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Chicago Lincoln Square: The Alchemist’s Spell Quest

Chicago Lincoln Square: The Alchemist’s Spell Quest

Roam the lively heart of Lincoln Square with its cafés, delis, and other fun and fascinating stores; stand beside the Berlin Wall. Take in ghastly history, gorgeous murals, and 300-year-old oak trees; and, at your journey's end, find yourself rewarded by the sight of an architectural gem.
⚡ Instant🛡 Money-back⏱ 2 hrs🧩 14 puzzles
🌐 Play in 🇬🇧 English
CHOOSE YOUR PASS

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Unlock · $38.99
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Staying a few days in Chicago? All 8 Chicago quests for $39.99 — pays for itself by quest #4. See the Exploration Pass

Places you will visit

14

It will take you

110-140 mins

You will walk

4200 steps

Total distance

3.2 km

Highlights

  • - Buy Old World remedies from an apothecary established in the 1800s.- Discover the site of a scandalous 1920s murder.- Cross the river on which gangster Al Capone ran liquor during Prohibition.- Pass the park where the Harlem Globetrotters practiced.- Visit the famous Old Town School of Folk Music.

Bring your crew

Race to the finish.

Everyone plays on their own phone — race solo, as a couple, or with a crew of any size. First to solve every clue takes the crown.

Invite your whole crew — 2 friends or 200, split into teams.

Adventure

Your pace, no timer

Escape

Beat the clock

Plays offline at your own pace — live group races need a connection.

Final leaderboard

Sam47:12
2Alex51:38
3You58:05

The mission: Your story in Chicago

You have been possessed by the spirit of Georg, a 15th-century German alchemist who needs you to renew his immortality spell.

He will guide you in doing this. But, he may also try to satisfy a few cravings along the way.

You see, Georg loves pastries, sausages, and other rich foods, so he likes to indulge in them while "embodied."

If you re-cast his spell, you'll be free of him; if you fail to do so, you could be stuck with him for good. But you can do this, right? So let's go!

Tips & Recommendations

👟

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.

🔋

Charge Your Phone

Make sure your smartphone is at least 60% charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.

🌤️

Check the Weather

This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.

📸

Bring a Camera

You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.

💧

Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.

👥

Play with Friends

Quests are more fun with friends or family. Each player who wants to play on their own phone needs their own access.

Ratings and Reviews

4.62

39 ratings

5 Stars
67%
4 Stars
28%
3 Stars
5%
2 Stars
0%
1 Star
0%
Reviews
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Sharon Lee

26 Apr 2026
it was great to learn more about our neighborhood! very cute, simple but fun.

shihchia

14 Mar 2026

Claire E

14 Feb 2026

Celine M

17 Sep 2025

Delia Garcia

15 Sep 2025

Beat the best: Top Chicago explorers

missroschRookie
4200 XP
Kimberlee Hummel
Kimberlee HummelRookie
4200 XP
shihchiaSeeker
4200 XP
Created by
Laura Allen-Simpson

I live with my husband and our second Irish Setter, Ellie, two blocks from Lake Michigan in a tree-house-like condo, but Lincoln Square used to be our neighborhood. Selmarie even baked our wedding cake (banana truffle torte)! I’ve authored two fun and clever American Girl books, but I earn a living by less glamorous means: tech and educational writing gigs. I love fun and meaningful conversations, portrait painting, table tennis, and walking, and I (try to) keep my anxiety in check by running, meditating, and immersing myself in good books, podcasts, and TV shows.

Frequently asked questions

Is Chicago Lincoln Square: The Alchemist’s Spell Quest self-guided?
Yes. The Questo app guides you between locations without a tour guide or fixed departure. Start when it suits you and pause if needed.
Where does Chicago Lincoln Square: The Alchemist’s Spell Quest start and finish?
It starts at Merz Apothecary — 4716 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA and finishes at Krause Music Store — 4611 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States. The route is approximately 3.2 km and includes 14 location-based puzzles.
How many accesses does our group need?
This classic quest sells access per device and player. Each person who wants to solve clues on their own phone needs their own access.
What language is Chicago Lincoln Square: The Alchemist’s Spell Quest available in?
It is currently available to play in English.

Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours

Flexibility

Regular Guided Tours

Fixed schedules & no pausing

Questo

Start, pause, and resume anytime

Privacy

Regular Guided Tours

Crowds of up to 30 strangers

Questo

Private experience for your group only

Pricing

Regular Guided Tours

$30-$40 per person

Questo

Transparent pricing shown before checkout

Availability

Regular Guided Tours

Requires advance booking

Questo

Instant access 24/7/365

Experience

Regular Guided Tours

Passive listening to a guide

Questo

Active gamification; you solve the mystery

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