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      Two smiling women taking a selfie during the Harvard self-guided escape game and treasure hunt tour on a sunny day
      Young woman smiling in front of Harvard University's Widener Library steps on a sunny day
      Boston skyline with fall foliage and Back Bay skyscrapers under blue sky
      Memorial Hall at Harvard University, red brick Gothic Revival building with ornate tower under blue sky
      Two tourists examining Morse code clues on Harvard building wall during self-guided escape game tour
      Historic brick buildings and street intersection near Harvard Square, Cambridge, on a sunny day

      Boston, United States of America

      Harvard Self-Guided Tour: Escape Game and Treasure Hunt

      1 hour and 35 minutesMin 1 guests
      Harvard Self-Guided Tour: Escape Game and Treasure Hunt
      From € 5.00
      Listing ID : 31749
      Duration1 hour 35 minutes
      Group SizeAny size
      Starts AtHarvard Square, Cambridge, MA
      LanguagesEnglish
      Self-Guided Exploration Game · Cambridge, MA

      Harvard's Secret Society: Exploration Game and Tour

      Uncover hidden stories across Harvard Yard through an outdoor adventure that blends escape game, treasure hunt, and campus tour.

      This Harvard exploration game takes participants on a self-guided journey through one of the world's most storied university campuses, weaving a fictional investigative narrative into real historical landmarks. Using only a smartphone, players follow clues, solve challenges, and piece together the mystery surrounding a budding journalist named Owen Shaw.

      The experience is designed for curious minds who want more than a standard walking tour. Each stop reveals a layer of campus history alongside a chapter of an original story crafted by professional writers, making the outing both intellectually engaging and genuinely entertaining.

      Because the game runs entirely on your phone and progresses at your own pace, it suits solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups equally well. There are no fixed departure times, no waiting for other participants, and no need to keep up with a guide.

      Tour Highlights

      Visit Widener Library, the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts, and other architecturally significant landmarks inside Harvard Yard.

      Follow the original story of Owen Shaw, a journalist drawn into a campus conspiracy, written exclusively for this experience.

      Discover the truth behind the Statue of Three Lies and learn why the famous John Harvard monument is not what it seems.

      Play entirely through your smartphone with no additional equipment required — download the app before you arrive and start when ready.

      Solve clues that blend lateral thinking with local history, making each challenge feel rooted in the campus around you.

      Investigate the recurring mystery of who keeps stealing the chair of the president of The Harvard Crimson student newspaper.

      Experience a format that sits at the intersection of outdoor escape room, guided tour, and treasure hunt — a genuinely novel activity in Cambridge.

      Itinerary Overview

      1
      Harvard Square — Starting Point

      The game begins here with your first clue and an introduction to Owen Shaw's investigation. Solve the opening challenge to unlock the story's first chapter and receive directions to the next location.

      2
      Johnston Gate and Charles Sumner Statue

      Pass through Harvard's historic main entrance before pausing at the Charles Sumner Statue. Each stop presents a new puzzle tied to the architecture and history of the site.

      3
      Phillips Brooks House, Holden Chapel, and Statue of John Harvard

      Three consecutive landmarks offer some of the richest storytelling in the experience, including the full explanation of why the John Harvard Statue is known as the Statue of Three Lies.

      4
      Memorial Church and Widener Library

      Two of Harvard Yard's most visually commanding buildings anchor the middle section of the route. Challenges here draw on the architectural and academic history embedded in both structures.

      5
      Carpenter Center, Beck-Warren House, and Harvard Crimson Building

      The route moves toward the campus periphery, stopping at Le Corbusier's only building in North America and the offices of the country's oldest daily college newspaper.

      6
      Harvard Lampoon Building — Finish

      The game concludes at the iconic castle-like home of the Harvard Lampoon, where Owen Shaw's story reaches its resolution and the final challenge is revealed.

      What Is Included

      Included

      • Access to the exploration game via smartphone app
      • Original narrative story with professional writing
      • Step-by-step clues and in-app navigation between stops
      • Flexible self-paced format with no guide required
      • Post-booking email with download and access instructions

      Not Included

      • Smartphone device (participants must provide their own)
      • Food, beverages, or refreshments
      • Entry fees to any indoor campus buildings
      • Transportation to and from the starting point

      Important Information

      After booking, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and start the game. We recommend that each participant purchases an individual ticket for the best experience, though multiple people may share a single device.
      Duration
      The experience runs approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, though participants may pause and resume at any location along the route.
      Meeting Point
      The game starts at Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA. No physical check-in is required — simply launch the app and begin.
      What to Bring
      Bring a fully charged smartphone with the app downloaded in advance. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the outdoor route.
      Cancellation Policy
      Please review the cancellation terms provided at the time of booking. Because the experience is app-based, standard digital product policies may apply.
      Accessibility
      The route follows paved paths and open pedestrian areas throughout Harvard Yard, making it generally accessible. Some uneven surfaces may be present near older structures.
      Age Range
      Suitable for all ages. Younger participants may need adult assistance with the puzzle-solving elements. The difficulty level is rated Easy.

      Ready to Explore Harvard Yard?

      Book your spot and receive instant access to a campus adventure that combines local history, creative storytelling, and interactive challenges — all at your own pace.

      Book Now

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Do I need to book in advance or can I show up on the day?▼
      Booking in advance is required because the game is accessed via a smartphone app. After booking, you will receive an email with download and access instructions.
      Can a group share one phone during the experience?▼
      Yes, multiple people can share a single device. However, the organizers recommend that each participant purchases an individual ticket for the best experience.
      Is the experience suitable for children?▼
      The game is rated Easy and is appropriate for all ages. Younger children may benefit from adult help when solving some of the clue-based challenges.
      Do I need to enter any buildings during the tour?▼
      The route is entirely outdoors and no indoor building access is required to complete the game. Entry fees to campus buildings are not included.
      What happens if I need to pause and continue the game later?▼
      The game is fully self-paced, so participants can stop at any location and resume at their convenience without losing progress.
      Where exactly does the experience start and end?▼
      The experience begins at Harvard Square and concludes at the Harvard Lampoon Building, covering 11 stops across Harvard Yard along the way.
      Harvard YardCambridge MASelf-Guided TourExploration GameOutdoor Escape RoomTreasure HuntHarvard CampusFamily ActivitySmartphone TourBoston AreaEasy DifficultyWidener Library
      Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: harvard-secret-society-exploration-game

      Activity

      Availability

      You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

      Additional Information

      Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

      Duration

      1 hour and 35 minutes

      Languages

      English - Speaking Guide

      Additional Information

      Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

      Cancellation Policy

      Select Date

      Meeting Point

      Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

      Activity Site

      Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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