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.
Where the quest takes you
Real places, all on the National Mall. Every stop is a memorial you can walk to, free and open at any hour.
Six memorials on the National Mall
In walking order from the Washington Monument end. Starting at the Lincoln Memorial runs it in reverse.
- Washington MonumentThe obelisk at the center of the Mall
- World War II MemorialFountains and pillars at the head of the Reflecting Pool
- Signers of the Declaration MemorialA small island in Constitution Gardens most visitors miss
- Vietnam Veterans MemorialThe black granite wall
- Korean War Veterans MemorialSoldiers on patrol across the field
- Lincoln MemorialThe finale, or the start, on the steps
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.
Transmissions from Operations Center
Between stops, tap play for a short in-game transmission from Operations Center: what you found and where to go next. At the finish, a final transmission 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.
Finish it. Earn the Long Shadow.
Complete the quest and the Long Shadow badge is yours, saved on your phone at the finale. Photograph a detail most visitors walk right past and you earn a second, bonus badge.
Digital badges, shown in the game. No physical item is shipped.
One price for your whole team, played on one phone.
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 quest 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?
Just one. Your whole team can play on one phone. If you'd like more, you can add phones when you check out. 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 quest