The Village of Wilde Lake is the historic district of Columbia. In 1967, ground was broken for Slayton House, the Swim Center, the tennis courts, and the commercial shopping center. Houses first emerged in Bryant Woods, as well as several apartment dwellings (these all converted to condos except for the Bershires on Little Patuxent Parkway and Columbia Road.)

Slayton House was the hub for Columbia as the town began to develop. By 1975, houses were sprouting up on both sides of Route 29. Town Hall meetings, Miss Howard County contests and church services were all at Slayton House, one of the newest meeting place in the developing town. Built with a proscenium stage, the theatre was used by many theater groups that sprang up during the first years and by civic and political groups. Today, many theatre performing groups still use the Slayton House Theatre.

Neighborhoods in the village are Bryant Woods, Faulkner Ridge, Running Brook, and The Birches (considered part of Running Brook)

Wilde Lake is a man-made lake created by the Rouse Company. The Columbia Associiation still maintains the famous and distinctive Barn on its shores as well as the Boathouse, tot lot and picnic area. The dam that faces Little Patuxent Parkway originally had a fountain and multi-colored lights that could be seen from the roadway. Today, the mature trees obscure much of the view.

The Swim Center has been Wilde Lake's most popular amenity since it was built. Many generations of children have learned to swim, a myriad of swim teams practice and many other classes are held for the community. The Center provides the setting for many birthday parties replete with hot dogs and ice cream, as well as Splashdown, a very popular feature.

The Tennis Courts have served the community well over the years and, in addition, host many popular tennis tournaments each season.

Wilde Lake Shopping Center is in transition right now, with Kimco planning to renovate and revitalize the center.