8 Most Hospitable Retirement Towns In Minnesota

Minnesota is one of the best states for retirement. It doesn't matter if you consider culture, healthcare access and quality, or infrastructure. Of course, you already know that Minnesota is called “the Land of 10,000 Lakes" for a good reason. And if you weren't aware, this Midwestern gem has a long history of welcoming people, whether they are from California or Cambodia, Maine or Missouri. The truth is that any empty nester will thrive in a welcoming town, where he or she feels like a part of the family. So, starting with Northfield, discover the 8 most welcoming towns to retire in Minnesota.

Northfield

Northfield has not one, but two colleges, including Carlton, one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, and St. Olaf College, founded in the 1870s by Norwegian Immigrants. You probably know that college towns are often a tad more vibrant, accepting, and diverse, and Northfield is not any different. Moreover, with Minneapolis just about 40 minutes down the road, a retiree here has access to all kinds of cultural attractions and social groups. You can meet with friends at The Guild Theater and enjoy a rib-cracking show, engage with peers at the highly rated FiftyNorth Senior Center, have boatloads of fun at one of the largest outdoor celebrations in Minnesota (The Defeat of Jesse James Days), or occasionally hit up the trails at the Cannon River Wilderness Area amid beautiful river views. Northfield Hospital is at your doorstep and offers both primary care and specialty services.

Winona

Winona is beautifully layered in nature, with the Mississippi River to the east and some beautiful bluffs with great fall colors to the west. The Great River Shakespeare Festival, certainly the town’s most anticipated event, is a nationally recognized festival that draws audiences from every nook of the Midwest, as well as talented actors from across the nation. From Romeo & Juliet to Great Ado About Nothing, you will have the chance to thoroughly enjoy the classics with friends and family. Also, keep in mind that Winona hosts the Winona State University, the first teaching college of its kind west of the Mississippi River. If worried about healthcare access, Winona Health has been providing medical services to area residents since 1894. Also, Winona Friendship Center offers classes and several social events designed to improve the quality of life of empty nesters.

Red Wing

Red Wing is a small, calm city that hugs the Mississippi River, meaning residents enjoy cool breezes and rustic scenery. There is a memorial park that offers scenic views of the whole city, and several golf courses, including the iconic Red Wing Golf Course, which features majestic oaks, as well as rugged sandstone bluffs and excellent views. Moreover, there’s often something going on at the Pier 55 Red Wing Area Seniors Centre, so be sure to regularly check it out. There’s the Sheldon Theatre as well, a community gathering place since 1904 that doubles up as a fun place to have a laugh and catch up with cheerful neighbors. If you need urgent medical services, Mayo Clinic is right in town and is a brand with a worldwide reputation. The best part is that you can play bingo, eat to your heart’s content, or unwind in the beer garden during the annual River City Days, a 3-day event suitable for all ages.

New Ulm

New Ulm, also known as “the city of festivals,” is less than two hours from Minneapolis and has several features that make it ideal for retirees. It is small, meaning interactions can easily be established on a friendly, first-name basis, and, for its size, it boasts a shocking amount of things to do. Think of multiple parks, an indoor gym and pool facility, an outdoor ice skating rink (useful in the colder months), and, above all, plenty of smiles from the locals. Oktoberfest, which descends in early October, typically fills downtown with traditional polka bands, costumed dance troupes, and stein-holding contests at the August Schell Brewing Company, one of the oldest family-run breweries in the United States. On healthcare access, New Ulm Medical Center was recently recognized as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital, placing it in the top 2% of all hospitals in the United States in the category. Also, from Cinderella to interesting Johnny Cash Tribute bands to belly-shaking comedy shows, the State Street Theater is among the town’s most rewarding social venues.

Cloquet

At a point during his career, the celebrated American architect Floyd Wright was so horrified with city life that he came up with an urban Utopia of his own: Broadacre City. Cloquet was part of this daring project. Although the project collapsed, Cloquet still retains some “urban utopia” elements. You have the Community Memorial Hospital, which recently earned the National Award for High Quality Stroke Treatment, and the idyllic Knife Island Campground, where you can rent a rustic cabin and enjoy three days of fishing. Also, several events regularly light up the town and bring people together, including the annual Craft, Art, and Vendor Fair. If you can’t go for a week without practicing your swings, the exclusive Cloquet Country Club is in the area and offers a challenging 18-hole course, as well as stunning views and immaculate playing surfaces.

Stillwater

Stillwater is another welcoming town with awesome amenities and culture that retirees should not overlook. With St. Paul right next door, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a small, stunning town and immediate access to a countless variety of cultural attractions and amenities. Lakeview Hospital, named a five-star hospital by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has been providing high-quality care to area residents since 1880. There’s The Lakes at Stillwater, a 50-plus-acre senior living campus inspired by the surrounding scenic lake, which is incredibly perfect for growing old together. Another invaluable community resource is Community Thread, which connects volunteers and community members to needed services in the area, creating a sense of connectedness. Moreover, there’s the meandering presence of the St. Croix River, for all kinds of outdoor recreational opportunities, and the Gateway State Trail, which snakes its way from Saint Paul to Pine Point Regional Park.

Albert Lea

Albert Lea is an hour and a half from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, meaning retirees reap the benefits of a large metropolitan infrastructure while enjoying a more pastoral landscape and spending most of their days in relative tranquility. Keep in mind that Albert Lea sits on the shores of three lakes: Fountain, Albert Lea, and Pickerel. There’s Mayo Clinic Hospital — Albert Lea, for excellent medical services; Albert Lea Community Theatre, where you can meet up with a friend for a lively concert or play; and the Albert Lea Senior Center, which organizes many social and recreational opportunities to enrich the lives of empty nesters. For those who find it hard to live independently, St. John's Lutheran Community is a faith-based community providing care for aging adults.

Mankato

Mankato is not too big and not too small, with a population of around 46,000. This means you will have a better chance to take advantage of a bigger social support network, something every retiree should prioritize. Minneopa State Park has a beautiful double waterfall, herds of majestic bison roaming freely, and nice campsites with necessary amenities. RibFest, held annually every August at Riverfront Park and Vetter Stone Amphitheater, is all about meat, music, and memories. There’s the chance to be happy and active at Old Main Village, run by an entity with more than 60 years of experience developing and managing senior-living communities. On a different note, you can be teaching part-time at the Minnesota State University, Mankato, especially if you have the right qualifications. Of course, the campus makes the area incredibly more vibrant and interesting. On healthcare, Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato is one of several facilities in the area with a tradition of offering excellent services.

So, if you are about to earn the prestigious “senior” title, and you are looking for a place to plant your roots, don't just focus on outdoor beauty, availability of amenities, or recreational opportunities. You need to find a place that is welcoming, where you can build a reliable network of friends and enlarge your social circle. These Minnesota towns will welcome you with open arms, providing ample opportunities to connect with neighbors who might just be your new friends.