If you’re considering a way to see Billings beyond the usual walking tour, this self-guided scavenger hunt might just be worth a shot. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from what’s on offer, it seems like a fun, low-pressure way to get to know the city’s highlights and some secret spots, all while having a bit of fun with friends or family.
What really stands out about this experience is how flexible it is—you set your own schedule and pace, which is perfect if you prefer wandering on your own terms. Plus, the app’s features like photo challenges and interactive roles make the experience more engaging. The price is quite reasonable, making it accessible for most travelers looking for something different from traditional tours.
However, a potential consideration is that it’s entirely self-guided, so if you’re someone who prefers a guide to fill in the stories or answer questions on the spot, this might not suit you as well. Also, be ready for some walking; the experience is approximately two hours, and comfortable shoes are a must.
This scavenger hunt is best suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure, don’t mind a little exercise, and are comfortable using their phones as a guide. If you’re visiting Billings and want a casual, interactive way to explore, it could be a good pick.
Key Points
- Flexible scheduling means you can start anytime during the day that suits you.
- Interactive roles and photo challenges add a playful element to sightseeing.
- The experience offers digital copies of your photos, which is a nice bonus.
- Walking is involved, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended.
- It’s a cost-effective way to see Billings for about $12 per person.
- Suitable for a variety of fitness levels, but moderate physical activity is expected.
What Is the Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt in Billings?
This adventure is a self-guided exploration through Billings, designed for anyone who enjoys discovering new places with a touch of fun. Instead of a traditional tour with a guide, you’ll download an app that provides maps, clues, riddles, and challenges. The idea is to navigate through both historic landmarks and modern attractions at your own pace.
The story behind the city adds an intriguing layer: Frederick Billings, who played a big role in bringing the railroad to Montana, is a nod to the city’s roots. From there, you’ll learn about local icons such as Montana’s greatest athlete and even an Irish saint—all woven into the clues and challenges.
Planning more time in Billings? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
How Does It Work?
Once you book, you’ll receive a confirmation email that includes instructions for downloading and using the Let’s Roam app. You start the hunt wherever you’d like, with the starting point at 215 N 31st St, Billings. The app offers maps, photo challenges, riddles, and leaderboards, making it interactive and competitive, if you want it to be.
Each participant picks a role—Braniac, Photographer, or Mapper—which adds a personalized twist. You might find yourself solving puzzles, taking themed photos, or navigating routes to uncover secrets around the city.
What’s Included?
- Access to the Let’s Roam app, with maps, challenges, and leaderboards
- Digital copies of your photos taken during the hunt
- Individual roles for each player to keep everyone engaged
- Support via phone, email, or chat
- All taxes and fees
What’s Not Included?
- Any attraction fees or entry tickets to specific sites
- Food and drinks during your outing
- Private transportation (so you’ll need to walk or arrange your own)
- A professional tour guide (since it’s entirely self-guided)
What Can You Expect During Your Adventure?
Expect a blend of historic landmarks, modern sites, and hidden spots. Since Billings has a history tied to the railroad and figures like Irish saints and local athletes, you’ll get to explore some of these stories firsthand through the clues.
The experience is designed to take around two hours, which makes it manageable for a half-day activity. The route is flexible, so you can stretch it out or move quickly depending on your energy and curiosity levels.
From the reviews, we know participants enjoy competing with friends and that the activity encourages walking and thinking. One reviewer mentioned, “We had a lot of fun competing and seeing the different locations,” which suggests the challenges are engaging without being overly complicated.
The Highlights
- Exploring downtown Billings in a new, interactive way
- Learning about the city’s connection to the railroad and local legends
- Enjoying photo challenges that even the most camera-shy can appreciate
- Gaining digital souvenirs of your adventure
The Value for the Price
At just over $12 per person, this activity is quite affordable—especially considering it includes an app-based experience with photo keepsakes. Compared to guided tours, you’re saving money but still getting a structured, interactive experience.
Keep in mind, there are no entrance fees or transportation costs included, so your total expense depends on what you choose to do afterward. For the price, you get a personalized, flexible way to explore a new city without the pressure of a group tour or the expense of hiring a guide.
Real Traveler Perspectives
One reviewer summed it up nicely: “A FUN WAY TO SEE THE TOWN.” They mentioned competing with friends and enjoying the chance to see various downtown locations, though they also pointed out you should be prepared to walk quite a bit. That’s a good takeaway—this isn’t a sit-down activity; it’s active and outdoors.
Another aspect worth highlighting is the knowledgeable nature of the challenges. Participants seem to appreciate the mix of trivia, puzzles, and photo tasks that keep you thinking and moving.
Walking Through the Route
Since this is self-guided, your experience depends largely on your choices. You might start with some of Billings’ historic landmarks, such as the sites tied to Frederick Billings’ contributions. Then, meander through vibrant modern spots, answering trivia about local athletes or the Irish saint mentioned in the clues.
The app’s maps will guide you efficiently, and the photo challenges ensure you’ll have fun capturing memories along the way. Just be prepared for some walking; comfortable shoes are a must.
Who Will Appreciate This Experience?
This scavenger hunt works well for travelers who:
- Enjoy independent exploration but want some structure
- Like interactive challenges and photo tasks
- Don’t mind walking around for a couple of hours
- Are comfortable using their smartphones for navigation
- Want a budget-friendly, fun activity that fits into a flexible schedule
It’s also great for groups of friends or even small families, especially if everyone’s into city adventures and puzzle-solving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a casual, engaging way to see Billings, this self-guided scavenger hunt offers a lot of value for the price. You get to decide when and how long to explore, all while learning about the city’s history and modern attractions. The app-based format keeps things interactive, and the digital photos are a nice touch to remember your outing.
Keep in mind that it’s not a guided tour with a storyteller or in-depth commentary, so if you’re looking for someone to narrate the history, this might be less ideal. However, if you’re comfortable with a little independence and enjoy a bit of friendly competition, this could be a highlight of your visit.
Overall, it’s a cost-effective, flexible option that suits those who love exploring cities on their own terms, with the bonus of some fun challenges along the way.
Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Bountiful Billings
“I did this with a group of friends/colleagues. We had a lot of fun competing and seeing the different locations in the downtown area. Be prepared t…”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for kids?
There’s no minimum age required, and since it involves walking and puzzles, families with children who enjoy city adventures should find it engaging. Just make sure the kids are okay with using a smartphone and walking.
Do I need to book far in advance?
Most bookings are made about 11 days ahead of time, but since it’s self-guided and flexible, you can probably book closer to your visit as long as you have the app ready.
What should I bring with me?
Bring a fully charged smartphone, a power bank if you have one, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. Check the forecast before heading out.
Can I start the scavenger hunt at any time?
Yes, it’s designed to be flexible—you can start whenever you want during the hours of 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Are there any hidden costs?
All taxes and fees are included in the price. However, any attraction fees or food are not included, so plan accordingly.
Is there support if I get stuck?
Yes, support is available via phone, email, or chat during your activity.
How long does it take?
Approximately two hours, but you can adjust your pace and stop for breaks or sightseeing along the way.
Is transportation provided?
No, transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to walk or arrange your own means to get around.
This scavenger hunt offers a relaxed, interactive way to explore Billings without the fuss of traditional tours. If you enjoy puzzles, city stories, and photos, and you’re comfortable navigating on your own, give it a go. It’s a simple, wallet-friendly activity that’s likely to give you a fresh perspective on this Montana city.