If you’re after a fun, interactive way to explore Scranton, this Murder Mystery Detective Experience offers a clever twist on sightseeing. Priced at just $14.99 per person, this two-and-a-half-hour adventure puts you in the shoes of a detective trying to solve a murder on the streets of Scranton. The experience is flexible—book a time that suits you, and then decide whether to stroll through downtown or drive around the outskirts with a mobile app guiding you step-by-step.
What we love about this tour is its accessibility and versatility. If you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a small group, you can tailor the experience to fit your style. The professional voice acting brings the story alive, making it more immersive than simply reading a mystery novel. Plus, the option to choose Normal Mode or go full Detective on Hard Mode adds a fun challenge for those who enjoy testing their sleuthing abilities.
A potential consideration is the reliance on your smartphone’s performance—good internet and a charged device are necessary to keep the GPS and audio running smoothly. Also, if you’re sensitive to adult themes, the mature content and profanity might not be suitable for younger audiences.
This experience is perfect for mystery enthusiasts, curious explorers, or groups who want a playful way to see Scranton differently. It’s not a traditional tour—more of an interactive game wrapped in a local adventure.
Key Points
- Affordable and flexible: At $14.99 per person, this offers a low-cost, engaging activity anyone can enjoy.
- Two modes of exploration: Choose walking or driving, depending on your preference and weather.
- Authentic storytelling: 16 different characters voiced by professional actors provide a lively narrative.
- Custom difficulty levels: Play on Normal or Hard Mode to match your detective skills.
- Group options: The number of tickets purchased correlates with the number of devices, making it perfect for small groups or couples.
- Self-guided adventure: No scheduled tour times—start anytime, pause, or take breaks as needed.
If you’re seeking a unique way to spend a couple of hours in Scranton, this murder mystery game blends storytelling, outdoor activity, and a touch of problem-solving for an experience unlike typical sightseeing. The core idea is simple but effective: follow audio clues across 10 mapped locations, gathering evidence to crack the case and earn your detective credentials.
The Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop
The adventure begins at 536 Biden St, where you’ll receive your instructions via email or text after booking. From there, the story unfolds through professionally recorded audio, which you can listen to either while walking or driving. The full route covers 10 key locations—each a piece of the puzzle.
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Downtown Walking Map
If you opt for the Walking Map, you’ll explore Scranton’s vibrant downtown area. This route is perfect if you enjoy being outdoors, strolling through streets, and soaking in the city’s atmosphere. The audio stories feature 16 characters voiced by talented actors, adding a theatrical element that makes each location come alive.
We loved the way the audio immerses you in a gritty detective story, with enough clues to keep your brain engaged. For example, you might listen to a suspicious witness or a mysterious informant, then visit the corresponding site to collect clues, take notes, or just soak in the surroundings.
Driving Map on the Outskirts
For those preferring a warmer, more comfortable experience or wishing to cover the outer areas of Scranton, the Driving Map offers a flexible alternative. Using your mobile device connected to your car’s sound system, you’ll get turn-by-turn GPS directions, making it easy to follow the route without the need for parking or navigating busy streets on foot.
Some reviewers appreciate this option, noting it’s especially convenient in colder months or if you want to avoid walking long distances. The driving route still includes all the narrative elements, and you won’t miss out on the story or clues, just a different way to experience it.
The Gameplay: Clues, Challenges, and Scoring
What sets this experience apart from a regular tour is its interactive nature. You’re encouraged to listen carefully, analyze evidence, and piece together the story. The built-in scoring system adds a competitive edge, whether you’re working as a team or competing against another pair.
Players can choose to play on Normal Mode, which offers a fun but manageable challenge, or attempt Hard Mode for an extra layer of difficulty. This makes it appealing whether you’re a first-time detective or a seasoned mystery solver.
The Clue-Gathering Process
Throughout the route, each location provides audio clues, character interactions, and hints. The app’s GPS navigation ensures you don’t stray off course. As you piece together the evidence, you’ll ultimately make your deductions and issue an arrest warrant. The game then evaluates your detective skills with a Case Performance Score—a nice touch for those who enjoy testing their problem-solving skills.
Group and Solo Play
The experience is designed to be flexible. One ticket allows for multiple devices on a single phone, making it ideal for couples or small groups. If you’re in a larger group, simply purchase additional tickets, so everyone can participate actively. The social aspect is highlighted in reviews praising how fun it is to compete or collaborate.
What’s Included and What’s Not
This experience is quite comprehensive for its price. It includes live GPS navigation, audio storytelling with professional voice actors, and a scoring system. Help is available if needed, and you don’t need to bring headphones (though earbuds are recommended for clarity, especially in noisy environments).
However, you’ll need your own smartphone, charged and with a good data connection. Transportation is on your own, whether that’s your vehicle or walking shoes. The activity is suitable most of the year, given the flexible start times and outdoor nature.
Authentic Experiences from Others
While no reviews are available yet, the details suggest that many will find this a fresh and engaging way to see Scranton. The emphasis on storytelling, character interaction, and interactive clues is likely to appeal to those who enjoy puzzles and mysteries. The price point makes it accessible, and the flexible schedule means you can fit it into your day without much planning.
Travelers who have done similar scavenger or detective games often comment on how fun and immersive they find the experience. Meanwhile, the ability to select the difficulty level and the option to explore downtown or the outskirts makes it adaptable to different preferences and weather conditions.
Practical Tips for a Great Experience
- Download the route beforehand: Ensure your device is capable of running the GPS and audio smoothly.
- Bring earbuds or headphones: For the best clarity and to avoid disturbing others.
- Charge your device: A fully charged phone will prevent interruptions.
- Choose your mode wisely: Walking offers more sightseeing; driving can be more comfortable and faster.
- Start at your preferred time: Since it’s available 24/7, you can plan around your schedule.
- Dress appropriately: Comfortable shoes if walking, weather-appropriate clothing.
This murder mystery game is a hit for those looking for an interactive, budget-friendly activity in Scranton. It’s especially suitable for mystery fans, small groups, or couples who want a playful challenge. Families with older children might enjoy it if they’re okay with some mature content. Solo travelers who enjoy solving puzzles will find it engaging, too.
It’s not a traditional tour, so if you’re after a historical or cultural overview, this won’t replace a guided museum visit or city tour. But if you’re after something memorable and fun—something that combines outdoor exploration with storytelling—this experience offers genuine value.
For just under $15, this murder mystery adventure provides an engaging way to see Scranton from a different perspective. The flexible format—walking or driving—means you can tailor it to your comfort level, weather, and schedule. The professional voice acting and interactive gameplay create an immersive experience that’s perfect for mystery lovers and casual explorers alike.
While it’s not a detailed historical tour, it offers a lively, playful challenge that will keep you entertained for a couple of hours. It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with a small group or partner and want to do something together that’s both fun and different.
This activity shows how a small budget can deliver big fun, making it a practical pick for anyone looking to add a little intrigue to their Scranton visit.
Is this experience suitable for children?
The activity contains adult material such as profanity and mature references, so it’s better suited for older teens and adults.
Can I start the experience at any time?
Yes, once you’ve booked, the experience is available anytime after confirmation, giving you flexibility to choose your preferred start time.
How long does the whole experience take?
It lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, but you can take breaks or pause it as needed.
Do I need special equipment?
You’ll need a charged smartphone with a stable internet connection. Earbuds or headphones are recommended for clarity.
Can I do this alone?
Absolutely. It’s designed for solo detectives or groups; purchasing one ticket allows multiple devices on a single route.
Is the route walkable?
Yes, the downtown route is walkable, but you can opt for the driving map if you prefer to stay in your car or avoid walking.
Is this activity weather-dependent?
Since you can choose between walking or driving, it’s adaptable to most weather conditions.
Are there any age restrictions?
The experience is not suitable for all ages due to adult content, so parental discretion is advised.
What if I need help during the experience?
Help is available through customer service if you encounter technical issues or have questions.
If you’re looking for a creative, engaging way to explore Scranton—something that combines storytelling, outdoor activity, and a challenge—this murder mystery game offers a memorable experience at a fantastic price point.