It used to be, and certain extent may still be, that the biggest attraction at the Millcreek Mall Complex was the 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. Within the past year, another entertainment venue known as 5 Wits opened its doors. While one might be tempted to call it an “escape room”, it is much more sophisticated than the typical variety. Players choose from several different scenarios where all their senses (wits) are challenged by puzzles and obstacles. The outcome of the game, and their escape route, may change based upon the choices players make.
A few steps away, a slightly less technical entertainment venue awaits. Archery Encounter bills itself as the “biggest indoor archery range east of the Mississippi”. If the playtime is for the smallest visitors, Millcreek has you covered, with a spacious, indoor, soft-to-the-touch children’s play area.
