Explore Des Moines with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest

Our review of the Operation City Quest scavenger hunt in Des Moines offers a look at a playful way to see the city through a new lens. Designed for casual explorers and puzzle lovers alike, this experience combines technology, local sights, and a dash of friendly competition—all for just $10 a person.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its flexibility: you can wander the city in any order you choose, making it a highly adaptable activity. Plus, the remote guide adds an element of support without the pressure of a big group. The downside? With only one review rated at a 1.0, there’s some question about overall quality—something we’ll explore further. This hunt is probably best suited for visitors who enjoy interactive, self-guided activities and are looking for a budget-friendly way to discover Des Moines in an unconventional way.

Key Points

• Affordable: At $10 per person, it’s a cost-effective way to explore.
• Flexible: Wander around the city in any order, choosing your own pace.
• Interactive: Use your phone to find items, take photos, and complete challenges.
• Supportive: A remote host is available via chat to help along the way.
• Limited reviews: With only one review, the overall experience quality is uncertain.
• Best suited for: Visitors comfortable with tech and self-guided activities who want a casual, fun day in Des Moines.

This experience is a self-guided scavenger hunt integrated with a mobile app, designed to show you Des Moines in an engaging, interactive manner. For $10, you get roughly two hours of activity, with the added benefit of a remote guide to assist if needed. The activity starts at 221 Walnut St, a central spot convenient for most travelers, and concludes back at the same point, making it easy to plan around other sightseeing or dining.

The idea is simple: open your smartphone, follow the prompts, and start hunting for city landmarks, quirky sights, or historical points of interest. You can prioritize which items to find, making it a personalized experience. The app awards points for each item found and challenge completed, while the live chat feature allows you to ask questions or get hints from your guide.

What Makes This Tour Unique?

Unlike traditional guided tours, this scavenger hunt lets you set your own pace and choose your own route. The app adds a gamified layer to discovering Des Moines, encouraging you to photograph sights, perform challenges, and see how your score stacks up against others across the country. The remote host offers a layer of support, which can be especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the city or new to this style of activity.

In essence, it’s a blend of sightseeing, gaming, and social competition — a good option if you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy a little friendly rivalry.

When you set out, you’ll use your smartphone to access the activity. The app will present a series of items or challenges to locate or perform around downtown Des Moines. These could range from spotting a specific building or statue to performing a fun task like taking a group selfie.

You’re free to choose the order in which you complete these, which makes for a relaxed experience. As you go, you’ll snap photos through the app, earning points for each find or task. Your remote guide follows your progress via chat, ready to assist if you’re stuck or need hints.

The Itinerary

The tour begins at 221 Walnut Street—a central spot easy to reach via public transportation or walking. From there, you might find yourself roaming around the State Capitol, exploring local murals, or finding quirky shops. The activities are designed to encourage exploration of Des Moines’ urban core while looking out for interesting details.

Since the tour ends back at the start point, it’s easy to incorporate other activities, meals, or further sightseeing afterward. The two-hour duration is perfect for a leisurely afternoon without feeling rushed.

What Do Participants Say?

The sole review available rates the experience at a 1.0/5, which is concerning at first glance. It’s important to consider that this rating might reflect individual issues, as other reviews or similar activities might not have been assessed. The review doesn’t specify what went wrong, but it does serve as a reminder to approach this experience with realistic expectations.

However, some travelers might find the idea of a self-guided, app-based adventure appealing, especially if they are tech-savvy or enjoy street games. The support from a remote guide can be a reassuring feature, although the actual quality of this support remains uncertain without more reviews.

Price and Value: At just $10, this scavenger hunt is a budget-friendly way to explore Des Moines, especially if you’re traveling on a tight schedule or with a small group. Compared to traditional guided tours, it’s quite affordable, though it does lack some of the depth and storytelling a dedicated guide might provide.

Duration and Timing: Clocking in at about two hours, it’s a flexible activity that can fit into a larger day of sightseeing. The hours of operation — Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM — give ample time to plan for a morning or afternoon outing.

The App and Challenges: Using your phone to navigate adds modern convenience but also depends on good GPS and your phone’s camera. The app’s feature to view rankings adds a competitive edge, making it appealing to those who enjoy friendly rivalry, though it could also introduce pressure on casual players.

Remote Guide Support: The presence of a virtual guide is a plus, providing real-time chat assistance. This can prevent frustration if you’re stuck or unsure about where to go next. However, without reviews on the guide’s responsiveness or helpfulness, it’s hard to gauge how effective this support truly is.

Accessibility and Logistics: Starting and ending at the same point simplifies logistics. The activity is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, and the proximity to public transportation makes it accessible.

Since this activity is entirely app-based and self-directed, the authenticity of the experience depends heavily on your engagement. Unlike walking tours led by knowledgeable guides, this offers a more casual, game-like exploration. For some, this is a highlight—discovering local sights at your own pace, taking fun photos, and completing challenges. For others, it might lack the storytelling and context that traditional tours provide.

One reviewer’s comment about the guides being “knowledgeable” in other similar activities suggests that if you do get good support, it can enhance your experience. But with only one review, it’s difficult to confirm.

Overall, it’s a flexible and inexpensive activity that can be a fun way to see some parts of Des Moines, especially if you’re a tech enthusiast or enjoy self-guided games.

This scavenger hunt tour is best suited for travelers who:

• Prefer independent exploration over group tours
• Enjoy interactive, game-like activities
• Are comfortable using smartphones for navigation and photos
• Want to keep costs low while still experiencing the city
• Are visiting Des Moines for a short stay and want a quick, fun activity

If you’re seeking a guided, in-depth cultural experience, this might not satisfy. However, for those looking for a light-hearted, budget-friendly way to discover Des Moines’ highlights, it could be a good fit — especially if you value flexibility and a bit of friendly competition.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and since it involves photo challenges and walking, it could be fun for older kids. However, younger children might find it less engaging if they’re not interested in digital scavenger hunts.

Do I need to bring my own smartphone?
Yes, the activity doesn’t include phone use, so you’ll need your own smartphone to access the app and take photos.

Can I do this activity at any time?
The activity is available Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so plan accordingly within those hours.

Is there parking nearby?
While not explicitly mentioned, starting at Walnut Street suggests a central location likely accessible by public transportation or street parking.

Will I get a guide in person?
No, the guide is remote and available via chat. There’s no in-person guide involved.

What if I don’t enjoy the experience?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you some peace of mind if you’re unsure.

In all, the Operation City Quest scavenger hunt offers a low-cost, flexible way to get a feel for Des Moines’ downtown area. While not a comprehensive tour, it’s a lighthearted activity that pairs well with other sightseeing. Just keep expectations in check, especially considering the limited reviews, and enjoy the city at your own pace.