SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium opened in early 2015 inside the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets mall in Auburn Hills, taking over space once occupied by a GameWorks arcade. Operated by UK-based Merlin Entertainments, it quickly became known as the largest aquarium in Michigan, drawing families and school groups to its mall-adjacent location just north of Detroit.
The 35,000-square-foot facility holds roughly 150,000 gallons of water across 22 themed tanks, anchored by a large ocean tank with a 180-degree walk-through tunnel. More than 250 species, from sharks and rays to seahorses and green sea turtles, call the aquarium home, and the facility is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan (Great Lakes Crossing Outlets)
- Opened: 2015
- Size: 35,000 sq ft; about 150,000 gallons of water
- Species: Over 250 species
- Tanks: 22 themed tanks
- Operator: Merlin Entertainments
- Accreditation: Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
- Famous for: 180-degree walk-through ocean tunnel and lake sturgeon conservation program
What Visitors See
A walk through SEA LIFE Michigan moves from freshwater lake displays through a coral reef exhibit and a shipwreck-themed tank before reaching the signature ocean tunnel, where sharks and rays pass overhead and on either side. An interactive touch pool lets visitors handle starfish and other hardy invertebrates, while smaller tanks showcase seahorses, moray eels, and clownfish.
Because the aquarium sits inside a shopping mall rather than a standalone campus, it’s a compact, walkable experience built for families combining a visit with shopping or other Great Lakes Crossing attractions.
Conservation Work
SEA LIFE Michigan runs a lake sturgeon breeding program, raising juveniles before releasing them into local waterways to help rebuild wild populations. The aquarium also breeds potbelly seahorses to ease collection pressure on wild stock, rehabilitates rescued green sea turtles, and partners with the Clinton River Watershed Council on local cleanup efforts.
Explore more: Explore more zoos and aquariums.
Zoo days are long and the shade isn't always where the animals are.
Clips to a stroller, wagon or backpack strap. Quiet enough that it won't wake a napping toddler.
Cold water for the whole loop around the zoo, with a straw lid that doesn't leak in the bag.
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium FAQs
Where is SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium located?
It’s inside Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills, Michigan, north of Detroit.
How many species does SEA LIFE Michigan have?
The aquarium is home to more than 250 species across 22 themed tanks, including sharks, rays, seahorses, and green sea turtles.
When did SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium open?
It opened in early 2015 in a space previously occupied by a GameWorks arcade.
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