Self Guided Scavenger Hunt: Saint Paul’s Soaring Sights!

Planning a trip to Minneapolis-Saint Paul? If you’re looking for a way to explore the city that’s both fun and interactive, the Self Guided Scavenger Hunt: Saint Paul’s Soaring Sights offers a fresh approach. This activity turns a simple walk into a game, guiding you around some of Saint Paul’s most iconic spots using just your phone. For those who love solving clues, snapping photos, and discovering hidden corners, this experience might just be the highlight of your trip.

What makes this tour stand out is its blend of adventure, culture, and a bit of friendly competition. You get to see key landmarks like Rice Park and the State Capitol while earning points and aiming for the top of the national leaderboard. It’s a chance to explore at your own pace, making it ideal for families, friends, or solo travelers who enjoy a more engaging way to learn about a city.

One thing to keep in mind is that, like all self-guided activities, it requires a bit of mobility and a fully charged phone. Some reviewers have mentioned minor missteps in clues, but overall, the experience offers a great way to see parts of Saint Paul you might not find on a typical tour. This scavenger hunt suits those who prefer an active, independent adventure with a fun competitive edge.

Who is this for?

If you enjoy interactive experiences, exploring at your own pace, and adding a playful challenge to sightseeing, this tour could be perfect. It’s especially suited for groups of friends or families wanting to combine light exercise with discovery — all for a very reasonable price.

Key Points

• Cost-effective: At just over $12, this activity offers good value for a self-guided adventure.
• Flexible timing: You can start whenever suits you, making it ideal for spontaneous plans or fitting into a busy schedule.
• Interactive app: The Let’s Roam app provides maps, challenges, and leaderboards, adding a gamified layer to your exploration.
• Multiple roles and photo challenges: Each participant can choose roles like “Braniac,” “Photographer,” or “Mapper,” enhancing engagement.
• Visit notable sites: Experience Saint Paul’s highlights, including Rice Park and the State Capitol, through fun clues and challenges.
• Support available: Assistance from the virtual guide is accessible anytime, helping you navigate and stay on track.

A Detailed Look at the Saint Paul Scavenger Hunt Experience

The Itinerary and Locations

This scavenger hunt takes you on a route from the heart of Saint Paul at the State Capitol to the scenic Mississippi River. Along the way, you’ll encounter various landmarks—each offering a glimpse into the city’s history, culture, and architecture. The starting point, at 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, is conveniently located near public transportation, easing access for visitors.

You’ll explore notable sites like Rice Park, the city’s beloved public space, often buzzing with locals and travelers alike. The park’s charming setting, surrounded by historic buildings, provides the perfect backdrop for photo challenges. The route also covers prominent buildings, parks, and public art displays, giving you a well-rounded glimpse of Saint Paul’s character.

What You Can Expect

Once you begin, the app takes the lead, presenting riddles and clues tailored to each location. The virtual assistance feature is handy if you get stuck, and you’ll be prompted to complete photo challenges—such as snapping a creative shot at a specific landmark or finding the city’s hidden art pieces.

The game format encourages you to think on your feet and engage with your surroundings. Some clues may seem straightforward, but others might lead you to uncover little-known facts or hidden details. For example, a reviewer shared that their group enjoyed discovering parts of Saint Paul they’d never visited before, even if they occasionally found themselves in the wrong spot due to tricky clues.

The Experience and Its Value

The two-hour duration makes it a manageable outing, whether you’re looking for a quick activity or a relaxing afternoon. Since it’s entirely self-guided, you can pause or extend your exploration as you like, making it flexible for different travel styles.

Cost-wise, at $12.31 per person, you’re paying primarily for the experience, app access, and the chance to see the city from a new perspective. Compared to traditional guided tours, this setup offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, with the added fun of a game format that keeps everyone engaged.

The Role and Challenges

The app assigns individual roles, adding a layer of personalization. Whether you’re the “Braniac”, focusing on solving riddles, the “Photographer”, capturing scenic views, or the “Mapper”, navigating the route, each role enhances the experience.

However, as one reviewer noted, some clues might lead to the wrong location—an understandable hiccup in a scavenger hunt that relies on puzzle accuracy. Nonetheless, their overall walk was enjoyable, and they appreciated the chance to see areas of Saint Paul they’d never visited before.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Adventure

• Fully charge your device before starting; the app is your main guide, and running out of battery can cut your fun short.
• Bring a power bank if you plan to extend your exploration or use your phone for multiple photos.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, since the activity involves some outdoor footwork.
• Check the weather forecast—the activity is outdoors, so dress appropriately.
• Group size is flexible, but larger groups may need to coordinate roles to maximize fun and efficiency.

Authentic Insights from Past Participants

A traveler described their day as “a beautiful day in Saint Paul,” highlighting how the walk revealed new areas of the city. They mentioned that although some clues led them astray, the overall activity was “a great walk” with stunning sights. This echoes the sentiment that, despite minor puzzles, the experience offers genuine opportunities for discovery.

Another aspect worth noting is the support system—the virtual assistance that’s available if you need hints. It makes the experience accessible even if you’re unfamiliar with the city or new to scavenger hunts.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For a modest price, this scavenger hunt delivers a fun, flexible, and interactive way to see Saint Paul. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a self-paced adventure, enjoy solving riddles, or want to add a playful element to their sightseeing. The combination of notable landmarks, beautiful scenery, and the chance for friendly competition makes it a well-rounded experience.

While a couple of reviewers experienced minor missteps with clues, the overall feedback underscores that the activity is both engaging and rewarding. If you’re looking for an activity that gets you walking, thinking, and exploring, this is a solid choice.

This hunt is particularly suited for groups of friends or families wanting to make the most of their time in Saint Paul, with the flexibility to start and stop at any point. With good value for its price, it offers an amusing and memorable way to learn about this charming city.

FAQ

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s a self-guided experience, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace with the app as your guide.

Can I start the hunt at any time?
Yes, the activity is available Monday through Sunday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and you can begin whenever you’re ready.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes access to the Let’s Roam app, photo challenges, maps, leaderboards, all taxes and fees, and digital copies of your photos.

Do I need to bring any equipment?
Just your fully charged smartphone. A power bank is recommended if you plan a longer or more active session.

Are there any age restrictions?
No minimum age—this activity is suitable for all ages, making it family-friendly.

Is transportation needed?
Private transport isn’t included, but the starting point is near public transit options, making it easy to reach.

What if I get lost or need help?
The app offers virtual assistance, so you can get help anytime during your hunt.

To sum it up, the Self Guided Scavenger Hunt in Saint Paul delivers a playful, engaging way to see the city beyond typical sightseeing tours. It combines scenic views, cultural sites, and interactive challenges into a package that’s both affordable and memorable. It’s best suited for curious explorers who enjoy a bit of friendly competition and discovering hidden gems at their own pace. Whether you’re visiting Saint Paul for the first time or want a new way to experience familiar streets, this activity offers a refreshing twist on urban exploration.