It used to be said that the biggest attraction of the Millcreek Mall Complex was its incredible selection of shopping options. Yes, with more than 160 different listings on the merchant lineup, there’s plenty of shopping be had. Yet in recent years, this super-regional retail center has been attracting huge numbers of visitors who just want to play.
A little context might help. The mall complex is located just a few miles from Lake Erie, which boasts a fairly hefty tourist trade in the warm weather months. It’s also close enough to the New York, Ohio and Ontario borders that day-trippers are a frequent sight. In addition to boating, fishing, sunbathing and water parks, they also crave restaurants, hotel rooms, shopping and maybe a little extra fun at the end of the day. The Millcreek Mall Complex has all of that.
The “fun” quotient has been ramping up in recent years. It comes several forms. For example, take a trip into the world of Round 1 Entertainment. It’s 50,000 square feet of fun on two floors. When it opened it was an instant hit, offering virtually every arcade game imaginable, along with full-size bowling lanes, karaoke party rooms, food and a bar. When Dick's Sporting Goods expanded to a larger location on the complex, it created an outdoor track and playing field for pro athlete clinics and youth recreation. Golf 365 is Erie's premier facility for indoor golf facility, with spacious driving bays, a full service pro shop, leagues and tournaments. All of this is complemented by more than two-dozen eateries and three hotels where a fun-seeking visitor can get cap off the day with a delicious meal and a good night's sleep.
