Operation Long Shadow
The memorials on the National Mall left words behind, carved in stone, on purpose. Most people walk right past them. Six objectives, about 1.6 miles on foot, between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Recover the words. Start at either end.
What to expect
A walk down the National Mall with puzzles on the memorials themselves. Everything is outdoors and free: no tickets, lines or opening hours.
Pick a direction
Start at the Washington Monument or at the Lincoln Memorial. The team plays on one phone, in its web browser.
Walk and solve
Each objective asks you to find something real: a count, a name, a word cut in stone. Every puzzle has three free hints, and the third is the answer.
Calls from Operations Center
Between stops, Operations Center calls with what you found and where to go next. At the finish, a final call puts your words in order. Every message also appears on screen.
Optional photo bonuses
Photograph a detail most visitors miss for a bonus badge, and send photos on the long walk for an analyst's read. Skip them and you still finish.
Two stops are places of mourning, so teams move and speak quietly there. Stay on the paths; nothing to climb or touch.
One phone runs a team of about 5. Add phones for $5 if you'd like to split up.
Secure checkout on play.questthecity.com. Your play link arrives by email.
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.
What happens to our photos?
Photos are optional and only used for the bonus badge and the analyst's read. They are shrunk on your phone, analyzed, and discarded. Only the text reply is kept.
Is it safe for kids?
It's a walk on public sidewalks with a few street crossings. You're responsible for your group's safety: watch traffic when crossing streets and supervise minors. Full details in the terms.
Operation Liberty Tree · Annapolis, Maryland · five objectives from the State House to the Naval Academy.
See the Annapolis mission