Otterbein St. Marys is located on the shore of Grand Lake, Ohio’s largest inland lake, near the city of St. Marys. Residents love living on the lake, fishing from our community’s pontoon boat, and enjoying boat rides with friends and neighbors.
We also offer numerous on-site amenities, including an indoor and outdoor pool, a fitness center, a crafting center, a woodshop, a restaurant, and common areas for events and entertainment.
While there are many things to do on campus, many fun, senior-friendly activities await just a short drive away in St. Marys and nearby Lima, Ohio. Take a look at our curated list of places to visit on a day trip while in our neighborhood.
Things To Do Near St. Marys, Ohio
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park
834 Edgewater Drive, St. Marys, OH 45885
Grand Lake St. Marys was once the world’s largest reservoir, dug by hand as a feeder reservoir for the Miami and Erie Canal. It played an essential role in opening up the Northwest Territory, helping to link the St. Marys River with the Great Lakes and Ohio River.
Today, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park offers over 50 miles of shoreline for boating and fishing for largemouth bass, white and black crappies, bluegills, walleye, yellow perch, and more in the 13,500-acre lake. You’ll also find a family campground, swimming pool, hiking trails, nature center, and picnic areas.
Visit the Grand Lake St. Marys State Park website for additional information.
The Bicycle Museum of America
7 West Monroe Street, New Bremen, OH 45869
Less than a 15-minute drive away from our campus, you’ll find a hidden treasure nestled in the quaint community of New Bremen. The Bicycle Museum of America features over 200 bicycles on display, with 800 in its total collection. The museum’s staff tries to rotate bicycles on exhibit on a quarterly or biannual basis to offer new experiences for guests.
Visitors will learn about the history of the bicycle and how its innovation and design changed the American landscape. It’s important to note that the museum is in a historical building and covers three levels. There is no elevator, but the first level is fully accessible, and a virtual tour highlighting bicycles on the upper levels is available.
Visit the museum’s website for admission prices, visiting hours, and parking information.
Armstrong Air & Space Museum
500 Apollo Drive, Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Open seven days a week, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum is a fun place to learn about the area’s heritage in aviation and space exploration. It highlights Neil Armstrong’s many contributions. Visitors can view the Gemini VIII Spacecraft, Apollo 11 moon rock, and several of Armstrong’s spacesuits.
The museum is wheelchair accessible, offering handicapped parking, ample seating, and ramps throughout the galleries. One wheelchair is available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visit the Armstrong Air & Space Museum website for hours, admission prices, directions, and more.
Vineyard at Evergreen Farm
4249 Siegrist Jutte Road, Coldwater, OH 45828
Vineyard at Evergreen Farm, a father-daughter-owned winery located in Coldwater, serves over 20 local fruit/grape varieties in its refurbished chicken barn tasting room. It offers a covered patio with idyllic sunset views for warm summer nights and a cozy tasting room for colder weather.
They source local hand-picked fruit and use traditional wine-making styles, resulting in many unique sweet, semi-sweet, and dry wines for tastings.
Visit the winery’s Facebook page for hours, wine lists, events, scheduled entertainment, and more.
MVP Dairy Learning Center
7124 US 33, Celina, OH 45822
Learn about milk’s journey from the soil to your yogurt cup in the MVP Dairy Learning Center. Visitors get to view the cows on the milking carousel, discover the importance of healthy soil, and follow milk from the cow to the truck in this learning adventure.
Two levels of interactive games and displays are available for guests of all ages. Scheduled shuttle groups can also tour six free-stall barns and a feed barn. The learning center has an elevator, and the shuttle bus is equipped with a ramp for those who have difficulty navigating steps.
Visit the MVP Dairy Learning Center’s website for hours, admission prices, and additional information.
Discover Nearby Lima, Ohio
Otterbein St. Marys is approximately 29 miles from Lima, so set aside a day and spend time exploring the area.
What to Explore in Lima, Ohio
Greater Lima is an active city featuring nearly 200 restaurants, over 70 unique shops, a plethora of cultural experiences, and many attractions. Here’s a list of places to get you started:
- Allen County Museum – Preserving and promoting cultural heritage since 1908, the Allen County Museum is a must-see. Exhibits include the 1925 Shay locomotive, Lima City Street Railway motorman’s cab, a room-sized Mount Vernon model, the story of John Dillinger, and more.
- Veterans Freedom Flag Monument – This special monument thanks and honors all U.S. veterans past, present, and future. It is the largest known permanent flag of its type in the country.
- Shannon Theatre – Dating back to the early 1900s, the historical Shannon Theatre draws tens of thousands onto Main Street of the small town of Bluffton each year. The theatre features high-quality entertainment and movies every weekend, and offers the lowest prices possible.
- Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center – Located in Lima’s town square, this expansive center is the hub of the community’s cultural scene and includes an exhibit hall, performing arts center, and banquet facility. View its website for the current schedule of events and live performances.
Looking for Senior Living in St. Marys?
If you’re searching for lakeside senior living in the St. Marys area, Otterbein St. Marys is a great option. Otterbein St. Marys is a continuing care community offering multiple levels of care. The growing campus includes waterfront ranch-style homes (with more under construction!), assisted living apartments, and skilled nursing care — and is a campus shuttle ride away from nearby attractions, restaurants, and other fun things to do.
