Your Guide To Great Lakes Crossing Outlets: Michigan's Shopping And Fun Spot

Dayton Prohaska 01 Aug 2025

Are you looking for a place where you can find amazing deals, enjoy tasty food, and have a truly fun time with your family, all under one roof? Well, you're in luck, because Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is that spot, and it's quite a special one, actually. This place is known as Michigan's largest outlet shopping center, and it offers so much more than just places to buy things.

It's a huge space, with over 170 stores, many different places to eat, and even some cool attractions for everyone to enjoy. You see, it's not just about finding a good price; it's about making a whole day out of your visit, which is pretty neat. People come here from all over, looking for something special, or just a nice way to spend their time, and it tends to deliver.

Whether you're after the latest fashion, searching for unique gifts, or simply want to create some happy memories with your loved ones, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets has something for you. We'll show you what makes this place a favorite for many, and how you can make the most of your trip there, you know, for a really good time.

A Look Back: The Story of Great Lakes Crossing Outlets
A Shopper's Delight: Finding Your Favorite Brands
- Great Deals on Famous Brands
- More Than Just Sales
Family Adventures and Exciting Attractions
Treat Your Taste Buds: Dining Options
- From Quick Bites to Relaxed Dinners
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Why Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is a Top Choice
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Lakes Crossing Outlets

A Look Back: The Story of Great Lakes Crossing Outlets

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets has a bit of a history, you know, it didn't just appear overnight. This large shopping spot was built on a specific site and first opened its doors back in 1998. That's quite a while ago, and it has been serving shoppers and families ever since, which is pretty cool.

The construction and ownership of this big center fall under Taubman Centers, which is, in fact, a part of the larger Simon Property Group. So, it's owned by a company with a lot of experience in making places where people like to shop and spend time. This background, in some respects, helps explain why it's so well-planned and has so much to offer.

From its start, the idea was to create a destination that was more than just a regular mall. It was meant to be a place for discounts, yes, but also a spot for entertainment and good food. And, it has certainly grown into that role over the years, becoming a really important part of the Auburn Hills area, too it's almost a landmark.

A Shopper's Delight: Finding Your Favorite Brands

When you think about Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, shopping is, of course, one of the main reasons people come. It's truly a shopper's paradise, offering a vast number of stores that cater to almost every taste and need. You can find just about anything here, from clothes to home goods, and that's a big draw.

Great Deals on Famous Brands

This center is known for its amazing deals on well-known brands. It has 92 famous name brand outlets and designer factory stores, which means you can often find items at prices that are quite appealing. Shoppers really like this, as a matter of fact, because getting quality items for less money is always a good thing.

With approximately 185 specialty stores, you have a lot of choices. You might find a new outfit, a gift for someone special, or perhaps something for your home. The sheer number of options means you can spend a good amount of time exploring, and you're pretty much guaranteed to find something that catches your eye, or so it seems.

More Than Just Sales

While the discounts are a big part of the appeal, the shopping experience here goes beyond just finding a bargain. The variety of stores means you can discover unique items that you might not find elsewhere. It's a place where you can really take your time, browse, and enjoy the act of shopping itself, which is nice.

For example, you can look at the store list to see all the different places available before you even go. This helps you plan your visit, especially if you have specific stores in mind. It's all about making your shopping trip as easy and enjoyable as possible, and that's quite helpful, you know.

Family Adventures and Exciting Attractions

What makes Great Lakes Crossing Outlets stand out is that it's not just for shopping. It's also a fantastic spot for family fun, with unique attractions that you might not expect to find in a shopping center. This makes it a great place for a day trip with kids, or just for anyone looking for some entertainment, honestly.

Discovering Underwater Worlds at SEA LIFE Michigan

One of the big attractions here is SEA LIFE Michigan. It's an aquarium where you can see all sorts of sea creatures. Kids and adults alike enjoy watching the fish, sharks, and other marine life swim around. It's an experience that brings a bit of the ocean to Michigan, and it's quite fascinating, actually.

You can walk through tunnels with fish all around you, which is a pretty cool feeling. It offers a chance to learn about different types of sea animals in a fun, engaging way. So, if you like marine life, or just want to see something different, this is a definite highlight, you know.

Building Fun at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Another major draw for families is the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. This place is all about LEGOs, offering interactive experiences where kids can build, play, and explore. It's a very hands-on attraction that sparks creativity and provides hours of entertainment, which is really great for families.

From building challenges to rides and miniature cityscapes made of LEGO bricks, there's a lot to do. It's a colorful and lively place that truly brings the world of LEGO to life. If your kids love LEGOs, or even if they just like to build things, this spot is definitely worth checking out, in my opinion.

Other Fun Spots to Check Out

Beyond SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets has other places for fun too. For instance, there's a Bass Pro Shops, which is more than just a store; it's an experience in itself, with large aquariums and outdoor-themed displays. It's almost like a mini-museum for nature lovers, in a way.

And then there's the Rainforest Café, which is a restaurant but also a themed attraction. It's designed to look and feel like a rainforest, with animatronic animals and periodic "thunderstorms." It's a unique dining experience that adds to the overall entertainment value of the center, and it's quite popular, apparently.

Treat Your Taste Buds: Dining Options

All that shopping and exploring can make you hungry, and Great Lakes Crossing Outlets has you covered with almost 30 restaurants. This means you have a wide range of food choices, so you can find something to satisfy any craving. It's really convenient to have so many options right there, you know.

From Quick Bites to Relaxed Dinners

Whether you're looking for a quick snack to keep you going, or a sit-down meal with your family, you'll find it here. There are places for casual bites, like food court options, where you can grab something fast and get back to your shopping or attractions. This is pretty much what most people look for when they're on the go.

Then there are restaurants like the Rainforest Café, as mentioned before, which offer a full dining experience with a fun theme. You can also find other sit-down places that offer a variety of cuisines, ensuring there's something for everyone in your group. It's a pretty good selection, honestly, for a shopping center.

The variety means you don't have to leave the center to find a good meal. You can easily spend your whole day here, enjoying the shops, the attractions, and then wrapping up with a nice dinner. It's a complete package, in some respects, for a day out.

Getting Ready for Your Visit

To make your trip to Great Lakes Crossing Outlets as smooth as possible, it helps to know a few things before you go. Planning ahead can really improve your experience, ensuring you get to see and do everything you want without any hassle, which is definitely a plus.

Where to Find This Great Place

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is located at 4000 Baldwin Road, in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This makes it a fairly accessible spot for many people in the region. Knowing the exact address helps with planning your route, whether you're using a GPS or just looking at a map, you know.

It's a prominent location, and once you get close, you'll likely see signs guiding you. Being in Auburn Hills, it's a part of a wider area that offers other things to do, but the outlets themselves are a major destination. So, getting there is usually quite straightforward, you see.

When to Visit and How to Get Details

Before you head out, it's a good idea to check the mall hours. These can sometimes change, especially around holidays or for special events. You can typically find this information online, or by contacting the center directly. Knowing the hours helps you plan how long you can stay and when to arrive, which is important.

You can also find contact information, ratings, and reviews online. These can give you a better idea of what to expect from other visitors' experiences. It's always helpful to get a sense of the place from those who have been there, as a matter of fact, before you go yourself.

Finding Your Way Around with a Map

Because Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is so large, having a map is really useful. You can view a Great Lakes Crossing map that you can zoom in on to see major stores, entrances, and more. This helps you figure out where you want to go and how to get there efficiently, which is pretty handy.

The map can highlight key attractions like SEA LIFE Michigan, LEGOLAND, Bass Pro Shops, and the Rainforest Café, so you can easily locate them. It also shows where the different sections of stores are, which is useful if you're looking for something specific. Using the map means you won't waste time getting lost, and that's a good thing, typically.

You can also find information about events happening at the center, shopping hours, and directions. All these details are there to help you have a smooth and enjoyable visit. It's pretty much all the information you need to get ready for a fun day out, actually.

Why Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is a Top Choice

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets truly stands out as a premier shopping and dining destination in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It's more than just a place to buy things; it's a complete experience that brings together shopping, entertainment, and food in one convenient spot. This combination is what makes it so appealing to a wide range of people, and it tends to be quite popular.

Its status as Michigan's largest outlet center means it offers a selection of stores and brands that you might not find elsewhere in the state. The focus on discount stores, alongside unique family attractions and diverse dining options, creates a dynamic environment. It's a place where you can find great value, but also create lasting memories, which is really what it's about, you know.

Whether you're a serious shopper looking for deals, a family seeking a fun day out, or just someone wanting a good meal in an interesting setting, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets has something to offer. It continues to be a go-to spot for many, proving its enduring appeal. It's a pretty special place, honestly, for a day trip or a longer visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Great Lakes Crossing Outlets

What stores are at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets?

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets has a very wide selection of stores, including approximately 185 specialty stores. Among these, you'll find 92 famous name brand outlets and designer factory stores, offering a variety of products from clothing and accessories to home goods and electronics. You can also find a detailed list of all stores on their official site, so you know what's available before you go, which is quite helpful, as a matter of fact.

What attractions are at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets?

Beyond shopping, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is home to several unique attractions that make it a great family destination. These include SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, where you can explore underwater worlds, and LEGOLAND Discovery Center, which offers interactive LEGO-themed fun. You'll also find a large Bass Pro Shops, which is an attraction in itself with its themed displays, and the Rainforest Café, offering a unique dining experience in a jungle setting. These spots really add to the fun, honestly, for everyone.

What are the hours for Great Lakes Crossing Outlets?

The operating hours for Great Lakes Crossing Outlets can vary, especially on holidays or for special events. It's always a good idea to check their official website or call them directly for the most current information on mall hours. This way, you can plan your visit accurately and make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy all the shopping, dining, and attractions without any surprises, which is pretty much what you want.

Learn more about shopping on our site, and link to this page Michigan attractions.

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets | Michigan's Largest Indoor Outlet Mall

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