§ Missions // Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois

Operation Four Stars

Chicago flies four red stars on its flag, each one a moment the city could have ended and didn't. Someone left the city's own words behind, in steel and stone, from the Bean to the river. Six objectives, about a mile on foot, through Millennium Park and up Michigan Avenue to Tribune Tower. Find the words.

Field kit laid out on a dark oak table: a folded Chicago city flag, a phone showing a map of downtown Chicago, a brass compass, a chrome pebble, a glass block and a carved limestone fragment
Field kit · Downtown Chicago
06Objectives
1 miOn foot, about
1 hTypical time
All agesCity sidewalks
§ Recon // field photos

Where the mission takes you

Real places, all downtown. Highlights: Cloud Gate (the Bean), Crown Fountain, the columns of Wrigley Square, the carved towers of the Michigan Avenue bridge and Tribune Tower, whose walls hold stones from around the world.

§ 01 // In the field

What to expect

A walk from Millennium Park to the Chicago River with puzzles on its landmarks. Every puzzle is outdoors and free: no tickets or lines.

01

Start at the Bean

Begin at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. The team plays on one phone, in its web browser.

02

Walk and solve

Each objective asks you to find something real: a count, a year, a name, a word carved in stone. Every puzzle has three free hints, and the third is the answer.

03

Calls from Operations Center

After each stop, Operations Center calls with what you found and your next objective. Every message also appears on screen.

04

A finale worth the walk

Collect the city's words along the way. At Tribune Tower they come together. Then head down to the Riverwalk for a bite.

Route // one way
StartThe Bean, Millennium Park
FinaleTribune Tower
Getting thereCTA or a downtown garage
AccessFree, outdoors
Park hours6 am to 11 pm
TeamAbout 5 per phone

Michigan Avenue is busy. Cross only at signals and keep children close.

§ 02 // Mission pass
$20

One phone runs a team of about 5. Add phones for $5 if you'd like to split up.

Buy this mission · $20

Secure checkout on play.questthecity.com. Your play link arrives by email.

First phone$20
Each extra phone$5
Your play linkBy email
PassGood for one year
RefundsFull, within 30 days
App or accountNone needed
Mission FAQ
How long is the pass good for?

One year. Play on the day that suits you; the link waits.

Can I get a refund?

Yes. Full refund within 30 days of purchase. Reply to your order email.

What if we lose signal?

Open your link once with signal, before you head out. After that the mission keeps working if service drops between stops.

Do we need an app or an account?

No. It runs in the phone's web browser. Nothing to install, nothing to sign up for.

How many phones do we need?

One phone runs a team of about 5. Add phones for $5 each if you'd like to split up; each phone keeps its own progress. Bringing a school or youth group? See Groups.

Do we need to go inside Tribune Tower?

No. Every puzzle is on the outside walls and plaza. The building is private, so stay on the sidewalk and plaza.

Is it safe for kids?

It's a walk on city sidewalks and park paths, crossing busy streets at signals. You're responsible for your group's safety: cross only at signals and supervise minors. Full details in the terms.

Also in the network

Operation Liberty Tree · Annapolis, Maryland · Operation Long Shadow · the National Mall, Washington, DC · and Operation Falls Sentinel · Falls Park, Sioux Falls.

See every mission