Play detective across downtown Bismarck with a GPS-driven audio mystery. Choose a walking route through the city core or a driving map around the outskirts, follow 10 locations, gather clues and compete for a Case Performance Score.
Play detective across downtown Bismarck with a GPS-driven audio mystery. Choose a walking route through the city core or a driving map around the outskirts, follow 10 locations, gather clues and compete for a Case Performance Score.
A damp wind from the Missouri River pushes across downtown Bismarck as the first audio cue drops: a clipped command from Commander Mahoney and the city becomes a crime scene. The experience places you in the center of town—sidewalks, courthouse steps, and broad avenues—where spoken clues and staged locations guide a 10-stop investigation that unfolds over roughly 2½ hours.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Hearo · Bismarck, North Dakota
A damp wind from the Missouri River pushes across downtown Bismarck as the first audio cue drops: a clipped command from Commander Mahoney and the city becomes a crime scene. The experience places you in the center of town—sidewalks, courthouse steps, and broad avenues—where spoken clues and staged locations guide a 10-stop investigation that unfolds over roughly 2½ hours.
Bismarck’s streets mirror its past: a frontier capital born with the railroad and shaped by the river. Beneath asphalt, glacial deposits and river sediments tell a quieter geological story—flat plains punctuated by low bluffs that once directed steamboats and rail lines to the city’s heart. The game weaves local landmarks and narration to make history and place part of the puzzle, while voices portray 16 characters to populate the mystery.
Practically, this is a self-guided audio adventure delivered through a mobile app with GPS mapping. Players can choose a compact downtown walking route or a longer driving route on the outskirts; both routes use the same case files and scoring system. You’ll need a charged smartphone and reliable earbuds, and expect 2–3 hours including stops. Hard Mode deepens clues and raises challenge; teams can compete or cooperate using the built-in scoring.
Plan for changing Midwestern weather, solid footwear for uneven sidewalks, and small-group setups so audio remains clear. The experience is ideal for travelers who like city exploration, puzzle-solving, and a dose of theatrical storytelling without a fixed start time.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Minimal fitness required; able to walk short urban distances and stand for brief clue inspections
After booking you’ll receive instructions to download the Hearo app, then open the tour in the app and follow the designated starting-point directions in your confirmation email.
Self-guided—audio narration and GPS maps direct the experience so you can pause, replay, and proceed at your own pace.
Yes; the game supports multiple devices and a scoring system, but organizers recommend no more than two players per device for optimal audio clarity.
The driving map is recommended for inclement weather; the walking map can be used in light rain but expect slippery sidewalks in winter and plan accordingly.
Bismarck grew rapidly after its 1872 founding as a railroad hub and became North Dakota’s capital; the river and rail corridor shaped its development and urban grid.
Stay on sidewalks and respect public monuments; minimize noise and litter when using public spaces and be mindful of private property near some clues.
Hearo operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




A damp wind from the Missouri River pushes across downtown Bismarck as the first audio cue drops: a clipped command from Commander Mahoney and the city becomes a crime scene. The experience places you in the center of town—sidewalks, courthouse steps, and broad avenues—where spoken clues and staged locations guide a 10-stop investigation that unfolds over roughly 2½ hours.
A damp wind from the Missouri River pushes across downtown Bismarck as the first audio cue drops: a clipped command from Commander Mahoney and the city becomes a crime scene. The experience places you in the center of town—sidewalks, courthouse steps, and broad avenues—where spoken clues and staged locations guide a 10-stop investigation that unfolds over roughly 2½ hours.
Bismarck’s streets mirror its past: a frontier capital born with the railroad and shaped by the river. Beneath asphalt, glacial deposits and river sediments tell a quieter geological story—flat plains punctuated by low bluffs that once directed steamboats and rail lines to the city’s heart. The game weaves local landmarks and narration to make history and place part of the puzzle, while voices portray 16 characters to populate the mystery.
Practically, this is a self-guided audio adventure delivered through a mobile app with GPS mapping. Players can choose a compact downtown walking route or a longer driving route on the outskirts; both routes use the same case files and scoring system. You’ll need a charged smartphone and reliable earbuds, and expect 2–3 hours including stops. Hard Mode deepens clues and raises challenge; teams can compete or cooperate using the built-in scoring.
Plan for changing Midwestern weather, solid footwear for uneven sidewalks, and small-group setups so audio remains clear. The experience is ideal for travelers who like city exploration, puzzle-solving, and a dose of theatrical storytelling without a fixed start time.