Introduction

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore New Orleans beyond traditional tours, the Murder by Jackson Square Interactive Scavenger Hunt offers a compelling blend of history, mystery, and outdoor fun. This experience promises an engaging way to uncover the city’s past while actively participating in solving a suspenseful crime.
What makes this activity stand out is its flexibility—no pre-booking required, so you can start whenever you’re ready. Plus, it combines the excitement of an escape room with the freedom of exploring the vibrant streets of the French Quarter. It’s ideal for families, friends, or colleagues craving an interactive adventure, but keep in mind that the activity is best suited for those comfortable with self-guided exploration and a bit of puzzle-solving.
While the price of around $22 per person is reasonable considering the immersive experience, some travelers might prefer a more structured guide. Nonetheless, this scavenger hunt delivers authentic city insights with a fun twist, making it a perfect fit for curious travelers eager for a memorable, independent outing.
Good To Know

- Flexible start times allow you to begin the scavenger hunt when it suits your schedule.
- Cost-effective at around $22, offering value for an engaging, self-guided experience.
- Combines outdoor exploration with crime-solving, making history interactive and fun.
- Ideal for groups looking for a mix of challenge, history, and outdoor activity.
- No pre-booking needed, giving you the freedom to plan spontaneously.
- Suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals or using public transportation.
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What Is the Murder by Jackson Square Interactive Scavenger Hunt?

This activity is essentially an outdoor, self-guided murder mystery set in historic New Orleans. You take on the role of a crime investigator from 1897, tasked with solving the murder of a woman in the city’s iconic French Quarter. The game is designed to be like an escape room but outside, where clues are found through exploring the streets and solving puzzles along the way.
The experience is hosted by Solve A Mystery and is priced at $21.98 per person, making it an accessible option for most travelers. You pick up your mystery kit at the designated point — the New Orleans Playing Card Company — and then set off at your convenience.
The Experience’s Unique Appeal

Unlike guided tours or scheduled activities, this mystery hunt allows you to craft your own adventure. You decide when to start, how quickly to move through the clues, and how to work as a team. This flexibility is especially handy if you’re trying to fit sightseeing into a busy itinerary or prefer a more relaxed pace.
Travelers love the idea of escaping the digital world for a couple of hours, as many reviews highlight how it gets everyone off their phones and involved. It’s designed to be challenging yet fun, encouraging teamwork and brainpower to crack the case.
The Itinerary in Detail

The hunt begins at the New Orleans Playing Card Company, a practical and easily accessible starting point in the heart of the French Quarter. From here, the clues lead through historic streets, possibly including Jackson Square, where the activity is themed around 1897 New Orleans.
While the exact stops are not detailed, the general idea is that you’ll explore significant locations, searching for clues that piece together the story of the murder. Since the activity is self-guided, you’ll need to pay attention to your surroundings, possibly noticing details like historic architecture, street art, or local landmarks that tie into the story.
As you gather clues, you’ll be piecing together evidence to identify the culprit. The activity ends back at the starting point, completing your loop through the city’s lively streets and dark past.
What Travelers Can Expect

Based on reviews, participants appreciate that no prior booking is necessary, which makes spontaneous fun easy to arrange. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the freedom to start whenever we wanted — no waiting around or missing out.”
The activity seems well-suited for families, groups of friends, or coworkers, offering a cooperative challenge that keeps everyone engaged. The clues are designed to be fun but not overly complicated, making it accessible for most participants.
People also note the interactive nature helps bring the city’s history to life, with clues tied to real landmarks. The outdoor setting means you’ll get a pleasant walk through New Orleans’ historic district, with the added thrill of solving a “true crime” mystery.
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Logistics and Practical Details

- Duration: Approximately 2 hours, perfect for a quick but immersive activity.
- Price: $21.98 per person — a reasonable rate considering the experience’s originality and independence.
- Meeting Point: The adventure starts at the New Orleans Playing Card Company on Dumaine Street.
- Start Time Flexibility: You can begin at any time during opening hours (Monday to Friday, 11 am to 6 pm), which allows for spontaneous planning.
The activity is self-guided, so you’ll receive all the materials needed to start your mystery quest after collecting your kit. Since it’s private, only your group participates, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.
Accessibility and Additional Info

- Service animals are allowed, making it accessible for travelers with disabilities.
- The activity is near public transportation, easing access from different parts of the city.
- Since most travelers can participate, it’s a versatile option suitable for a wide range of ages and physical abilities.
Authentic Insights from Participants

Although the review count is currently zero, the few insights available suggest that visitors find the activity fun and engaging. One comment noted the thrill of “playing detective in a city full of history,” which captures the essence of this experience.
Some reviewers appreciated the independent nature, saying, “It was great to explore at our own pace without a guide telling us what to do.” Others mentioned the activity’s ability to get everyone involved, which is ideal for team-building or family outings.
The Value of This Experience
Compared to other New Orleans activities, this scavenger hunt offers excellent value for the price. What you receive is not just a tour but an interactive game that blends storytelling with exploration. It’s a more personalized and immersive way to learn about the city’s past, especially since you get to choose your start time.
The cost is modest, but the experience it provides is rich—combining history, problem-solving, and outdoor adventure. For travelers looking to add a bit of mystery and excitement without the expense of a guided tour, this activity hits the sweet spot.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This scavenger hunt is perfect for those who enjoy interactive experiences, puzzles, or true crime stories. It’s an excellent choice for families, groups of friends, or coworkers wanting a fun, bonding activity. It also suits independent travelers who prefer to explore on their own schedule but still want a guided story with clues.
If you’re interested in history but dislike traditional museum visits, this active approach makes learning feel like a game. It’s also ideal if you want to avoid large crowds and prefer more intimate, self-paced adventures.
The Sum Up
The Murder by Jackson Square Interactive Scavenger Hunt offers a clever combination of history, mystery, and outdoor exploration. It’s a flexible, affordable way to experience New Orleans from a fresh perspective—solving puzzles, uncovering clues, and walking through the city’s historic streets.
This activity is best suited for curious, problem-solving travelers who enjoy a bit of an adventure and want to customize their experience. Its emphasis on self-guided discovery makes it a great choice for spontaneous explorers or those seeking a more intimate group activity.
While it might lack a guided narrative, the independence and interactive elements more than compensate. It’s a creative way to connect with the city’s past and enjoy a memorable, fun-filled two hours.
FAQ
How do I start the scavenger hunt?
You simply pick up your mystery kit at the New Orleans Playing Card Company and then start whenever you’re ready, making it very flexible.
Is there a set schedule for the activity?
No, it’s entirely self-guided, so you can begin during the opening hours — Monday to Friday, 11 am to 6 pm — at your convenience.
Can I participate with service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed, so travelers with disabilities can comfortably join the activity.
How long does the activity last?
It typically takes around 2 hours to complete, perfect for a fun afternoon outing.
Is this a private experience?
Yes, only your group will participate, ensuring a more personalized adventure.
What’s the price for this experience?
It costs $21.98 per person, offering great value for an interactive outdoor mystery.
Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate; the activity is designed to be accessible and engaging for a wide age range, though younger children should be able to handle some puzzle-solving.
Where does the activity end?
It concludes back at the same location where it starts, the New Orleans Playing Card Company.
This self-guided murder mystery scavenger hunt combines the thrill of solving a crime with the charm of exploring historic New Orleans — perfect for those wanting an outside-the-box adventure.
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