.