Haunted Chicago Exploration Game and Tour

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Chicago, this Haunted Chicago Exploration Game and Tour might catch your eye. It’s not your typical walking tour; instead, it combines sightseeing with a smartphone-based scavenger hunt, offering a laid-back way to enjoy some of the city’s landmarks at your own pace. Whether you’re traveling solo, a couple, or a small group, this experience promises a blend of history, challenge, and a bit of adventure.

What we like about this tour is how flexible it is—you can set off whenever it suits you, and you get to explore Chicago without the pressure of a group tour timetable. Plus, at under $8 per person, it’s easy on the wallet. On the flip side, you’ll want to be comfortable with using a smartphone app and navigating on your own since there’s no guide physically present. This makes it ideal for travelers comfortable with self-guided activities who are also looking for a budget-friendly option. If you love discovering hidden gems and enjoy a bit of brain-teasing fun, this one’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Self-led experience with a smartphone game that combines sightseeing and scavenger hunting
• Affordable price point, making it a good value for the money
• Flexible timing allows you to start whenever it suits your schedule
• Explores top landmarks like the Chicago History Museum and Lincoln Park Zoo
• Challenges and clues add a fun twist to sightseeing
• No guide included, so you’re on your own but supported via app support

What Is the Haunted Chicago Exploration Game and Tour?

This is a two-in-one activity meant to turn your typical sightseeing into an interactive experience. It’s designed to be self-directed, so you manage your pace and timing. You receive the game via your smartphone upon booking, which means you don’t need to carry around paper tickets or worry about a scheduled start time. Instead, you set off when it’s convenient and follow the clues and challenges as you go.

The core idea is combining local landmarks with engaging puzzles. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to learn a bit more about Chicago while having fun, rather than just passively looking at sights. The tour’s duration is roughly two hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the stops without feeling rushed.

You’ll explore several well-known spots, from the Chicago History Museum to Lincoln Park’s scenic zoo, with each stop offering a new clue to keep your brain occupied. The tour ends at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, a tranquil spot perfect for winding down after the adventure.

The Itinerary: Breaking Down the Stops

Start at the Chicago History Museum

Your journey kicks off at the Chicago History Museum. Here, you’ll receive your first puzzle or challenge, which acts as your key to unlocking the next destination. The museum is a notable starting point, setting the tone with a mix of history and intrigue. Keep in mind, admission isn’t included, so if you want to explore inside, you’ll need to buy tickets separately. Still, the exterior and the surroundings are good enough to start your quest.

Lincoln State Monument

Next up, you’ll head to the Standing Lincoln Monument. This is a free stop, making it easy to spend as much or as little time as you like. The challenge at this point pushes you to learn something about Lincoln, adding a historical twist to the hunt.

Ulysses S. Grant Monument

Continuing your quest, the Ulysses S. Grant Monument provides another clue. Like the previous stop, it’s free to explore, and you can linger or move on quickly depending on your interest. The inclusion of these landmarks means you get a taste of Chicago’s deep connection to American history.

Bridge Over South Pond

The Bridge over South Pond offers a scenic setting, perfect for pausing and enjoying the view. The clues here might involve observing details or answering questions related to the pond or bridge. It’s a lovely spot that adds some visual variety to your journey.

Hans Christian Andersen Monument

A bit more whimsical, the Hans Christian Andersen Statue introduces some artistic charm. Solving clues here might involve engaging with the sculpture or learning about the Danish author’s link to the city. The stop is free, and it offers a good photo opportunity.

Lincoln Park Zoo

A highlight for many, the Lincoln Park Zoo stands out as a more substantial stop. You’ll get a clue relating to the zoo’s exhibits or animals. Note that admission isn’t included, so if you plan to see the animals, budget accordingly. The zoo’s free entry makes it accessible, and it’s a great way to add some nature and animal encounters into your urban exploration.

End at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

Your adventure wraps up at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, a peaceful and picturesque spot. It’s an ideal closing point, where you can relax and reflect on the tour. It’s also free to visit, making it a nice reward after a couple of hours of scavenging and sightseeing.

What Travelers Say

Reviews are a mixed bag but generally highlight some strong points.

One traveler, Kelly_M, felt it was worth the money, mentioning that despite some initial hassles with downloading and setup, the experience was enjoyable. However, she noted a downside—the last clue was no longer accessible, which is a common issue with self-guided tours that rely on app updates or website links. The support via help chat was appreciated, though.

On the other hand, Brinee_C was quite negative, calling it a scam because they felt they were just using a free app called Questo to do the scavenger hunt. This review underscores the fact that the activity is self-guided and uses an app, so if you’re expecting a guided tour, you might be disappointed.

The most glowing review came from Gabbi_R, who gave it a 10/10. She loved how it provided a fun and insightful way to learn about the park’s history while exploring sights she might not have noticed otherwise. Her enthusiasm suggests this kind of activity really resonates if you enjoy discovery and history.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Price: At about $7.50 per person, this tour is a budget-friendly way to see parts of Chicago. Given that it’s self-guided, you save money on guide fees, but keep in mind that admission tickets to attractions like the Chicago History Museum and Lincoln Park Zoo are not included.

Duration: Expect around two hours—a manageable chunk of time for most travelers looking for a light, fun activity without a full-day commitment.

Booking in advance: Most people book about three weeks ahead. This is good to know if you want to secure your spot during busy seasons or get everything organized beforehand.

Support: The tour includes 24/7 customer support, which is reassuring if you run into tech issues or need help with clues.

Accessibility and participation: Since it’s a self-led tour, most travelers can participate. Service animals are allowed, and it’s near public transportation, making it relatively easy to reach the starting point.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This activity is ideal for curious travelers who enjoy interactive experiences and don’t mind navigating on their own. If you’re traveling solo or with a small group who appreciates history and puzzles, you’ll probably have a good time. It’s particularly suitable if you’re on a budget and want a flexible, light activity that gives you a taste of Chicago’s iconic landmarks.

However, if you’re expecting a guided tour with a personable guide explaining each site, this probably isn’t for you. It’s also worth noting that if you want to go inside the museums or zoo, you’ll need extra tickets. Also, those who prefer more structured, less independent experiences might find the self-guided aspect a bit frustrating, especially if some clues become inaccessible.

The Sum Up

The Haunted Chicago Exploration Game and Tour offers a unique blend of sightseeing and puzzle-solving, making it an engaging way to explore the city without the rigidity of scheduled tours. For travelers who enjoy a bit of self-direction, discovery, and a budget-friendly option, it’s a smart choice. The stops cover some of Chicago’s most recognizable landmarks, giving you a taste of local history and culture, all while having fun.

While it’s not perfect—some clues may become outdated and no guided commentary is provided—the overall experience can be surprisingly rewarding if you’re prepared for a bit of independence. It’s especially suited for those looking for a casual, interactive outing that can fit into any schedule.

If you like the idea of uncovering Chicago’s stories on your own terms, this activity is worth trying. Just double-check your app support and be ready for a little puzzle-solving along the way.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
It can be, especially if they enjoy puzzles and exploring outdoors. However, since it’s self-guided and involves navigating via a smartphone, consider the age and comfort level of your kids.

Are tickets to attractions included?
No, admission to the museums and the zoo is not included, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if you want inside access.

Do I need to download anything beforehand?
Yes, you’ll receive access to the game on your phone after booking. The process to set it up is straightforward, but some users have mentioned it’s a slight hassle.

What if I get stuck on a clue?
The tour offers 24/7 support, including a help menu and chat feature, so you can get assistance if needed.

Can I start this tour at any time?
Yes, since it’s self-led, you can begin whenever it fits your schedule—just make sure to plan some time to enjoy the stops.

Is it suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many travelers enjoy the independence of a self-guided activity, and this tour is perfect for those who like exploring at their own pace.

What’s the best way to prepare?
Familiarize yourself with the map and clues, and ensure your phone is charged. Bring some water and wear comfortable shoes, since you’ll be moving between stops.

How long does each stop take?
Most stops are designed to be around 10 minutes, but you can linger longer if something catches your eye.

Is there a group size limit?
Since it’s a private, self-guided activity, only your group participates, with no fixed limit.

Would I recommend this experience?
If you enjoy interactive, budget-friendly activities and are comfortable navigating on your own, yes. It’s a relaxed way to see parts of Chicago and learn some history along the way.

Hopefully, this gives you a clear picture of what to expect from the Haunted Chicago Exploration Game and Tour. Happy exploring!