A Guided (and Self-Guided) Adventure Through Minneapolis’s Hidden Gems

Our review of the Lets Roam scavenger hunt in Minneapolis-Saint Paul introduces a playful way to explore the city’s well-known sights and lesser-known corners. This activity promises a combination of trivia, photo challenges, and exploration, all wrapped into a flexible, self-guided package. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or colleagues, this hunt offers a fun, budget-friendly way to see the Twin Cities differently.
What we like most about this experience is how it turns sightseeing into a game—making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition or a more interactive approach to touring. The app’s role-based challenges keep everyone engaged, and the total cost of just under $15 per person makes it accessible for most budgets. On the flip side, since it’s entirely mobile-led, it relies heavily on your device’s connectivity and your ability to follow digital prompts, which might not suit everyone.
This activity is especially well-suited for active, curious travelers who enjoy solving puzzles and snapping photos while discovering new landmarks. It’s perfect for a spontaneous afternoon, a birthday outing, or even a team-building event. If you’re looking for an immersive, yet flexible and affordable way to experience Minneapolis, this scavenger hunt could be just the ticket.
Key Points

- Flexible Start Times: Begin your adventure whenever it suits you—no fixed schedule needed.
- Self-Guided Exploration: No tour guide required—your phone and the app do all the work.
- Interactive Challenges: Includes trivia, photo tasks, and fun activities that involve everyone.
- Cost-Effective: At $14.99, it offers a budget-friendly way to see the city with added interactive fun.
- Duration: About 1.5 hours, making it a quick, yet thorough, city adventure.
- Broad Suitability: Ideal for groups, families, or team-building, with moderate physical activity involved.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Minneapolis Saint Paul.
Exploring Minneapolis in a New Way

Instead of a traditional guided tour, this scavenger hunt by Lets Roam offers a dynamic way to discover Minneapolis. The city’s landmarks, hidden plaques, statues, and art installations become the backdrop for a playful quest that challenges your knowledge and creativity. The app technology is a handy guide, leading you from one spot to the next with a series of questions and puzzles that require real-world investigation.
We appreciated that the activity does not require reservations—just a download, registration, and the start button. This means you can jump into your adventure anytime during their opening hours, from 8 AM to 5 PM daily. That flexibility adds value for spontaneous travelers or those who prefer to keep plans loose.
The price of $14.99 per person is quite reasonable considering the length and interactive nature of the activity. It’s a cheaper alternative to traditional tours, offering more engagement than just walking around with a map. Plus, the digital format means you can stop, start, and redo parts of the hunt if you wish, making it adaptable to your pace.
The Itinerary and What to Expect at Each Step

Starting Point: Hennepin Ave & 4th St S
The hunt kicks off at a central Minneapolis location, easy to reach via public transportation or by car. Once you download the app and redeem your tickets, the app becomes your personal guide. Expect to be prompted to visit various city sights, each with its own trivia questions or photo challenges.
Discover Landmark & Hidden Gems
The activity revolves around exploring sites where you’ll find answers buried in plaques, statues, art, or signage. This encourages you to get a closer look at your surroundings rather than just rushing past. For example, you might have to read a plaque to answer a question or replicate a statue’s pose for a photo challenge.
Interactive Role Assignments
Each participant receives a role, adding a layer of fun and competition. One person might be the team photographer, while others answer questions or complete tasks. This approach keeps everyone engaged and makes the experience more inclusive.
Photo Challenges & Fun Activities
Throughout the hunt, you’ll get texted photo prompts—such as finding a specific sculpture or capturing a funny perspective. Points are awarded for the best photos, which fuels friendly rivalry. “We loved the way everyone got creative with their photos,” according to some users’ feedback.
Ending at the Starting Point
The activity concludes back at the starting location, giving you a neat circle route that’s easy to follow. The total time of around 1.5 hours makes it perfect for an afternoon outing, with the flexibility to extend or shorten if desired.
The Balance of Fun and Learning

One of the most appealing aspects of this scavenger hunt is how it blends sightseeing with interactive learning. Instead of passively looking at sights, you’re actively engaging with your environment. This approach can lead to unexpected discoveries, like a quirky statue or a historic plaque that you might have missed on a normal tour.
According to reviews, many participants found it to be a “blast” and a “unique way to experience Minneapolis,” especially when traveling with friends or family. Some mentioned that the challenges often required a keen eye and quick thinking, making the activity both fun and somewhat challenging.
However, since it is app-led, it’s important to have a reliable mobile device and decent physical stamina—it’s not a sit-and-watch tour. Travelers with moderate fitness levels will find it manageable, as it involves some walking and standing.
Value and Practical Considerations
At $14.99 per person, the activity offers great value for those looking for a DIY, interactive experience without the expense of guided tours. It’s particularly attractive for budget-conscious travelers, families, or groups of friends seeking a shared adventure.
The digital aspect also means no need for group reservations or guides, which simplifies planning. Nevertheless, you should note that the activity is designed to be completed within 1.5 hours, so it’s best suited for a light, recreational outing rather than an in-depth exploration.
Keep in mind that the experience relies on your smartphone’s internet connection, so ensure your device is charged or bring a portable charger. Also, those with physical limitations should check the route beforehand, as some walking is involved.
Who Will Love This?

If you’re someone who enjoys puzzles, quizzes, and snapping photos, this scavenger hunt could be a highlight of your Minneapolis trip. It’s a great option for families, friends, or coworkers looking for a fun, interactive way to explore without the formality of traditional tours. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer self-guided adventures and appreciate the flexibility to start and stop at will.
Travelers who like exploring at their own pace, and perhaps even discovering quirky or little-known facts about the city, will find this activity rewarding. Conversely, if you’re after a structured, guided experience with an expert telling you about the sights, this might not be the best fit.
Final Thoughts
This scavenger hunt by Lets Roam offers a creative, affordable way to see Minneapolis through a different lens. It emphasizes interactive discovery, making sightseeing more engaging and less passive. The combination of trivia, photo challenges, and city exploration makes it ideal for those who crave a playful and flexible experience.
While it doesn’t substitute for an in-depth guided tour, it delivers a lively, memorable way to get to know the city’s landmarks and hidden corners. Plus, the digital format and low price point make it accessible and easy to fit into a busy travel schedule.
Travelers who value fun, flexibility, and a touch of friendly competition will find this scavenger hunt a real gem. Just remember to bring your phone fully charged, keep an eye on your timing, and prepare for a lively adventure through the heart of Minneapolis.
FAQ
Is this scavenger hunt suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially since it involves interactive challenges and photo tasks that can appeal to kids and teens. Just consider the walking involved.
Can I start the hunt at any time?
Absolutely. You can begin whenever you like during the opening hours, from 8 AM to 5 PM, making it flexible for your schedule.
What do I need to participate?
A smartphone with internet access, the Lets Roam app downloaded from your app store, and your purchased tickets. No other reservations are necessary.
How long does the activity take?
The typical duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes, but you can pause or restart as needed.
Is the tour private?
Yes, the activity is private to your group, so you won’t be joining strangers.
What if I need help during the scavenger hunt?
Customer service can be contacted for assistance if you encounter issues. The app also provides guidance throughout the activity.
Are there any physical requirements?
Moderate physical activity is involved, including walking and some standing. The experience is suitable for those with moderate fitness levels.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.
To sum it up, this Minneapolis scavenger hunt offers a lively, budget-friendly way to see the city through a puzzle-loving, photography-focused lens. It’s a perfect activity for those who appreciate flexible scheduling, interactive fun, and discovering local sights in a way that breaks from the usual tour. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a weekend, it’s a memorable addition to any Minneapolis itinerary.
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