Downtown Spokane Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game

Our review of the Downtown Spokane Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game offers a practical look at an activity that aims to blend sightseeing with puzzle-solving. Promising an interactive experience that takes you around some of Spokane’s most iconic spots, this outing is designed for those who enjoy exploring at their own pace. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, it’s meant to be a fun way to get acquainted with the city’s highlights.

What we appreciate about this experience is its commitment to combining local history with a modern digital puzzle that feels like a mix between a scavenger hunt and an escape room. Plus, at just $10 per person, the price tag suggests a budget-friendly way to spend an hour in Spokane. However, a word of caution: some users have reported technical difficulties, which can turn a potentially engaging activity into a frustrating ordeal.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers eager for a self-guided adventure that offers a blend of education and entertainment, especially if you enjoy solving puzzles or discovering hidden city stories at your own pace.

Key Points

• Self-Guided Flexibility: Play at your own pace, making it ideal for flexible schedules.
• Affordable Price: At $10 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore Spokane.
• Educational & Fun: Learn about local landmarks while solving puzzles and completing tasks.
• Iconic Locations: Visit well-known spots like Spokane Falls Viewpoint, Looff Carrousel, and the Great Northern Clocktower.
• Interactive Tech: The app mimics popular mobile games, making it engaging for a wide range of ages.
• Mixed Reviews: While many enjoy the concept, some indicate technical issues impacting the experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Spokane Adventure

Starting Point and Logistics

The activity kicks off at A Place of Truths Plaza (901 W Spokane Falls Blvd), a central and recognizable location in downtown Spokane. From there, you’ll receive instructions via a mobile app, which guides you through the adventure. The entire experience covers roughly 1.9 miles, making it a manageable stroll through the city’s core. The activity is designed to be completed in around 60 minutes, but since it’s self-guided, you can take longer or shorter depending on your interest and pace.

The Itinerary and Landmarks

The route takes you past several historically and culturally significant sites:

• Old City Hall: An essential piece of Spokane’s civic history, offering a glimpse into the city’s administrative past.
• The Review Building: A historic structure that hints at Spokane’s publishing legacy.
• Lincoln Memorial: A smaller yet meaningful statue standing downtown, commemorating the 16th president.
• Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral: An impressive religious site with beautiful architecture.
• The Great Northern Clocktower: This is all that remains of Spokane’s old railroad depot, a key piece of the city’s transportation history.
• Federal Building & Post Office: A stately government building that still serves as a reminder of mid-20th-century architecture.
• Spokane Falls Viewpoint: Offering stunning views of the waterfalls, this spot is a favorite for photo enthusiasts and nature lovers.
• Looff Carrousel: Built in 1909, riders still reach for the brass ring, making it a charming nod to Spokane’s historic amusement attractions.
• Bing Crosby Theater: An elegant venue that celebrates Spokane’s musical and entertainment history.

What Makes It Special

Each location offers more than just a photo op: the app prompts you to perform tasks, solve puzzles, and uncover fun facts about each site. For example, you’ll learn why the Spokane Falls Viewpoint is so significant or the story behind the brass rings on the Looff Carrousel.

The Puzzles and Tasks

The app’s puzzles are designed to be accessible and engaging for a wide range of participants. They combine visual clues, riddles, and simple tasks that encourage observation and learning. This makes the activity more than just walking around—it’s a brain-teasing adventure that keeps your mind engaged while you explore.

The Experience and Its Challenges

While many find the idea of a PokemonGo-style scavenger hunt appealing, some users have faced difficulties. The sole review available describes a frustrating experience where technical issues prevented participation altogether: “We couldn’t get the app to work to play,” laments one unhappy visitor. This highlights a key consideration: reliability of the app can significantly impact the fun factor.

Value for Money

At $10 per person, this activity appears to offer good value, especially considering the number of landmarks covered and the educational aspect. However, if technical glitches prevent you from fully enjoying the experience, it could feel like a poor investment. It’s worth noting that the tour is self-guided, so there are no guided commentary or personal interaction, which might be a drawback for travelers seeking deeper insights from a live guide.

Practical Tips

• Bring a fully charged smartphone and perhaps a portable charger to avoid missing clues or puzzles due to low battery.
• Start early in the day to maximize daylight, especially if you plan to walk at a leisurely pace.
• Since the app is digital, ensure your device’s location services are enabled, and updates are installed.
• If you encounter issues, patience may be needed, but it’s wise to have a backup plan—like a map or guidebook—just in case.

Who Will Love This?

This scavenger hunt is perfect for families with kids, who enjoy interactive activities, as well as solo travelers looking for a flexible, self-paced way to see Spokane. It’s also suitable for groups of friends or colleagues seeking a casual team-building or fun outing. However, those expecting a seamless experience may want to be cautious, given the technical issues noted by at least one reviewer.

Who Might Not Find It Worth the Cost?

If you’re someone who prefers guided tours with live commentary or detailed historical insights, this activity may fall short. Also, travelers wary of relying on apps that might malfunction or those with limited patience for troubleshooting may want to think twice. Since the activity depends heavily on technology, it’s not ideal for those seeking a purely physical or traditional sightseeing experience.

Final Thoughts

The Downtown Spokane Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game offers a modern twist on exploring a city’s core, blending history, scenery, and puzzle-solving into a single activity. Its affordability and self-guided format make it appealing for flexible, casual outings. However, potential technical issues highlight the importance of being prepared and understanding that your experience may vary.

If you’re an adventurous spirit comfortable with digital tools, or simply curious about Spokane’s landmarks, this could be a pleasant way to occupy an hour. But if seamless service and guided insights are your priorities, you might want to explore other options.

In the end, this activity’s success hinges on your expectations and your device’s reliability. With a little patience, you can enjoy discovering Spokane in a playful, interactive way that leaves you with a few fun facts and memorable views.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the puzzles are designed to be accessible, making it suitable for families with kids. Just be aware of the need for a smartphone and patience with the app.

How long does the tour take?
It’s designed to take about 60 minutes, but you can go at your own pace, possibly spending more time at certain landmarks.

Where does the tour start and end?
The starting point is A Place of Truths Plaza (901 W Spokane Falls Blvd), and the activity concludes back at this same location.

What if the app doesn’t work?
Some users have reported issues with the app not functioning properly. It’s wise to ensure your device is updated and fully charged. Consider having a backup plan like a map just in case.

Can I do this tour alone?
Yes, it’s self-guided, so you can play solo or with friends or family. It’s adaptable to your preferred company.

Is it worth the $10 cost?
For those interested in a frugal, engaging way to explore downtown Spokane, it offers decent value. Keep in mind that technical difficulties might affect your enjoyment.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is open to most travelers, including families, with no specific age restrictions mentioned. However, younger children might need supervision depending on puzzle difficulty.

The Downtown Spokane Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game holds promise as a casual, interactive exploration method, as long as you’re prepared for possible tech hiccups. It’s a creative way to see some of Spokane’s historic spots without the cost of a guided tour, making it worth considering if you’re comfortable with self-guided digital adventures.