Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt

If you’re looking for a creative way to enjoy Minneapolis during the holiday season, Holly Jolly Hunt offers a lively, interactive experience that’s perfect for groups of up to ten. For just $20 per group, you get about an hour of holiday-themed fun that combines exploring the city, snapping photos, and completing silly challenges—all through a user-friendly mobile app. You’ll start at Mill Ruins Park, a scenic spot along the Mississippi River with historic charm, then wander through the city seeking traditional and not-so-traditional holiday items.

We love how this activity makes holiday sightseeing more engaging and hands-on, especially because it’s designed for all ages. The app-based format allows you to customize your route, and the leaderboard adds a fun competitive edge that keeps everyone motivated. Plus, the inclusion of remote guidance via text ensures you won’t get lost or stuck without support.

One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need your own smartphone to participate, and private transportation is not included, so plan to walk or use public transit. This makes it a flexible, city-wide adventure rather than a structured tour with a guide on-site. Overall, Holly Jolly Hunt suits families, friends, and co-workers who want a playful, memorable holiday activity that fits into their schedule and budget.

Key Points

• Flexible Exploration: Play anywhere in Minneapolis, choosing your route and pace.
• Holiday Fun: Includes traditional and quirky seasonal items to find, with photo challenges and silly tasks.
• Affordable Price: At $20 per group, it offers good value for an interactive activity.
• Group Friendly: Up to 10 participants, making it ideal for families or small groups.
• Guided Support: Includes remote assistance via text, ensuring smooth gameplay.
• Authentic Experience: Combines city sightseeing with holiday cheer and team-building.

A Deep Dive into the Holly Jolly Hunt Experience

Starting Point at Mill Ruins Park

Your holiday adventure begins at Mill Ruins Park, an atmospheric spot along the Mississippi River with remnants of old grain mills. It’s a scenic, central location that’s easy to access via public transportation. Here, you’ll receive your instructions and get ready to set off on a festive journey. The park’s historic ruins offer a charming backdrop that sets the tone for a memorable scavenger hunt.

How the App Brings the Activity to Life

The app-based nature of Holly Jolly Hunt means you’re in charge of your adventure. Once you receive your digital clues and challenges, you’ll navigate your team through Minneapolis, seeking out items like ornaments, winter symbols, or maybe even some non-traditional surprises. The app rewards your efforts with points for each item found, encouraging friendly competition among teams.

Finding Traditional and Not-So-Traditional Items

What makes this scavenger hunt stand out is its mix of classic holiday items—like Christmas trees or candy canes—and unexpected challenges, possibly related to local landmarks or humorous tasks. For example, you might be asked to snap a picture of a holiday display, perform a goofy dance in front of a landmark, or find a certain street decoration. These challenges are designed to generate smiles and camaraderie, regardless of age.

The Fun of Photo Challenges and Laughter

The game’s emphasis on photo-taking means you’ll be capturing moments that will make for great holiday memories. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way each challenge made us laugh—especially the silly tasks that got everyone involved.” Expect some lighthearted, perhaps even goofy, moments that will leave everyone smiling long after the hunt ends.

How the Leaderboard Adds a Competitive Edge

Seeing your team’s score on the leaderboard adds a playful rivalry element. Whether you’re competing against other groups or just trying to beat your own score, the leaderboard motivates everyone to pay attention to detail and work together efficiently. It’s a great way to keep the energy high and the experience lively.

Accessibility and Convenience

Since the activity is played on your smartphone, you’ll want to ensure your device is charged and that you’re comfortable using apps. The remote guide via text provides support if you get stuck, which is reassuring, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or new to scavenger hunts. The duration of about an hour means you can easily fit this into a busy day of sightseeing or holiday plans.

Who Should Consider This Activity?

This hunt is ideal for families with kids, groups of friends, or even small corporate teams seeking a fun, team-building activity. If you love holiday cheer with a dash of friendly competition, you’ll find it a delightful way to see Minneapolis in a new light. However, those who prefer guided tours with historical narration might find this activity more casual and less structured.

Why This Experience Offers Real Value

At $20 per group, Holly Jolly Hunt provides more than just a scavenger hunt; it delivers a personalized, memorable holiday experience. It’s a chance to explore Minneapolis’s streets with a purpose, encouraging interaction and laughter that traditional sightseeing might lack. The flexibility of playing anywhere, combined with all-inclusive activities and support, makes it easy for anyone to join.

You’ll appreciate how the challenges are designed to be lighthearted and inclusive, ensuring everyone, regardless of age or mobility, can participate. Plus, since it can be played at any time during the holiday season from late November to December 31, it offers a flexible, festive activity that can brighten any day.

Practical Considerations

Remember, this activity does not include private transportation or smartphone use, so plan accordingly—walking or public transit is the way to go. Since the activity is private, only your group will participate, making it a tailored experience. The meeting point at Mill Ruins Park is central and near public transit, which is convenient for most travelers.

The Authentic Holiday Atmosphere

What truly makes this experience stand out is its ability to create lasting holiday memories. From silly photo challenges to finding quirky holiday decorations, you’ll leave with stories to tell and photos to cherish. Numerous reviews mention how much fun everyone had, describing it as “a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit,” and “something we’ll remember for years.”

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a light, fun activity that combines city exploration with seasonal cheer, Holly Jolly Hunt hits the mark. It’s a practical, value-packed way to enjoy Minneapolis in December, especially if you’re traveling with a small group looking for a flexible, memorable experience. The mix of photo challenges, holiday-themed tasks, and friendly competition makes it suitable for families, friends, or co-workers wanting to add some sparkle to their holiday trip.

This scavenger hunt is especially valuable for those who enjoy interactive activities and want to see a different side of the city, all while making memories that will bring a smile for months to come. Whether you’re visiting Minneapolis for a weekend or a longer holiday stay, it’s a charming, low-pressure way to learn about the local festive atmosphere.

FAQ

How long does the Holly Jolly Hunt last?
It takes approximately 1 hour, making it easy to fit into your holiday schedule.

What is the starting point of the activity?
The hunt begins at Mill Ruins Park, located at 102 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis.

Is the activity suitable for children?
Yes, the challenges are designed to be fun for all ages, and many find it an engaging family activity.

What do I need to participate?
You’ll need your smartphone with data and the app, as well as a sense of adventure. Remember, private transportation isn’t included.

Can I play this activity alone or only with a group?
It’s designed for up to 10 people per group, so it’s best enjoyed with friends or family.

Are there any hidden costs?
All fees and taxes are included in the $20 per group price; no extra charges are necessary.

Is the activity available year-round?
It’s available from November 29 through December 31, 2025, during the holiday season.

Do I get any guidance during the hunt?
Yes, a remote guide is available via text message to help if you get stuck.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with using smartphones and walking.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

In the end, Holly Jolly Hunt offers a genuinely fun, interactive way to celebrate the holidays in Minneapolis. It’s a budget-friendly activity filled with laughter, photo ops, and a chance to see the city through a festive lens. Perfect for families, friends, or colleagues looking to add a little more joy to their holiday traditions.