Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Ithaca Big Red Cornell

If you’re looking to spice up your trip to Ithaca without the crowds or fixed tour schedules, the Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Ithaca Big Red Cornell might just be the kind of experience you need. Designed to be self-guided and flexible, this tour is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge mixed with sightseeing, all on your own terms. Priced at just $14.99 per person, it offers a budget-friendly way to explore some of Ithaca’s most interesting spots through a playful, puzzle-solving adventure.

Two things we really like about this experience: first, it’s completely mobile, meaning you can start whenever you like and go at your own pace, which is a big plus for travelers with unpredictable schedules. Second, it’s interactive—team roles, photo challenges, and riddles keep everyone involved and engaged. That said, a possible consideration is that it’s not guided by a live person, so you need to be comfortable navigating on your own with an app. It suits curious, independent travelers or groups who enjoy problem-solving and discovery over traditional guided tours.

Who will love this?

If you’re visiting Ithaca with friends or family who like puzzles, outdoor exploration, or just a relaxed way to see the sights without rushing, this scavenger hunt could be a real hit. It’s also a good choice for those who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of fun competition. Just keep in mind that it’s not designed as a family-specific experience, but it’s suitable for anyone comfortable with smartphones and walking.

Key Points

• Self-guided and flexible—start anytime, go at your own pace.
• Interactive and fun—solving riddles and completing challenges keeps things lively.
• Affordable price point—just under $15 for a two-hour adventure.
• Includes digital photos—capture your team’s best moments along the way.
• Highlights key sights—from Bailey Hall to Triphammer Falls, your route covers Ithaca’s gems.
• Requires smartphones and charge—fully charged devices and possibly a power bank are essential.

Exploring Ithaca Through Play

The Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Ithaca Big Red Cornell is a creative way to explore a city known for its natural beauty and vibrant campus life. For just under $15, you get a two-hour adventure that’s both mentally engaging and physically active. It’s a self-guided approach, so you can start whenever you want, which is perfect if you prefer a slow morning or want to fit it into a broader day of sightseeing.

What makes this tour stand out is how it combines technology and outdoor exploration. Once you download the app and your smartphone is ready, you’re set to start near Morrill Hall, walking through the Arts Quad, Bailey Hall, and Triphammer Falls, among other spots. Each location isn’t just a visual stop—it’s a puzzle or challenge designed to make you look a little deeper. For example, you might find yourself decoding riddles, completing photo challenges, or collecting clues that reveal Ithaca’s lesser-known stories.

The art-filled Arts Quad is a lively starting point. It’s a space full of sculptures and murals, perfect for snapping photos and sparking creativity. From here, you’ll make your way to Bailey Hall, an iconic venue with echoes of performances past. The app might ask you to identify certain features or find hidden details inside the historic building, making it more than just a walk past a college landmark.

Finally, the trip to Triphammer Falls offers a chance to enjoy Ithaca’s natural beauty. The roar of rushing water provides a sensory backdrop as you gather clues and take photos. It’s an especially scenic part of the experience, giving you both a visual and auditory feast, perfect for nature lovers or anyone looking for a relaxing break from urban walking.

What to Expect on the Tour

Once you book and download the app, your adventure begins at Morrill Hall. The digital component is a core part of the experience, offering maps, riddles, photo challenges, and leaderboards to keep things lively. Since the activity is fully self-guided, you’ll have the freedom to start when it suits you, taking as much or as little time as you like.

The route is designed to showcase some of Ithaca’s most intriguing spots:

• Arts Quad: Expect to find sculptures, murals, and maybe even catch a spontaneous dance—this open space is lively and colorful. It’s a hub of creativity, making it an inspiring start or midpoint to your adventure.
• Bailey Hall: This historic venue hosts a variety of performances. Your challenge might involve identifying features or discovering historical tidbits, making it a nice mix of education and exploration.
• Triphammer Falls: Here, you’ll follow the sound of rushing water to reach the cascading falls. The location is stunning, offering excellent photo opportunities and a moment to enjoy the natural scenery. Expect to be asked to snap creative pictures or find hidden details amidst the mist and rocks.

Throughout, your team will take on interactive roles—up to 10 players can join—making this a social and engaging activity. Each participant will have photo challenges and tasks tailored to their role, encouraging teamwork even if you’re doing it just with friends or family.

The Value of the Experience

At just under $15 per person, this scavenger hunt offers excellent value—especially when you consider what’s included. You get all taxes and fees covered, along with digital copies of your photos, which are perfect for sharing or keeping as souvenirs. The app access provides maps, challenges, and leaderboards, turning your exploration into a game.

You won’t find a guided tour with a live guide for this price, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a self-guided, private activity, meaning you won’t be part of a big group, and you can pace yourself. The flexibility makes it ideal for travelers who prefer to control their schedule and enjoy a more personalized adventure.

The support options—phone, email, or chat—add some peace of mind, just in case you encounter any technical hiccups or need clarification. Since weather can impact outdoor activities, it’s worth checking the forecast before heading out, and dressing comfortably with shoes suitable for walking.

How It Compares to Other Experiences

While the tour doesn’t include a guide or entrance fees to attractions, it compensates with interactivity and independence. Compared to more traditional walking tours or group excursions, this option is more relaxed and suited for those who enjoy a little challenge and discovery on their own timeline.

The price point makes it accessible, and the digital photo aspect adds a fun keepsake element. For those interested in combining sightseeing with some light puzzle-solving, the Ithaca Big Red Cornell scavenger hunt offers a nice balance of entertainment and exploration.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is especially good for independent travelers, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy puzzles and outdoor walks. It’s also suitable for families with older children comfortable with smartphones and walking. If you’re looking for a guided, historical, or in-depth tour, this might not be the best fit, but if you want a relaxed, interactive, and customizable way to see Ithaca’s highlights, it hits the mark.

The Sum Up

In essence, the Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Ithaca Big Red Cornell offers a fun, affordable way to discover Ithaca’s sights without a fixed schedule or guided group. It combines technology, outdoor exploration, and a bit of friendly competition, making it ideal for those who value flexibility and engaging activities. The inclusion of scenic locations like Triphammer Falls and campus landmarks ensures you’ll leave with both memorable photos and a handful of stories to tell.

While it’s not a traditional guided tour, its do-it-yourself nature can be a real plus for confident travelers or groups wanting to bond over puzzles and challenges. It’s a particularly good pick if you appreciate interactive experiences that let you explore at your own pace, blending sightseeing with a bit of playful problem-solving.

If you’re after an activity that’s light on costs but high on fun, and you enjoy wandering through a mix of nature and campus life, this could be just the ticket. Just remember to fully charge your phone and dress for the weather—then let the adventure begin.

FAQ

Can I start this scavenger hunt anytime I want?
Yes, since it’s fully self-guided, you can start whenever it’s convenient for you. The activity is available from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While no minimum age is specified, the experience involves walking and smartphone use, so older children or teenagers will likely enjoy it more. It’s a flexible activity for groups with varying ages, provided they’re comfortable with the tech and walking.

Do I need to book in advance?
Most bookings are made about 37 days in advance, but you can start the scavenger hunt any time after booking, since it’s self-guided.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll get all taxes and fees, digital photos, access to the app with maps and challenges, and support. It does not include food, drinks, entrance fees to attractions, or transportation.

Do I need a guide or tour leader?
No, it’s a self-guided activity. You’re responsible for navigating and completing challenges on your own or with your team.

What should I bring?
Make sure your phone is fully charged, consider bringing a power bank, and wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

Are there any physical requirements?
A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended since the activity involves walking around Ithaca and exploring different locations.

Will I receive physical tickets or materials?
No physical tickets are needed. Everything is accessed via the app on your smartphone.

What happens if I have technical issues during the hunt?
Support via phone, email, or chat is available, so you can get help if needed.

Hopefully, this gives you a clear, honest picture of what to expect from this unique and fun way to experience Ithaca. Happy hunting!