Turn Old Town into a playable map: an outdoor escape room that sends you through murals, plaques, and cobbled corners to solve a tale of two lost souls. Self-guided and accessible, this 2-hour urban puzzle blends neighborhood history with app-driven clues.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You start with a box and a map under a cold Chicago sky, the city humming around you as you scan a QR code and the first clue flickers to life on your phone. Old Town’s narrow streets and brick facades become stages: murals point where to look, a bronze plaque holds a cipher, a stoop hides a padlock. The game pulls you into alleys and small squares, letting the neighborhood’s personality push and prod your curiosity.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Basic urban walking fitness—ability to walk on pavement for up to two hours is sufficient
Wildlife
History
Old Town developed as a 19th-century immigrant neighborhood and later became a hub for artists and comedy, with several historic structures that predate the late-19th-century fire.
Conservation
Stick to sidewalks and public viewing areas, avoid touching or moving public art, and dispose of packaging from the physical game box responsibly to reduce litter.
Reserve your spot on the Outdoor Escape Room in Old Town Chicago today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download the app and maps ahead of time
Install the required app and download any offline materials before you start to avoid signal gaps in narrow streets.
Charge your phone and bring a power bank
The game runs on your device for clues and submissions; a charged phone keeps you moving without interruption.
Pace for sightseeing
Plan extra time if you want to stop at murals, cafes, or historic sites along the route—standard playtime is about two hours.
Respect private property and art installations
All clues are intended to be read or observed from public spaces—don’t enter private courtyards or remove fixtures to solve puzzles.
Smartphone with internet access
Required to receive clues, submit answers, and use app-based hints.
Comfortable walking shoes
City pavement and occasional uneven sidewalks make supportive shoes important.
Portable charger/power bank
Keeps your device powered for the duration of the game and photo notes.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is useful on warm days when detours and sightseeing extend playtime.
summer