Ghosts of Washington D.C.: A Historical Adventure
Explore the story of America through the eyes of the past—some of whom never truly left.
Join quirky ghost hunter Ripley Bates as you walk the National Mall, uncovering strange tales, lost voices, and key moments in U.S. history.
Each stop brings a new ghost with a real-life connection—from John Quincy Adams to Amelia Earhart—who reveal secrets, challenge your knowledge, and bring D.C.’s legacy to life.
Live in Washington D.C.? The Annual Pass is how locals play — $79.99/yr. See the Annual Pass →
Places you will visit
13
It will take you
106-136 mins
You will walk
5780 steps
Total distance
4.4 km
Highlights
Walk through 13 iconic locations on the National Mall, including the Library of Congress, the Capitol, and the Smithsonian Museums.
Learn fascinating U.S. history through immersive storytelling and ghost-inspired characters.
Solve puzzles and challenges rooted in real facts—ideal for curious minds of all ages.
Enjoy a light, spooky theme without the jump scares—great for families, students, and travelers.
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.
Adventure
Your pace, no timer
Escape
Beat the clock
Plays offline at your own pace — live group races need a connection.
Final leaderboard
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
The Washington Monument
National Museum of the American Indian
The mission: Your story in Washington D.C.
If solid proof can be found, Ripley may be able to win the coveted Warren award for Excellence in Supernatural Research.
Will the ghost of the past speak or remain silent forever and is Ripley brave enough to stay the course, follow the clues and capture enough evidence to win? Maybe with your help...
DARK STORIES OF WASHINGTON D.C.
A darker Washington D.C. walk for ghost-story and horror fans
Ghosts of Washington D.C.: A Historical Adventure turns Washington D.C. into a self-guided story walk for ghost-story and horror fans. Its story centers on ghost-story investigation.
Players move from Library of Congress to The Washington Monument on a 4.4 km route that contains 13 challenge locations. The page specifically identifies The Washington Monument and National Museum of the American Indian along the experience. Practical fit: 4.4 km route; Typical duration: 121 minutes; 13 location-based challenges; Playable in English.
This lets your group follow a dark story through clues; a guided ghost walk is the better fit for live narration and a scheduled group atmosphere. Playable languages: English.
Good to know before you play
- Route open 24/7 but better during daylight hours
- We recommend not playing at night
- Some checkpoints may contain temporary construction work
- Horror & Haunts
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
3 ratings
FJ
Aja Davis
Jeffrey527
Beat the best: Top Washington D.C. explorers
Songwriter, Director, SXF, Artist, Screenwriter, Gamer, Traveler
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Frequently asked questions
Is Ghosts of Washington D.C.: A Historical Adventure self-guided?
Where does Ghosts of Washington D.C.: A Historical Adventure start and finish?
How many accesses does our group need?
What language is Ghosts of Washington D.C.: A Historical Adventure available in?
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
| Feature | Regular Guided Tours | Questo |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules & no pausing | Start, pause, and resume anytime |
| Privacy | Crowds of up to 30 strangers | Private experience for your group only |
| Pricing | $30-$40 per person | Transparent pricing shown before checkout |
| Availability | Requires advance booking | Instant access 24/7/365 |
| Experience | Passive listening to a guide | Active gamification; you solve the mystery |
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