If you’re curious about trying something different during your visit to Burlington, this Murder Mystery Detective Experience promises a fun, interactive way to explore the downtown area. Designed as an audio adventure, it transforms your stroll into a crime-solving mission, where you’re the detective. While we haven’t personally taken part, a close look at the details suggests it’s a well-structured, engaging activity that appeals to a variety of mystery enthusiasts.
What we love about this tour is its affordable price point — just $14.99 per person — and the flexibility it offers. You can play it any time after booking, making it easy to fit into your itinerary. Plus, the mix of professional voice acting and outdoor exploration makes for an immersive experience that brings Burlington’s streets alive in a whole new way. A potential downside? It relies heavily on your mobile device and earbuds, so if you’re not comfortable with tech or outdoor walking, it might not be ideal.
This tour is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy puzzles or mystery stories, and who want to discover downtown Burlington with a twist. It’s also suitable for those who like a little challenge, thanks to its “Hard Mode,” and it’s flexible enough for a quick 2.5-hour adventure or a leisurely exploration with breaks.
Key Points
- Affordable and flexible: At just under $15, it’s an accessible way to add some intrigue to your day.
- Interactive and immersive: Features 16 professional character voices and a compelling story.
- Options for outdoor or indoor play: Use the walking map or stay warm with the driving map.
- Suitable for various group sizes: Whether solo or groups, with clear instructions on device sharing.
- Adult themes: Contains mature content, including profanity, so it’s not recommended for young children.
- Good tech requirements: Needs a charged smartphone and headphones/earbuds for best audio clarity.
A Closer Look at the Experience
The Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Burlington is a mobile-based game that transforms the city’s streets into a crime scene. You start at City Hall Park and follow a walking route of about 10 key locations, each revealing part of the story. The story involves a mysterious murder, with Commander Mahoney calling on you to solve the case. The narrative is delivered via a mobile app, with professional actors voicing 16 different characters, adding depth and realism that elevate the experience beyond a simple scavenger hunt.
Most you will find the 2.5-hour duration to be quite manageable, especially because you’re encouraged to take breaks whenever you like. The flexibility of starting anytime after booking means you can plan this adventure around your schedule, whether in the middle of a sightseeing day or as a standalone activity.
The audio storytelling is the core of the experience. The story unfolds as you visit each location, listening to clues, interrogating suspects, and collecting evidence. It’s a treasure hunt for clues, with the chance to test your deduction skills and earn a Case Performance Score — adding an element of friendly competition. While the game is designed for solo detectives, duos, or groups, it’s recommended to limit the number of players per device to ensure everyone can hear clearly.
You also get the option to play on Normal Mode or go full Detective on Hard Mode — a nice feature for those who want an extra challenge. For larger groups or teams, multiple devices can be used, making it a fun group activity or friendly rivalry.
Another feature worth mentioning is the choice between using a walking map, which guides you through downtown Burlington, or a driving map if you prefer to stay warm or have mobility considerations. The mobile app provides turn-by-turn GPS directions, which makes navigation straightforward, even if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Burlington.
What Makes It Special
The storyline and production quality are key highlights. With professional voice actors portraying colorful characters, the experience feels lively and engaging. It’s not just a scavenger hunt but a theatrical performance with a mystery at its heart. The plot, set against the historic streets of Burlington, combines local flavor with a crime story that’s compelling enough to keep you intrigued.
The scoring system adds a competitive element, especially if you’re doing it as a group. As one reviewer pointed out, “You can work as a team or compete with the built-in scoring system,” which makes it fun whether you’re serious about solving the case or just in it for the giggles.
While the price point is modest, the value lies in the interactive storytelling and the opportunity to explore Burlington’s streets from a new perspective. Plus, the help and customer service are available if you run into tech issues, adding peace of mind.
What Could Be Better
The main consideration is that the experience relies heavily on technology. You’ll need a charged mobile device and headphones; if not, the audio quality may suffer. Also, the adult content and references mean it’s not suitable for young children or those sensitive to mature themes.
Since the tour takes place outdoors, the weather can influence your experience. On a rainy or cold day, you might prefer the driving map option, though this reduces some of the outdoor charm. Plus, because the activity is based on an app, some travelers might find it less social than a traditional tour or guided experience.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Starting at City Hall Park, you’ll be introduced to the story and given instructions for navigating the route. The 10 mapped locations each serve as clues or story points, often featuring notable downtown Burlington sites.
While the specifics of each stop aren’t detailed, the route likely includes recognizable areas that make the experience more engaging. For example, you might visit historic buildings, public parks, or local landmarks — all infused with the story’s narrative. The audio clips provide context and character interactions, making each stop feel like a scene in a play.
The final reveal involves making your deductions and issuing an arrest warrant. Once completed, you’ll receive your performance score, which can be a fun way to compare with friends or simply see how well you did.
Authentic Experiences & Real Feedback
Although the tour is new and has no reviews yet, the structure and features suggest it’s designed to deliver a fun, story-driven experience. The inclusion of professional voice actors and a built-in scoring system indicate a focus on quality and replayability.
People who have tried similar gaming experiences note that clear audio and good device sharing are important. If you enjoy interactive storytelling, outdoor exploration, or solving puzzles, this could be a highlight of your visit.
Who Will Love It
This activity is best suited for mystery fans, families with teens, or groups of friends looking for something different. It’s also ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a fun challenge. If you enjoy stories with a bit of drama and adult humor, the mature content won’t be a problem.
However, if you prefer guided tours with a live guide or are uncomfortable with tech reliance, this may not be your first choice. Also, those on a tight schedule might want to factor in the 2.5-hour duration and plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
The Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Burlington offers an engaging, tech-savvy way to see the city through the lens of a crime story. It’s a great value for its price, especially considering the professional production and interactive elements. It turns a simple walk into a story-rich adventure, perfect for those who love puzzles, storytelling, or just want to add a twist to their sightseeing.
If you’re traveling with teens or groups who enjoy a bit of adult humor and mature themes, this activity could be a memorable highlight. Its flexible timing and options for outdoor or indoor play make it adaptable to different weather and schedules.
Most importantly, it’s a fun, unique way to explore Burlington’s streets and history, all while putting your detective skills to the test. Whether you’re a seasoned mystery solver or a curious traveler looking for something new, this experience might just surprise you.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this experience contains adult material such as profanity and mature references, so it’s not recommended for young kids.
How many people can participate?
You can play solo or as a group. The number of tickets purchased corresponds to the number of devices used, with a recommended limit of 2 people per device for clear audio.
What equipment do I need?
You’ll need a charged mobile device and your own headphones or earbuds for the best audio experience. A mobile app provides GPS directions and story content.
Can I start this activity anytime?
Yes, after booking confirmation, you can start whenever it suits you, offering flexible scheduling.
Is there a physical guide or is it purely app-based?
It’s a mobile app-based experience, with no physical guide involved. It uses GPS and audio storytelling to guide you through the story.
What is the duration of the experience?
The main activity lasts approximately 2.5 hours. You can pause or take breaks as needed.
This detective adventure offers a playful, interactive way to see Burlington’s streets and challenge your mind. Whether you’re a mystery lover or just looking for something different, it’s an activity worth considering for your trip.