Downtown Spokane Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game

A Closer Look at the Downtown Spokane Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game

If you’re seeking a fun, budget-friendly way to get to know Spokane’s city center, this self-guided scavenger hunt and escape game might look appealing at first glance. Priced at just $10 per person, it promises a one-hour adventure through some of Spokane’s most recognizable landmarks, including Old City Hall, the Lincoln Memorial, and Spokane Falls Viewpoint. Guided by a mobile app, the experience is designed to be independent and flexible, letting you explore at your own pace.

What we really love about this experience is how it combines learning and playing. The app’s PokemonGo-style format turns a simple walk into an engaging puzzle adventure—perfect for families, solo travelers, or groups of friends. Plus, the chance to learn quirky facts about local sites—like the story behind Spokane’s clocktower or why riders still grab the brass ring at the carousel—adds an interesting layer of cultural insight.

However, one notable drawback is that some travelers have encountered technical issues, with at least one reviewer mentioning they couldn’t get the app to work. This suggests that reliability might vary, and you’d want to ensure your device is compatible before heading out. Still, for those who enjoy interactive outdoor activities, this could be a rewarding way to spend an hour exploring Spokane.

In the end, this tour seems best suited for adventurers who enjoy puzzles, historical tidbits, and self-paced exploration. If you’re comfortable troubleshooting a bit with technology and looking for an affordable, active way to discover downtown Spokane, this might be exactly what you need.

Key Points

• Affordable price point allows for an easy intro to Spokane’s core attractions
• Flexible, self-guided format lets you explore at your own pace
• Educational content and puzzles make the walk more engaging and memorable
• Iconic sites like Spokane Falls Viewpoint and the Looff Carrousel are included
• Tech issues have been reported, so prepare your device beforehand
• Ideal for families, solo explorers, or groups looking for a casual activity

Detailed Review of the Downtown Spokane Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game

What’s Included and How It Works

This experience costs just $10 per person and is delivered via a mobile ticket, which makes it convenient and straightforward. You’ll start at A Place of Truths Plaza on Spokane Falls Blvd, a central location in downtown Spokane, and end back there after your roughly one-hour adventure. The app guides you to 9 interesting locations—from historic buildings to scenic viewpoints—where you’ll solve puzzles and complete fun tasks.

You can play solo or with a group, providing flexibility for different travel styles. The activity is self-guided, meaning you control the pace and timing, perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing or a relaxed afternoon. The recommended walking distance is about 1.9 miles, ensuring it’s manageable even for those not used to long walks.

The Itinerary: Sites and Significance

Each stop on the tour has a story to tell and a puzzle to solve, making the walk about more than just sightseeing. Here’s what you’ll encounter:

• Old City Hall: An early 20th-century building with architectural charm. The app might share the story of its construction and role in Spokane’s growth.

• The Review Building: Housing the historic newspaper, this site offers insights into local journalism’s history.

• Lincoln Memorial: A statue of Abraham Lincoln stands downtown, providing a chance to learn why this figure is memorialized here.

• Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral: A stunning example of ecclesiastical architecture, offering both visual beauty and historical context.

• The Great Northern Clocktower: The last remnant of Spokane’s old railroad depot, this clocktower is a symbol of the city’s railway heritage.

• Federal Building & Post Office: A classic government building, likely with interesting stories about Spokane’s federal history.

• Spokane Falls Viewpoint: One of the most scenic stops, where you can take in the waterfall and learn about its significance to the city’s development.

• Looff Carrousel: Built in 1909, the carousel still features brass rings for riders—adding nostalgic charm and a fun puzzle element.

• Bing Crosby Theater: A historic venue that once hosted famous performances, connecting you to Spokane’s entertainment scene.

What to Expect During the Experience

As you walk between these sites, the app will prompt you with puzzles and clues—think of it as a game combined with an educational tour. Each puzzle requires some problem-solving, and you’ll learn intriguing local facts along the way. For instance, you’ll discover why the Riverfront Park Clocktower is all that remains of Spokane’s old railway depot or the reason riders still grab the brass ring at the carousel.

The visual elements of the app aim to make the experience lively, and the interactive nature keeps you engaged. Whether you’re a history buff or just someone who enjoys a good challenge, you’ll find this format appealing.

The Experience’s Strengths

One of the biggest advantages is the cost-to-value ratio. At only $10, this activity offers a safe, outdoor adventure with educational benefits. For families with kids, the puzzle-solving aspect can be especially appealing, turning sightseeing into a game. Solo travelers or groups of friends can enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace without feeling rushed or constrained by a guided tour schedule.

Another highlight is the scenic views. The Spokane Falls Viewpoint is particularly stunning, offering plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. The historic sites, like the Looff Carrousel and the Clocktower, provide a tangible connection to Spokane’s past.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While this tour sounds perfect for many, the review from Cynthia highlights a potential frustration: technical difficulties. She mentioned, “We couldn’t get the app to work to play,” which is a reminder that your device’s compatibility and app reliability are important. This could be especially frustrating if you’re relying solely on the app without a backup plan.

Plus, since the experience is self-guided, there’s no guide to answer questions or provide additional context if you get stuck or want more detailed stories. If you prefer guided tours with a knowledgeable storyteller, this might not suit your style.

The duration of about an hour** is fairly short**, which can be a pro or con depending on what you’re looking for. If you want a quick, active way to explore, it’s perfect. But if you’re after a more in-depth tour, you’ll need to supplement this activity.

Who Would Love This?

This activity is ideal for adventurous families with children who love puzzles, solo explorers eager to discover Spokane independently, or groups of friends looking for a playful outdoor activity. It’s especially suited if you’re comfortable troubleshooting minor tech issues and want to explore at your own pace without a scheduled guide.

Final Thoughts

The Downtown Spokane Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game offers a fun, affordable way to uncover the city’s highlights while solving puzzles and learning fun facts. Its self-guided format and scenic stops make it flexible and engaging for a variety of travelers. However, tech reliability could be a concern, and it’s best suited for those who enjoy interactive, outdoor adventures.

For cost-conscious travelers seeking a casual, educational activity that mixes exploration with a touch of challenge, this experience can be a worthwhile choice. If you enjoy discovering new places through games and puzzles, and you’re prepared for possible technical hiccups, you might find this to be a charming way to spend an hour in Spokane.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, since it involves puzzles and outdoor walking, it can be fun for families with children. Just consider the child’s ability to engage with the app and puzzles.

Can I do this activity alone?
Absolutely. The experience is designed to be self-guided and flexible, perfect for solo explorers.

How long does the activity last?
It’s designed to take about 1 hour, but you can go at your own pace.

Do I need a smartphone to participate?
Yes, the experience relies on a mobile app. Make sure your device is compatible and fully charged.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate; no specific restrictions are mentioned.

What happens if the app doesn’t work?
That’s a risk noted by some users; the experience depends on app functionality. It’s wise to test the app before starting.

Where does the activity start and end?
It begins and ends at A Place of Truths Plaza, located at 901 W Spokane Falls Blvd.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, the price of $10 covers the activity, but ensure your device has data or Wi-Fi access if needed.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This activity offers a quirky, budget-friendly way to see Spokane’s highlights, especially if you enjoy puzzles and outdoor exploration. Just be prepared that technical issues might pop up, but with a bit of patience, it can turn into a memorable mini adventure.