Friday, May 31st, 2024 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm.

Doors open for check in beginning at 5:30 pm.

The Detroit Zoo: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Are you a super sleuth? Can you piece together clues and trace stories through history by exploring habitats, architecture, and animal care? Join The Detroit History Club for an unforgettable adventure - an adults-only, evening, scavenger hunt through the world-famous Detroit Zoo!

Opening to the public in 1928, this zoo was not the city's first; however, its spacious habitats, care of its species, and top-notch innovations quickly catapulted it to international fame. From lions, to tigers, to bears... oh my, the zoo has long been a site of scientific exploration, species preservation, and wildlife education. It has also played host to unique moments in history; during the Great Depression, the zoo turned open land into farms to help feed Michiganders. From 1933-34, the Civil Works Administration and Federal Emergency Relief Administration provided funds and manpower to build the hippopotamus house and beaver habitat. From 1935-37, the federal Work Projects Administration (WPA) built an animal hospital and administration building and provided major landscaping to the zoo. And in 1968 the Penguinarium opened, the first zoo building in the world designed entirely for penguins.

From the tycoons of industry who donated buildings, monuments, and animals to the very creatures that come from all corners of the world, you'll never look at the zoo the same way again.

Guests will arrive at the closed-to-the-public zoo where you’ll explore, investigate, and seek out locations and history within the massive zoo campus, working in teams of 2 to 6 players. For three and a half hours, the zoo is yours to explore without the crowds but, with a mission - complete the scavenger hunt.

During this adventure, teams will discover the oldest animals at the zoo, explore intricate architectural details, and learn about the innovations that have made the zoo special for nearly a century. From the monkeys to the giraffes, the main gallery to the reptile house, you’ll step, crawl, slither, and gallop into the fascinating history of the zoo. Together with your team, you’ll examine art by internationally celebrated artists and scan the chilly Arctic Circle for images from the past. From birds that served in the Army during WW2 to a turtle found lost on 14 mile road in 2012, this promises to be an adventure over 90 years in the making.

As time runs out, your team will return to the pavilion. The team that has correctly solved the most riddles, clues, and mysteries will be the winner. First, second, and third place winning teams will leave with fantastic Detroit-made prizes, Detroit Zoo swag, and, of course, bragging rights.

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

• Parking is at guests own expense and is charged at $8 per car the evening of the event.

  • Save time on arrival by prebuying your parking via the Zoo’s website HERE

  • Detroit zoo members may show their Detroit zoo membership card for free parking

• Included in the cost of your ticket is the scavenger hunt, prizes, and bottled water. No food or bar service is provided or able to be brought into the zoo; we recommend eating before your arrival.

• Guests need absolutely no special skills or preexisting knowledge to compete, and win.

  • All guests must be 18 years of age or older

  • Teams can be 2 to 6 players

    • Guests will form their own teams. It is not necessary to book as a team but every player will need a ticket.

      • Simply show up as a group to play as a team.

    • All guests must be a member of The Detroit History Club, in good standing, to attend this event.

      • Buy or renew your Detroit History Club membership

        • If you are not yet a member, you can still buy tickets to an event: Simply use member number “000” when you add the event tickets to your cart. Then add the corresponding number of Detroit History Club memberships before check out. Our team will match your new membership number(s) to your event ticket(s) once it’s been assigned.

        • The Detroit History Club operates as a members-only club. We exist in the brightest of shadowy places. Holding expertly curated events out of private homes, hidden spaces, and secret locations. We welcome anyone over the age of 18 to join our noble ranks.

      • Membership to The Detroit History Club is five dollars per person per calendar year.

• To best enjoy this event guests should be prepared to move around the massive zoo campus, stand for extended periods (benches are available in most spaces for guests to rest should they require it), and climb stairs or uneven surfaces.

  • Good, comfortable footwear is highly recommended.

  • This event will take place outdoors and inside many of the zoo's buildings. Good weather appropriate clothing is essential to guests enjoyment of the event.

    • This event will take place in all types of weather with the exception of emergency conditions deemed unsafe by the Detroit Zoo.

  • The Detroit Zoo is ADA compliant, however please review all information to ensure the best possible experience, before booking.

    • We are delighted to welcome guests who require wheelchairs or other mobility assistance and will work hard to ensure the best possible experience. For specific mobility questions please email Office@detroithistorytours.com.

Your order confirmation email will serve as your only ticket- nothing will ship to your address. Please save your email and be prepared to show it on your phone or printed to enter the event. The ticketed guests name(s) will also be on a check in sheet when you arrive. (We do this to avoid the ticketing fees that come along with ticketing systems. The price of your ticket will remain the same throughout checkout with no added fees or service charges.)

All tickets and events are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.