Close your eyes and picture yourself on the shore of Ohio’s largest inland lake. The breeze is mild, the sky is blue, and - best of all - you can fill your day with meaningful activities or nothing but coffee and contemplation.
At Otterbein St. Marys, we believe in the power of choice. It’s why you’ll find living options to fit all lifestyles and budgets. It’s why our residents have access to the resources they need to pursue their passions. And it’s about helping you live your best life, however that looks for you.
Related: See How Otterbein Can Help You find Comfortable and Affordable Senior Living Options >>
Amenities and Activities at Otterbein St. Marys
There’s no shortage of things to do on campus at Otterbein St. Marys, from our annual fish fry (30 years and counting!), a fall festival, the Senior’s Marathon, and more. Check out a sample list of the activities you might find in one week - and good luck fitting it all in:
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Bible study
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Ohio State football game viewing
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Music from local band Little Hog Creek
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Outings to Der Dutchman restaurant, Ruby Tuesday’s, and Chouraku Steakhouse
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Shopping and grocery trips
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Putt-putt golf and Otterbein Olympics
And if something doesn’t sound appealing to you, you’re always free to spend your day just how you want it. Looking to explore the area on your own? We’ve put together a list of must-see-and-do attractions in the area.
About St. Marys, Ohio’s Other Great Lake
St. Marys is a town of about 8,000 people on the eastern side of Grand Lake St. Marys. In the early years of our country, it was an important site for trading and became a main stop on the Miami and Erie Canal during its heyday.
Today, St. Marys offers a small-town atmosphere with plenty of shopping, dining, and cultural amenities. It’s located near the junction of Ohio Route 29 and U.S. Route 33, and not far from Interstate 75, making it easily accessible from other parts of the state and beyond.
What to Do in St. Marys, Ohio
Cultural, educational, and outdoor pursuits are all close at hand in St. Marys, Ohio. Check out our list of the best things to try and places to see when you venture off-campus.
Grand Lake St. Marys
It’s hard to forget the lake when the whole town is built around it. The lake, which was hand-dug in the 1800s as a reservoir for the Miami and Erie Canal, was the largest man-made lake in the world for many years. Boating and fishing are popular activities on the water. With great views and waterfront walks, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park hugs the eastern shoreline and offers grassy areas for picnics, plus jetties stretching into the water for a closer look.
The Miami and Erie Canal
Speaking of the canal, it was built in the mid-1800s to connect Lake Erie with the Ohio River in Cincinnati. Stretches near St. Marys still exist, offering an opportunity for a quiet walk along the towpath or a chance to spot wildlife.
Shopping and Dining
The historic uptown district of St. Marys offers antique shops, family-run eateries, boutiques, and more. And at the newer Shoppes at St. Marys Shopping Center, you’ll find restaurants, shopping, and more.
Cultural Activities
The St. Marys Memorial High School Performing Arts Center offers open-to-the-public plays and concerts. Arts Place in downtown St. Marys is another hotspot for performances, exhibits, and programs for people of all ages. And the St. Marys Community Public Library is a great place to learn something, catch up on the latest news, or find your next favorite book.
Related: Your complete guide to living at Otterbein >>
Lifestyle Choices at Otterbein St. Marys
Our continuing care retirement community (CCRC) model means that you’ll have peace of mind that any future health care needs can be accommodated on one campus. We offer independent and assisted living, skilled nursing and rehab, memory care, and respite care to cover the full spectrum of your health needs and lifestyle. Learn more about each of these below.
Related: Hear Why These Otterbein St. Marys Residents Love Where They Live >>
Independent Living
Ranch-style homes and apartments both offer privacy and convenience. Our Waterfront home options are newly-built, Craftsman-style homes with full kitchens, spacious rooms, plentiful natural light, and more. Choose from one bedroom with one full and one half bath, or two bedrooms with two full baths.
If living near the center of campus appeals to you, our apartment homes mean you’ll be steps away from all the amenities Otterbein St. Marys has to offer.
Regardless of whether you choose a ranch-style home or an apartment, you’ll enjoy our Life Enrichment Center with exercise classes, a warm-water indoor pool, and more. We’re always hosting a variety of spiritual, educational, and recreational activities, too, like lectures and parties. And if you’d rather relax with a lakefront view, there’s a pontoon boat exclusively for our residents, plus nearby access to trails and paths.
Download your free guide to our independent living homes - nearly 20 pages of information! >>
Assisted Living
If you need a little more help with daily activities, assisted living may be the right choice. We’ll work with you one-on-one to create a care plan that fits your needs while still giving you the freedom to spend your days as you like. You’ll enjoy meals served three times daily, 24/7 access to nursing staff, and the ability to take part in all the other amenities we offer on campus.
Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation, and Memory Care
For residents who need medical care or for those recovering from illness or injury, Otterbein St. Marys offers a high nurse-to-elder ratio and the personalized attention you’d expect. And as a resident of our CCRC, you’ll experience this care all on the campus you already know.
We also provide memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our residents live in a safe, yet home-like environment, spending their days doing purposeful activities in a social atmosphere.
Learn More about Otterbein St. Marys
Life at the lake can be slower-paced and peaceful - or it can be filled with energetic activities and social pursuits. It’s all about what you want. And at Otterbein St. Marys, we’re here to help you pursue your best life.
If you’re ready to take the next step in deciding if Otterbein St. Marys is the home for you, download our free guide to all the independent living options here, from apartments to patio homes and ranch homes. You'll learn more about life here with nearly 20 pages of information.
