12 Best Small Towns in the Great Lakes Region For Retirees

The Great Lakes is one of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems, spanning over 750 miles from west to east and comprising eight US states: Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Each state features towns in Great Lake with beautiful nature views, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, and peaceful living, perfect for seniors. The Great Lakes also hold historical significance as a hub for early European exploration and settlement. 

With a wide selection of things to do and views to discover, it is no surprise that the Great Lakes Region offers some of the best places to relax, rejuvenate, and retire. Retirees can stroll along forests, meadows, and sandy beaches, join annual festivals, and try the most authentic local restaurants. From the almost traffic-free Mackinac Island to beautiful state parks in Albert Lea, here are excellent small towns for a slower pace of living in the Great Lake. 

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan has no motorized vehicles, and Lake Heron surrounds this town between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Perched atop a bluff, the iconic Grand Hotel features Victorian grandeur and panoramic views. Fort Mackinac, the state's oldest structure, is a historical landmark occupied by British troops during the War of 1812.  Mackinac Island State Park offers limestone rock formations, sea caves, and forests, and the Arch Rock is also an Insta-worthy spot, with natural limestone arches featuring Lake Huron views. Walking trails are featured in The Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservancy, surrounded by vibrant butterflies, with water activities like boating, fishing, and scenic cruises. Senior-friendly events include the Lilac Festival Grand Parade, Mackinac Island Fireworks, and the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival. 

The Mackinac Island Medical Center provides primary, urgent, and diagnostic care. More specialized care or emergencies are transported to nearby St. Ignace or Mackinaw City.  The cost of living is a bit higher than the state’s average. Renowned for its car-free ambiance, transportation relies on bicycles. The weather on Mackinac Island varies seasonally, with cold winters featuring snow and ice and mild to warm summers.

Galena, Illinois

Galena in Northern Illinois combines urban vibes and 19th-century architecture with the noteworthy Galena River. Surrounding this town is Jo Daviess County, where the vistas are adorned with scenic overlooks. The Ulysses S. Grant Home, the former residence of the Civil War general and 18th U.S. President, provides an insightful look into the past with guided tours of the well-preserved property. Retirees interested in river views can visit the Galena River Trail for walking or cycling. Grant Park is also senior-friendly, with recreational activities like biking, trekking, birdwatching, and sightseeing. 

The Midwest Medical Center is a renowned healthcare facility, while the top retirement neighborhoods in the town include the Prairie Ridge of Galena. The cost of living is at par with most towns in Illinois. Jo Daviess County Transit runs an on-demand service; public transportation is available for scheduled hours, and seniors may also consider using local taxi services or rideshare options. The climate ranges from cold winters with snowfall to moderately warm summers.

Port Clinton, Ohio

Port Clinton in Ottawa County on Lake Erie is considered the World’s Walleye Capital, featuring a natural preserve for the town’s abundant wildlife. A favorite attraction is the City Beach, where seniors can sunbathe and swim. Retirees can also schedule fishing trips downtown Port Clinton through head and charter boats. Waterworks Park also allows retirees to fish along the Great Lakes pier or in Derby Pond. Renowned annual festivals for seniors include Memorial Day’s Walleye Festival and the summer’s Lighthouse Festival. 

Notable healthcare centers in Port Clinton include Magruder Hospital and Firelands Regional Medical Center. These facilities provide primary and emergency care services. Senior living communities include Vineyard on Catawba, Edgewood Manor Nursing Center, and Rose Acre Manor. The cost of living in this town compared to the national average is lower than nearly 11%. Meanwhile, the climate is characterized by occasional snowfall during winter and hot afternoons during summer.

Shipshewana, Indiana

Shipshewana is one of Indiana’s largest Amish towns, surrounded by Amish farms with a small population of 650 residents. Retirees will love Downtown Shipshewana, consisting of a four-way stop sign in front of Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery, a famous eatery for Amish baked goods and meals. There is also the Blue Gate Theater upstairs, an Amish-inspired musical place. Another unique experience is stopping by the Buggy Lanes Tour to take an Amish buggy ride to witness how farmers milk the cows.

Scenic views surround Shipshewana Lake Park, and seniors who love getting active by biking should visit Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. The Community Health Clinic and Shipshewana Family Health Care are notable healthcare facilities with nearby senior-assisted living communities in Middlebury. This town’s cost of living is way lower than larger urban areas in Indiana. Shipshewana is also accessible by major highways, and the most common public transit is the Barons Bus. As for the weather, Shipshewana experiences a humid continental climate with distinct seasons. Winters can be cold with occasional snowfall, and summers are warm.

Two Rivers, Wisconsin

Two Rivers, Wisconsin, sits between the West and East Twin Rivers and flows into Lake Michigan. Neshotah Park is an imminent destination known for its large playground, picnic areas, and beautiful sandy beach. Mariners Trail is another noteworthy tourist spot, a scenic recreational trail that winds along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Seniors who love history should visit the Rogers Street Fishing Village. The Woodlands Dunes Nature Center also boasts lush landscapes and scenic walking trails, perfect for nature enthusiasts. Seniors can also visit the Washington House Museum and Visitors Center and enjoy a sundae while learning about the town’s history. 

Two Rivers has a Senior Center, offering volunteer opportunities and activities for retirees to remain active. Senior living communities include Wisteria Haus, Hamilton Memorial Home, and Edgewater Terrace. The cost of living and crime rates are also low and public transportation primarily includes buses and rideshare options. Two Rivers has comfortable summers, freezing and snowy winters, and experiences year-round winds and partial cloud cover.

Albert Lea, Minnesota

Albert Lea, a countryside town, has abundant fields of crops, providing picturesque backdrops that change hues with the seasons. Retirees will love picnicking and sightseeing along Lake Chapeau and Goose Lake. The Freeborn County Fair allows seniors to discover everything about Minnesota life via the town’s live music, horse shows, and locally-grown food. 

Mayo Clinic Health System - Albert Lea & Austin is part of the Mayo Clinic Health System, offering primary care, specialty care, and emergency services. The Mason City Clinic Albert Lea can also provide various medical services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical services, and emergency care. Assisted living communities include Oak Park Place, Thorne Crest Retirement Community, and Prairie Senior Cottages. Residential neighborhoods are bike-friendly and pedestrian-friendly, while most communities offer free bus ride options to retirees and seniors. Living costs are 22% lower than the national average, with houses more affordable. Albert Lea experiences lengthy, warm, humid summers followed by freezing, snowy, and windy winters.

Arcola, Illinois

Arcola combines a conservative community and rural vibes, offering a laid-back retirement with a bustling downtown and active nightlife. The Arcola Rotary Park and Kelly Moore Memorial Park boast natural beauty with green vegetation and blooming flowers. Seniors will love the abundant animals in Aikman Wildlife, including peacocks and zebras. As the world’s broom corn capital, Arcola features the annual Broom Corn Festival, showcasing large broom corn harvests, exciting broom activities, arts and crafts, cuisines, and entertainment. It’s also distinguished for the Walldog murals. Another event for retirees is the Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner every November at the Arcola Jaycees. There’s also the Downtown Christmas Parade and the Annual Holiday Bazaar every December.

Arcola Health Care Center is the central health facility, while the cost of living is lower than the national average. Senior-assisted living communities in the area include the popular Carriage Crossing Senior Living. Buses and trains are widespread in the town, and senior citizens can enjoy discounted rides—the climate changes from long and warm summers to freezing and snowy winters. 

St. Joseph, Michigan

St. Joseph is along Lake Michigan in Southwestern Michigan, featuring quaint streets and plantations that contribute to St. Joseph’s agricultural charm. Seniors can enjoy a day at Silver Beach County Park, a pristine beach with beautiful lake views for boating and fishing. St. Joseph River also flows through the town. Another famed pristine beach nearby is the Warren Dunes State Park, where visitors can explore the dunes, sunbathe, and swim. 

Two hospitals are in St. Joseph, the Sturgis Hospital and the Three Rivers Health. The Whitcomb Senior Living Tower and Brenda Regan are popular assisted living communities for seniors. Seniors can expect lower living costs and easy accessibility through public transportation. The climate is not a problem either!  

Angola, Indiana

Angola is another charming small town in Indiana. It is renowned for its wide selection of small businesses in historic buildings, bustling downtown streets, and lakes like Crooked Lake and Lake James for fishing and boating. Pokagon State Park is a senior-friendly destination featuring wooded trails, diverse wildlife, and serene lakes. This town also has a notable US Civil War monument, The Mound, in the downtown streets. Active retirees and seniors can visit Angola’s Commercial Historic District for a quick stroll, which features architectural styles like the Classical Revival and Art Deco. 

Furthermore, Angola has the Cameron Memorial Community Hospital, a healthcare facility open for 24 hours. A few senior living communities to check out include Lakeland Nursing Center and Cameron Woods. The cost of living is lower than average, and Angola trains and buses are readily available and accessible. Seniors should not worry about the weather because it is predictable, depending on the current season. 

Brainerd, Minnesota

Brainerd, Minnesota, will take the seniors back to the 19th century with its well-preserved historic buildings and modern charm. The beautiful Whitefish and Gull Lakes offer exciting water activities like boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation. Paul Bunyan State Trail is a popular walking trail with meadows and woodlands for outdoor enthusiast seniors. Some events for retirees include BINGO at the Brainerd Eagles, Kringle Market at The Crossing Arts Alliance, and Traveling Art Pub at 5Rocks Distilling Co. 

Healthcare facilities in the area include Essentia Health Medical Center and the 7-minute away Cuyuna Regional Medical Center. Brainerd's most prominent retirement center is Woodland Good Samaritan Adult Day Services. This park-like setting offers recreational activities and exercises to help retirees stay active and productive. The average home value for families can reach $300,000, but the crime rate is pretty low. 

Huron, Ohio

Along Lake Erie’s southern shore is Huron, celebrated for the Nickel Plate Beach for fishing, swimming, and sunbathing. Near the beachfront is the Sand Bar, a restaurant in Huron, Ohio, known for homemade pizzas and fish dishes. The Huron Lighthouse complements the town’s Instagrammable shoreline along a single-mile pier. Seniors can explore, fish, and bird-watch around the lighthouse. The Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve is also a senior-friendly destination for birdwatching and exploring two walking trails, woodlands, and wetlands. 

The Health Center of Huron County is the sole health and wellness center, but you can also head to nearby towns for more options. Moving on, senior-assisted communities and facilities in Huron include The Meadows at Osborn Park, Huron Health Care Center, and Erie Village. Like Brainerd, Huron's living cost is lower than in most US towns but higher than in other Ohio cities. 

Johnstown, Pennsylvania

The beautiful Allegheny Mountains surround Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with dense forests and the renowned Conemaugh River. Seniors can learn about the city’s rich history by exploring the remnants of the Johnstown Inclined Plane, with panoramic views of the valley underneath. The Johnstown Flood National Memorial is also where visitors can commemorate the 1889 flood. The Grand Halle on Broad Street also adds to the town’s historic architecture and distinctive charm. 

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is the primary healthcare facility in this town. The Villa Personal Care Home, McCullough Place, The Atrium, and the Harmony House Manor are popular senior living communities. Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been an important town for retirees because of its affordability and low crime rate. Public transportation is common, and the climate ranges from hot summers to warm springs and fall seasons and chilly winters. 

Retirement in the Great Lakes Region

Towns in Great Lake present excellent options for retirees seeking a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle. From the tranquil shores of Lake Michigan to the historic landscapes near Lake Erie, these towns offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, community warmth, and recreational opportunities. Whether it is the serene ambiance of lakeside living, the cultural richness of historical sites, or each community’s welcoming atmosphere, retirees can find the perfect place that suits their preferences. Each small town on this list brings its unique charm, creating a mosaic of appealing options for those embarking on the next chapter of life in the Great Lakes region.