an inviting space for milestone moments, meetings, & more
ABOUT THE INN AT MT. IDA
This Historic Ellicott City Inn, with its charm and stunning landscapes conveniently located between Baltimore and Washington D.C., is an exceptional special events venue. Recently renovated, it features preserved original features blended with modern improvements including charming gathering spaces.
Say “I Do” to Mt. Ida and host an enchanting garden ceremony under ancient trees… the perfect backdrop to your Happily Ever After! We also offer two dressing suites for couples looking to get ready at the venue. The best stories don’t end at the last toast – extend your experience and stay overnight at Mt. Ida! Overnight rentals may require a separate rental agreement.
Venue Amenities Include:
- Twin dining rooms
- Grand hallway
- Sitting room
- Library
- Two "Getting Ready" spaces (upper and lower level lounges)
- Four (4) bedrooms
- Three (3) full bathrooms
- Three (3) half bathrooms
- Five (5) televisions
- An upstairs kitchenette equipped with a washer and dryer, oven, coffee maker, and blender
- Balcony with outdoor dining space
- Caterer's warming kitchen with commercial refrigerator, freezer, and ice machine
OUR STORY
Included among the most notable properties in the Historic District of Ellicott City, is Mt. Ida, an impressive and stately manor home in Monument style perched atop a picturesque 3.63- acre landscape just up the hill from the retail shopping and dining district along Main Street.
The last known home to have been built by an Ellicott in Ellicott City, Mt. Ida, circa 1828, has experienced many converted uses including its original use as a single family home housing affluent Howard County families including the Charles Clark family and his 11 children, and Judge John Snowden Tyson and his senior daughter Ida; after whom the home was named. Mt. Ida was used as a hospital during the Civil War, a Town Hall during a period of Howard County Court House renovation and as an incubator for local businesses including offices for the Howard County Times newspaper.
Mt. Ida was also known to visitors and the community through the Friends of Patapsco Female Institute, who used Mt. Ida as a Visitor Center for the Historic Park, and by Historic Ellicott City, Inc (HEC) who opened the home and property to the public for events, auctions, meetings and non-profit fundraising activities, including a weekly community farmer market and their own Decorator Show House.
In the 2000s, owners Kimberly Kepnes and Nathan Sowers carefully restored and modernized the home, preserving its historic character—from the original old-growth pine floors and stone fireplaces to a hand-cranked doorbell sourced from an English chateau.
In December 2023, Howard County Government acquired the property, and it is now proudly operated by Howard County Recreation & Parks. Today, The Inn at Mt. Ida continues to welcome guests as a refined and charming venue for weddings, special occasions and overnight accommodations, blending historic elegance with modern comfort.
The Inn at Mt. Ida is registered with the Maryland Inventory of Historic Places (Maryland Historic Trust, HO-059).
ACCESSIBILITY
At The Inn at Mt. Ida, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service to all of our guests, including individuals with disabilities. While we are a historic venue, we strive to ensure all persons have access to the privileges, advantages, and accommodations to the best extent possible, and endeavor for all of our guests and patrons with disabilities to have the ability to make informed decisions regarding their visits by providing sufficient information regarding the accessibility of our property.
INCLUSIVE ACCESS FEATURES:
- The venue features an accessible public entrance with an ADA-compliant ramp.
- An accessible parking space is available in the venue’s parking lot, adjacent to the ramp.
- Additional accessible parking spaces are located in the County-owned lot next door.
- Please note: the route from the adjacent County lot to the venue lot is limited in accessibility. The venue lot consists primarily of gravel, which may affect mobility for some guests.
