Imagine turning a lively city street into your own crime scene, solving puzzles and unraveling a story that’s as intriguing as Detroit itself. This outdoor detective game offers a playful, interactive experience that’s perfect for those seeking something different from the usual sightseeing tour. Instead of just looking at buildings or waiting in line for museums, you get to live out your detective fantasies while exploring Detroit’s iconic spots.
What we love about this adventure is how affordable it is—at just $5.99 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to spend an hour and a half with friends or family. Plus, it’s incredibly flexible since you can pause and resume anytime. However, it’s worth noting that because it’s a self-guided experience, there’s no live game master or guide, which might matter if you prefer a more traditional tour setup.
This experience suits couples, families, or groups of friends who enjoy puzzles, storytelling, and city exploration. If you’re after a more interactive, game-like activity that gets you off the beaten path, this might just be your next favorite way to explore Detroit.
Key Points

- Affordable fun: At just under $6, this game offers a cost-effective way to explore and entertain.
- Self-paced and flexible: Play anytime, pause, and pick up again without stress.
- Interactive puzzles: 12 challenges combined with an immersive storyline keep you engaged.
- Urban exploration: Discover Detroit’s streets through a crime story involving well-known locations.
- Suitable for various groups: Perfect for couples, families, or friends seeking a shared adventure.
- No live guide: You’re on your own in this outdoor mystery, which can be a plus or a minus depending on your style.
This is not your typical sightseeing tour; it’s a mobile-based outdoor escape game where you become a detective investigating a suspicious death of a famous travel blogger. The game is designed to be played outdoors on Detroit’s streets, turning the city itself into the backdrop of a gripping story. With your phone as your guide, you’ll follow a GPS-driven storyline, solve puzzles, analyze clues, and piece together a mystery that spans several iconic locations.
Throughout the game, you will encounter 1015 puzzles and riddles, all crafted to challenge your logic and observation skills. The storyline is both immersive and intriguing, involving a cast of suspects and dark secrets. The game’s narrative revolves around uncovering who is guilty among a list of characters—think of it as being part of a real-life crime novel.
The Itinerary and Key Locations

The game guides you through three main stops, each bringing a new element to the mystery:
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1. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Starting here is a smart move, as this museum is a vibrant symbol of Detroit’s cultural history. While the game doesn’t require a museum visit per se, the location’s significance adds depth to the storyline. Expect to find puzzles that encourage you to look around and learn about the city’s history, making your detective work both educational and fun.
2. Michigan Science Center
Next, you’ll chase clues near the Science Center. This location is a playground for curious minds, and during the game, you might find yourself analyzing evidence or solving riddles related to science and discovery. The open outdoor area around the center offers plenty of space for wandering, which is ideal for puzzle-solving without feeling cramped.
3. Detroit Film Theatre
The final stop takes you to the Detroit Film Theatre, a spot that adds a cinematic flair to the adventure. This part of the game may involve uncovering hidden details or making connections inspired by the city’s film scene—a fitting climax for a story about secrets and revelations.
The game begins at 301 Frederick St. and ends back at the same point, keeping logistics simple. It’s available from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, giving you plenty of flexibility to fit it into your schedule.
What’s Included and What’s Not?

Included in your ticket are 12 puzzle challenges and immersive storyline content. The puzzles are designed to be clever and engaging, and the storyline is tailored to be intriguing but accessible for most travelers. The ability to pause and resume at any time is a real plus for those who want to take breaks or explore other parts of Detroit between puzzles.
However, this activity does not include a live game master or guide. That means you’re relying on your phone and the storyline app to steer your adventure. If you enjoy guided experiences with storytelling support, this might feel a bit solitary, but for those who like independence, it’s a perfect fit.
Practical Details That Matter
- Price: At $5.99, it’s a very budget-friendly activity offering a lot of value for the money.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, but your pace can vary.
- Group Size: Designed for groups, couples, families, or solo players—there’s no limit on size.
- Accessibility: Service animals are allowed, and the activity is accessible via public transportation, making it easy to reach the meeting point.
- Booking & Cancellation: Confirmations are immediate, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours before your start time, which is convenient for flexible travelers.
What Do Travelers Say?

Since this experience is relatively new with no reviews yet, we rely on the description and known features to assess its potential. The fact that it is a private activity means you won’t be mixed with strangers, allowing for a personalized experience. The emphasis on interactive puzzles and storyline suggests it will be engaging for people who enjoy mental challenges and storytelling.
In-Depth Look at the Experience

Exploring Detroit through this game offers a different perspective from traditional tours. It’s a chance to move at your own pace while uncovering the city’s secrets. The outdoor setting enhances the experience, allowing you to enjoy Detroit’s streets, architecture, and landmarks without the confines of an indoor space.
The puzzles are likely diverse, ranging from riddles and clues to evidence analysis, which keeps the activity lively and varied. The storyline’s dark theme involving a suspicious death adds an element of suspense, making it exciting to solve the case.
The absence of a guide means you’ll need to rely on your own detective instincts and teamwork. If you’re someone who enjoys solving puzzles with friends or family, this activity offers the perfect mix of challenge and discovery.
The flexibility to pause and resume is especially helpful if you want to combine this with other sightseeing or dining experiences. You could start the game in the morning and finish in the evening, or break it into parts over a day.
Who Is This Experience Best For?

This outdoor detective adventure is ideal for curious travelers who want to see Detroit in a different light. It’s especially suited for families with kids, couples, or groups of friends looking for a fun, interactive activity that isn’t just a standard tour. It’s also great for solo travelers who enjoy puzzles and storytelling, offering a self-guided way to explore at their own pace.
While it’s affordable and flexible, it’s worth remembering there’s no live guide, so those who prefer guided explanations or storytelling might find it a bit sparse. Also, since the game is outdoor, you’ll want to dress appropriately for the weather and be comfortable walking between locations.
For those who enjoy puzzles, storytelling, and exploring a city beyond its usual attractions, this outdoor murder mystery game offers a refreshing blend of adventure and discovery. Its affordable price, self-paced format, and urban setting make it a clever option for a variety of travelers wanting a bit more than just sightseeing.
It’s especially suitable for families, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy solving mysteries together and don’t mind a little outdoor walking. If you’re looking for something interactive, fun, and uniquely Detroit, this game could be a highlight of your trip.
However, those seeking guided commentary or a more structured experience might prefer traditional tours. But if independence, puzzles, and city adventure appeal to you, this is a creative way to spend a memorable day exploring Detroit.
Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be family-friendly and involves solving puzzles that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Can I play this game at any time?
Yes, you can start whenever you like between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM. The game is flexible, allowing you to pause and resume as needed.
Do I need special equipment?
No, just your smartphone is needed to follow the GPS-guided storyline and solve puzzles.
Is there a guide or host available during the game?
No, this is a self-guided experience with no live game master or guide involved.
How long does the activity usually take?
Most players will spend about 1 hour 30 minutes, but your pace can be quicker or slower depending on your group.
Is the activity accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit options, making it easy to reach without a car.
This outdoor detective game provides a playful, interactive way to experience Detroit for a very reasonable price. With its blend of puzzles, storytelling, and city exploration, it offers a memorable twist on sightseeing that’s well worth considering for your next Detroit visit.
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