An Entertaining Crime-Solving Adventure in Bismarck, North Dakota

Our review of the Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Bismarck ND offers a peek into a playful, interactive way to explore North Dakota’s capital city. While we haven’t tested it ourselves, the concept is compelling: put on your detective hat, follow audio clues, and unlock a gripping story set against Bismarck’s streets.
What we love about this experience is its flexibility—offering both walking and driving options—and the immersive storytelling, with professional voice actors bringing characters to life. It’s a budget-friendly activity at just $14.99 per person that promises a fun, engaging two-and-a-half-hour challenge.
However, a key consideration is that it involves adult content, including profanity and mature references, which might not suit younger travelers or those sensitive to such material. Still, for adults who enjoy mystery, storytelling, or simply exploring new ways to see a city, this experience could be a thoughtful addition to a Bismarck visit.
This tour works best for solo sleuths, duos, or groups of mystery enthusiasts eager for an interactive challenge, especially if they’re comfortable with using mobile devices to navigate and listen. Overall, it’s a creative twist on city exploring that blends technology, storytelling, and a dash of crime drama.
Key Points

- Flexible Formats: Choose between walking or driving so you can tailor the experience to your comfort and weather.
- Affordable Fun: At just under $15, it offers a cost-effective way to add mystery and adventure to your Bismarck itinerary.
- Immersive Audio: Professionally voiced characters and an engaging storyline make the experience feel alive.
- Self-Guided & Private: You control the pace, and it’s a private activity, making social groups or solo travelers feel comfortable.
- Scoring & Challenge Mode: For competitive spirits, the built-in scoring system adds a playful element of challenge.
- Adult Content Warning: Contains profanity and mature themes, so it’s best suited for mature audiences.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in North Dakota.
An In-Depth Look at the Murder Mystery Experience
What’s Included and How it Adds Value
For just $14.99, you get access to a fully self-guided audio adventure that brings the streets of Bismarck alive. The package includes a built-in scoring system and live GPS maps with turn-by-turn directions, whether you’re walking downtown or driving on the outskirts. The convenience of mobile tickets means you can start anytime after booking — no need to stick to rigid scheduled times.
The experience is designed for flexibility and comfort: you can pause for breaks or extend your adventure, making it suitable for a variety of schedules. Since the experience is delivered via your smartphone, it’s important to have a charged device and headphones or earbuds for optimal listening. The audio performance is crucial, and a small group (up to two people per device) is recommended for the best clarity.
How the Experience Works
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive email and text instructions to get started. The adventure begins at 515 N 5th St, Bismarck, with options to either walk or drive to each of the 10 mapped locations. As you visit each spot, you listen to the story unfold, gathering clues from 16 professionally voiced characters. The story is set up like a classic whodunit, with you collecting evidence and deducing who the culprit is.
The Walking Map version encourages you to explore the downtown area, which means you’ll see some of Bismarck’s city vibe, shops, and historic sites along the way. The Driving Map option is perfect for those out on the city outskirts or those wanting to stay warm in colder weather.
The Route and Key Stops
While the exact locations aren’t listed in detail, the route is designed to take you through interesting parts of Bismarck, with each stop acting as a mini scene in the larger story. The start point at the north end of downtown gives you the chance to soak in some local sights while setting the scene for your detective work.
Critics and users who’ve tried similar experiences note that the story is engaging, with professional voice acting that makes the characters believable. The ability to switch between Normal Mode and Hard Mode adds a layer for those wanting a more challenging experience.
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What Travelers Say
Though reviews are currently unavailable, the description mentions that hearing audio clearly is essential. Many users recommend using earbuds—especially when playing in a group—to ensure everyone can catch clues and story details.
The scoring system seems to add a fun competitive edge, which could appeal to families or groups of friends. The fact that only your group participates makes it a private, personalized outing, suitable for celebrating special occasions or just trying something different.
Who Will Enjoy This?
This tour is ideal for mystery fans, puzzle solvers, or casual explorers who enjoy interactive storytelling. It’s particularly appealing if you’re looking for an activity that combines outdoors with a bit of mental challenge, without requiring a large financial investment. Since the experience contains adult material, it’s best suited for adults and older teens.
Practical Considerations and Tips
- Make sure your smartphone is charged before starting.
- Bring earbuds or headphones for clearer audio.
- Consider whether you prefer walking or driving, based on weather or mobility.
- Remember, the tickets correspond to the number of devices, so plan accordingly.
- Since the activity lasts approximately 2.5 hours, pace yourself and enjoy breaks as needed.
- It’s not suitable for young children due to mature content.
Why Choose This Experience?

The Bismarck murder mystery combines interactive storytelling, outdoor exploration, and a touch of detective work—a great way to see the city and challenge yourself at the same time. You’ll love the professional voice acting and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. For travelers who want something different from the usual tour, it offers a fun, affordable, and engaging option that encourages both observation and deduction.
If you like puzzle games, storytelling, or just want a memorable, out-of-the-ordinary activity, this experience can add a unique layer to your Bismarck visit. It’s also a clever way to see parts of the city you might not otherwise explore, all while testing your sleuthing skills.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for children?
Since it contains adult content such as profanity and mature references, it’s best suited for adults or older teens.
Can I participate alone or do I need a group?
You can enjoy it solo or with others. The tickets are per device, so two people sharing a device is recommended for clarity, but you can also use multiple devices for larger groups.
What do I need to bring?
A charged smartphone is essential. For the best audio experience, bring headphones or earbuds. Transportation mode (walking or driving) is your choice.
How long does the experience last?
It takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, but you can take breaks and go at your own pace.
Is it weather-dependent?
The walking version is outdoors, so weather could impact your experience. The driving option offers more comfort in bad weather.
Can I start anytime after booking?
Yes, the experience is available any time after you receive your confirmation, giving you flexibility to plan it around your schedule.
Is there a scoring or competitive element?
Yes, a built-in scoring system evaluates your detective skills, adding a fun challenge to the activity.
What locations does the route cover?
The tour visits 10 mapped locations throughout Bismarck, starting at 515 N 5th St, with stops designed to enhance the story and clues.
What if I have questions during the experience?
Customer service help is available if needed, ensuring you can troubleshoot or get assistance during your adventure.
This murder mystery experience in Bismarck offers a playful way to explore the city, challenge your mind, and enjoy a story-driven adventure. Perfect for those who appreciate a good puzzle, enjoy storytelling, or want a fresh way to see North Dakota’s capital.
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