Discover Sioux Falls Through a Detective’s Eyes: Murder Mystery Experience
Imagine wandering through Sioux Falls’ streets, stepping into a crime scene mystery that unfolds as you go. For just $14.99 per person, this 2.5-hour interactive audio adventure invites you to take on the role of a detective solving a murder case set against the city’s backdrop. Whether you choose to stroll downtown with a Walking Map or drive around the outskirts with a Driving Map, this experience offers a unique way to explore Sioux Falls’ scenery and stories.
What makes this experience appealing? First, you’ll love the professional voice acting—16 characters bring the story to life with varying personalities and accents, making each clue feel like part of a real investigation. Second, the flexibility of playing on your schedule—once booked, you can start anytime, pause for breaks, and choose your preferred mode of exploration.
However, a key consideration is that the story excerpts can sometimes feel overlong, and some participants might find it more akin to an escape room rather than a scavenger hunt, due to limited outdoor puzzle-solving. This experience is best suited for mystery enthusiasts, groups of friends, or families looking for a light, interactive adventure that combines storytelling with outdoor walking or driving.
Key Points
- Affordable price for an engaging, two-and-a-half-hour activity.
- Flexible scheduling allows you to start anytime after booking.
- Multiple modes: walking or driving, making it adaptable to your preferences.
- Immersive audio storytelling with professional voice actors enhances the experience.
- Option to play in normal or hard mode caters to different skill levels.
- Suitable for groups or solo adventurers, but audio clarity and device sharing can influence the experience.
Planning more time in Sioux Falls? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
An In-Depth Look at the Sioux Falls Murder Mystery Tour
When considering a fun, unusual way to explore Sioux Falls, the Murder Mystery Detective Experience offers a combination of storytelling and outdoor activity that might just add a new flavor to your trip. For those on a budget, at $14.99 per person, it’s a surprisingly economical way to learn about a story while experiencing the city’s sights—whether wandering downtown or cruising its outskirts.
What’s Included and How It Works
Once you book, you’ll receive clear instructions via email or text—so there’s no guesswork in getting started. The experience can be enjoyed anytime after booking, giving you the freedom to fit it into your schedule. The tour features a built-in scoring system which adds a playful competitive element, especially appealing if you’re with friends or family.
You will have access to a mobile app that provides a live GPS map with turn-by-turn directions for the driving route, or a walking map for downtown exploration. The app also delivers the audio story—featuring 16 character voices by professional actors—that guides you through a murder case, with clues, suspects, and red herrings along the way.
The Route: Downtown vs. Outskirts
You can choose to walk or drive. The downtown walk takes you past 10 mapped locations, where you park, listen, and gather clues. It’s a good option if you love strolling and want to soak in the city’s vibe. The driving map is perfect for exploring Sioux Falls’ outskirts, especially if you prefer staying warm or have limited time.
Reviewers note that hearing the audio clearly is vital for the experience. For walking, using earbuds is recommended, especially if you’re in a group. The walking mode works well for small groups (2 people per device) but might become less engaging if multiple people share a single device and the audio isn’t clear.
What Tour Participants Can Expect
The experience lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes, with the flexibility to pause or take breaks. It’s designed to be accessible for most travelers—most of whom can participate—though it contains some adult material like profanity and mature references, so it might not be suitable for young children.
The storyline involves solving a murder case, with listeners helping Commander Mahoney and others gather clues, interview characters, and ultimately make an arrest. The character voices and story excerpts are praised for their quality, adding a layer of realism and engagement.
Authentic Experiences from Reviews
One reviewer appreciated the concept but found it “completely boring,” citing that the story excerpts were too long and that answers to questions didn’t seem necessary. Conversely, others enjoyed the escape-room-like feeling, noting that the game was more about solving a mystery than exploring physical points of interest, which could be disappointing if you were expecting a typical scavenger hunt.
The value for money is generally seen as good, especially considering the storytelling quality and the outdoor activity aspect. However, some feel that if the story feels drawn out or if the clues aren’t tightly integrated with the locations, the experience might lose its punch.
Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Experience
- Use earbuds or headphones for clearer audio, especially in noisy outdoor conditions.
- Share a device if your group is small; for larger groups, consider multiple tickets.
- Plan to start at the designated East River Road meeting point—the activity ends back there.
- Expect a self-guided adventure—so bring a charged smartphone and be prepared to navigate on your own.
- If you’re sensitive to mature content, be aware that some material may include adult language and references.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This activity is ideal for mystery lovers looking for a new way to experience Sioux Falls, especially if you enjoy stories and puzzles. It’s perfect for groups of friends or families who want a flexible outdoor activity that combines storytelling with local sights. However, if you’re expecting a traditional scavenger hunt full of interesting points of interest, you might find this more like a story-driven escape room on wheels or foot.
Travelers seeking a low-cost, low-pressure experience that can be tailored to your schedule will find it appealing. Conversely, those looking for a more physical or educational tour might prefer other options.
Final Thoughts: A Fun, If Slightly Uneven, Way to Explore Sioux Falls
The Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Sioux Falls offers a novel approach to sightseeing—blending storytelling, outdoor exploration, and light puzzle-solving. The professional voice acting and flexibility in how you approach the game are definite highlights. It’s a great option if you want an affordable activity that can be customized to your day’s plans, and if you’re comfortable with audio-based experiences.
That said, the reviews remind us that this isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, visually engaging tour or a more traditional scavenger hunt, you might find this experience less satisfying. Still, for those who enjoy a good mystery and want to add a storytelling twist to exploring Sioux Falls, this tour can deliver genuine fun and a memorable story.
In the end, it’s a clever way to spend a couple of hours outdoors, especially if you’re traveling with a curious group eager for something different. Just remember to bring your earbuds and keep expectations in check—sometimes, the journey is more about the story than the locations.
FAQ
Is this experience suitable for children?
It contains adult material like profanity and mature references, so it may not be suitable for young children.
Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, once you book, the experience is available to start anytime, offering great flexibility.
What equipment do I need?
A charged smartphone and headphones or earbuds are essential for clear audio and optimal experience.
How many people can participate per device?
The experience is designed for individual devices, with recommendations of 1-2 people per device for better audio clarity.
Is this a walking or driving tour?
You can choose between a walking map for downtown Sioux Falls or a driving map for exploring the outskirts.
How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, but you can pause and take breaks whenever you like.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
Is customer service available if I have issues?
Yes, customer service help is available if you need assistance during your experience.
This Sioux Falls murder mystery offers a creative way to discover the city’s streets and stories—perfect for curious travelers who enjoy puzzles, storytelling, and outdoor exploration.