Mysteries on the Move: Scavenger Hunt in Boston

If you’re looking for a different way to see Boston beyond the typical tours or museum visits, Mysteries on the Move offers an intriguing blend of history, mystery, and outdoor adventure. This self-guided murder mystery game takes you on a 1.3-mile trek through some of Boston’s most recognizable sights, all while solving clues related to a fictional 1920s crime. It’s a fresh approach to sightseeing that can be tailored around your schedule and group size, making it perfect for friends, families, or small groups of up to four.

What we love about this experience is its flexibility — you can start and end whenever suits you, using just your smartphone and a bit of curiosity. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly activity at just $20 per group. However, some travelers have found the app tricky to use initially and felt the historical content might not be as deep as hoped. Still, if you’re after a lively, lighthearted way to explore Boston’s historic streets and enjoy a murder mystery, this could be a novel option.

This experience is best suited for you if you enjoy interactive, outdoor activities, want to learn a bit about Boston’s past, and are comfortable navigating with your phone. Keep in mind that a moderate level of physical activity is required, and it’s more about the fun and puzzle-solving than an in-depth historical tour.

Key Points

• Self-Guided & Flexible: Play on your own schedule, choosing when to start and finish.
• Affordable & Private: At $20 for a group of up to four, it provides good value for a fun, personalized experience.
• Landmark Tour: Visit 10 notable Boston sites like Boston Common and Granary Burying Ground while hunting for clues.
• Outdoor & Walkable: Cover approximately 1.3 miles at your own pace, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
• Tech-Dependent: Requires a smartphone and a web browser to navigate and solve puzzles.
• Mixed Reviews: Some users find the app difficult to use initially or feel the historical questions aren’t as engaging as expected.

Exploring Boston in a New Way

The core idea of this tour is to combine sightseeing with a murder mystery plot, immersing you in Boston’s historic ambiance while engaging your puzzle-solving instincts. It’s a type of experience that emphasizes independence and discovery rather than guided commentary, which can be a plus or a minus depending on your preferences.

The storyline involves solving the murder of silent movie director Rex King, who visited Boston in 1926 while filming on location. This adds a fun, narrative element, making the experience feel like an interactive detective game. You’ll gather clues outdoors and on the move, visiting landmarks that are central to Boston’s heritage, including Boston Common, the Granary Burying Ground, and the Old State House.

What sets this activity apart from traditional tours is the ability to customize your pace. You’re not tied to a schedule or a guide, giving you the freedom to linger at certain sites or move quickly through others. This makes it ideal for groups who prefer a more relaxed, flexible sightseeing day, or for those who want a bit of an adrenaline rush while exploring.

The Itinerary and Landmark Highlights

The route spans about 1.3 miles, taking roughly 3 hours, depending on how long you want to spend at each stop. The game is played via your smartphone, with clues unlocking as you visit each location.

Boston Common

Starting point and a key public park steeped in history, Boston Common is where your adventure begins. Here, you’ll read the initial clues and get instructions on how to start the game. It’s a lively place to start your day, with plenty of other visitors, and its central location makes it easily accessible.

Granary Burying Ground

Next, you’ll head to this historic cemetery, where some of Boston’s founding fathers are buried. It’s a compact site but packed with stories, providing a perfect outdoor puzzle stop. One reviewer mentioned that reading the visible historical markers is part of gathering clues, so it’s helpful to pay close attention.

Boston Old State House

This is one of Boston’s most famous landmarks, where colonial unrest led to the Boston Massacre. The site is important for understanding Boston’s revolutionary past and serves as an atmospheric backdrop for your game. The clues here involve deciphering passcodes based on historical markers, adding an educational aspect to the fun.

Other stops on the route include various sites of significance, each offering clues to advance the story. The game concludes back at the starting point, after you’ve pieced together the mystery, which some players found satisfying and others thought the historical questions were a bit disconnected from the murder plot.

Authenticity and Historical Content

While the main focus is solving the murder of Rex King, some users expressed dissatisfaction with the historical content. One reviewer noted they paid for a murder mystery but got questions that felt more like Boston history quizzes, leaving a gap between expectations and reality. The clues depend heavily on reading accessible markers, so the experience can sometimes feel more like a scavenger hunt than an immersive story, especially if you’re expecting detailed storytelling.

Practical Considerations

Ease of Use

One of the main complaints cited was difficulty in using the app. For instance, a reviewer named Kyra mentioned that instructions weren’t clear, which could lead to confusion at the start. It’s advisable to read the directions carefully beforehand and maybe even review the starting instructions in advance to avoid delays.

Price and Value

At $20 for a group of four, this activity is quite affordable, especially considering the private nature of the experience. You won’t be paying for a large guided tour, but instead, for a self-paced adventure you can do whenever it fits your schedule. It’s a good way to combine sightseeing and entertainment without overspending.

Accessibility and Location

The starting point is conveniently located near transit, making it easy to reach without hassle. The tour involves some walking, but most of the terrain is flat and manageable for travelers with moderate physical fitness. It’s worth noting that the activity is entirely outdoors, so weather conditions could impact your experience.

Duration and Flexibility

The approximate three-hour duration allows for a relaxed pace. You can stop for photos, take your time at each landmark, or speed through if you’re in a hurry. The flexibility is a major advantage—you’re not locked into a set schedule, which suits travelers who prefer to craft their own day.

Who Would Enjoy This?

This activity is perfect if you’re after a lighthearted, interactive way to see Boston’s historic sites. It’s ideal for small groups who enjoy puzzles, storytelling, and outdoor walks. It’s also suitable for families or friends who want a shared experience that’s different from traditional tours.

However, if you prefer detailed guided commentary or a deeply immersive historical experience, this might not meet your expectations. Those who are tech-savvy and comfortable navigating apps will likely find this easier, whereas first-time users may face a slight learning curve.

The Sum Up

Mysteries on the Move offers a budget-friendly and flexible way to explore Boston’s streets, blending sightseeing with a fun murder mystery game. While some users encountered technical hiccups and felt the historical content could be more engaging, many appreciated the value and unique approach to discovery. It’s a solid choice for small groups seeking an active, outdoors activity that combines entertainment with learning.

This experience shines brightest for those who want to set their own pace, enjoy some light puzzle-solving, and discover Boston’s landmarks in a playful way. If you’re not expecting in-depth historical narration or a seamless app experience, you’ll likely find this a charming, engaging addition to your Boston itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s designed for groups of up to four people and involves walking and solving puzzles, so it can be fun for older children comfortable with outdoor activities. Younger children might find it less engaging.

How long does the activity take?
The estimated duration is about 3 hours, but you can adjust your pace to spend more or less time at each stop.

Can I start the scavenger hunt at any time?
Yes, the experience is available daily from noon to late evening, and you can start whenever you choose within those hours.

Do I need to print anything?
No printing is required; all clues are accessed via your smartphone and the game app.

Is it accessible near public transportation?
Yes, the starting point at 139 Tremont St is near transit options, making it easy to reach.

What if I have trouble with the app?
Some reviews mentioned difficulties with app instructions. It’s recommended to review the starting instructions carefully before you begin.

Does the experience include guided commentary?
No, it’s a self-guided activity with clues based on written markers and puzzles, not guided by a person.

Is this activity suitable for rainy days?
Since it’s outdoors and involves walking, weather could impact your experience, so plan accordingly.

Can I book this activity last minute?
Booking is typically made 7 days in advance, but last-minute bookings might be possible depending on availability.

This smartphone scavenger hunt offers a playful way to see Boston’s sights while solving a vintage crime. It’s best suited for curious groups who enjoy a bit of mystery and outdoor exploration—an affordable option to add a fun twist to your Boston visit.