Fort McHenry — Secret of the Impregnable Fort
Uncover the hidden defense codes that made Fort McHenry impregnable during the 1814 British bombardment. Decipher clues across the historic zone to reveal the secret plan that saved Baltimore.
📱 1 to 10 phones · 1 team per phone · Independent codes
In September 1814, British forces launched a ferocious 25-hour bombardment on Fort McHenry, aiming to crush American resistance and seize Baltimore
Fort McHenry — Secret of the Impregnable Fort
You are a historical cryptographer, in present-day Baltimore, tasked with uncovering the true details of Fort McHenry's legendary defense.
In September 1814, British forces launched a ferocious
The Final Hours Before the British Assault
« « We will fight to the last man to defend this harbor and this city. » »— Major General Samuel Smith, 1814
The Battle of Baltimore: A Strategic Victory
After sacking Washington D.C. in August 1814, British forces, led by Vice-Admiral Alexander Cochrane and Major General Robert Ross, turned their attention to Baltimore. This city was not only a vital port but also a major hub for American privateers who harassed British trade. Baltimore's defense was coordinated by Major General Samuel Smith, leading the militia, and Lieutenant Colonel George Armistead, commanding Fort McHenry.
The Battle of Baltimore unfolded in two phases: a land assault at North Point on September 12, where the Americans repelled the British despite the death of General Ross, and a naval bombardment of Fort McHenry from September 13 to 14. Thanks to clever planning, including the sinking of ships to block the harbor and a strong land defense, Baltimore resisted. The British retreat marked a turning point, restoring hope to America and proving the young nation's resilience.
How does it work?
Explore the city on foot solving puzzles based on real historical facts. No locked room — the city is your playground.
No app to download. Play directly from your browser. Guided step by step, at your own pace.
One purchase per phone is enough. Play with family, friends or as a couple — everyone participates.
Point your phone at the façade: a historical character appears and speaks to you in your language. Golden letters magically write themselves on the wall to reveal the puzzle answer.
Stuck? Progressive personalised hints. The character repeats the puzzle on demand — at your own pace.
French, English, German, Spanish, Italian + 27 other languages auto-translated by AI.
Want to go deeper?
Places tied to your adventure — optional entries, totally up to you · per person
The Route
5-10 curated sites across the territory
The gameplay: AR, camera, hidden clues
At each stop, open your phone camera: an augmented reality character appears on the façade and speaks your language. Hunt the clue — it materializes as golden letters on the real wall or floats in front of you. When you find it, the phone vibrates, an AR chest opens and reveals your answer fragment. 8 stops, 8 clues to find with the camera, 1 final code.
The stops on your route are a surprise. You'll discover them one by one, guided by your phone, starting from the meeting point.
How does it work with a group?
One phone = one team. Pick the number at checkout (1 to 10).
Solo, or a group sharing the screen. One team, one code.
Family, couple, or 2-3 teams competing. Each phone has its own code and its own score.
Friends, bachelor/bachelorette, small office outing — each their own code, each plays at their own pace. Tiered pricing then €6 flat per phone from the 6th.
- ✓All codes are independent — play at the same time OR separately, each team advances at its own pace.
- ✓Leaderboard between your teams + global game leaderboard — each score appears in the public ranking.
- ✓More than 10 phones or need a personalized quest? Discover custom tours.
Ready to live this adventure?
Get my code · 14,90€No calendar booking. Code sent immediately by email.
🔒 Secure payment · Code in 5 min · Free cancellation
Practical info
Why this route?
Defensive Strategy
Understand the military tactics of 1814.
Militiamen's Traces
Follow the path of Baltimore's heroes.
A Secret Plan
Reconstruct the plan that saved the city.
Adventure awaits
Explore, learn, have fun.
9 features nobody else has
OddballTrip combines gamified play, augmented reality and AI. All our competitors deliver 1 or 2 of these angles. We deliver all 5.
AR treasure chest
A golden chest floats in front of the monument. Tap → opening animation → reveals a secret message.
AR narrator character
Point your phone at the façade: a knight, witch, monk, sailor, detective or ghost appears full-screen and speaks to you in your language with their dedicated ElevenLabs voice (each character has their own unique voice) — your living guide.
Magic golden letters
At the puzzle climax, golden letters magically write themselves on the real wall — that's the puzzle answer. An unforgettable visual effect.
Written + audio narration
Every puzzle available as text AND voice-over: read at your own pace or listen eyes-free while walking. Great in groups and for accessibility.
360° radar + vibration
A mini-radar shows the target even behind you, and the phone vibrates when you aim in the right direction.
Heritage storytelling
Every puzzle weaves in real historical facts (architecture, era, anecdotes). You learn by playing — like a gamified audioguide.
Progressive AI hints
3 levels of AI-generated help: vibe → where to look → answer format. You're never stuck.
AR selfie memento
At the end of the game, capture a selfie with OddballTrip banner + mascot, shareable on Instagram, TikTok.
Zero app to install
PWA technology: open the link, it plays in your browser. Same quality as an app, no App Store hassle.
Frequently asked questions
Q01Do I need to download an app?
No, never. You get a link, you click, it plays in your browser. That's the point of a PWA: same as an app, without the hassle.
Q02Does it work offline?
GPS yes (handled by your phone). Maps yes (tiles cached). AI and hints need an intermittent 4G connection.
Q03How long does a game take?
1 h 30 to 2 h 30 depending on your pace. The timer runs but only for the leaderboard — you play at your own tempo.
Q04What happens if I'm stuck?
You get 3 levels of hints per puzzle (increasing penalty). If truly stuck, you can skip the step (45-min penalty but you keep going).
Q05What's the age range?
From 12 without an adult, from 6 with an adult reading puzzles. Works for families, couples, friend groups, companies.
Q06What if my city isn't in the catalogue?
Pre-register or contact us — we'll email you as soon as your city is live.
Q07What is augmented reality exactly?
Point your phone at the façade: a historical character appears full-screen and speaks to you in your language. At the puzzle climax, golden letters magically write themselves on the real wall — that's your answer. After each puzzle solved, a treasure chest floats in front of you. Seeing is believing.
Avis des aventuriers
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Your turn to play
Uncover Baltimore's hidden history, solve riddles, and become the heroes of your own adventure.
1 purchase = 1 phone. Play several on the same device.
No calendar booking. Code sent immediately by email.
🔒Secure payment · Code in 5 min · Free cancellation
🪙+24 TripCoins granted with your booking
Other escape games in Baltimore, Maryland
See all games in Baltimore, Maryland→More ideas for self-guided walking tours, scavenger hunts & city quests in the same city
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Fort McHenry — Key's Secret Code
Uncover the hidden code in Francis Scott Key's poem that reveals a traitor who nearly betrayed Fort McHenry during the 1814 bombardment. Decipher clues across the battleground to expose the culprit.
Baltimore — Star-Spangled Banner Mystery
Uncover the hidden codes and secrets behind the Star-Spangled Banner. Follow Francis Scott Key's path from Flag House to Fort McHenry, deciphering clues to reveal a forgotten conspiracy during the 1814 siege.
The Privateer's Cipher — Decode Baltimore's Secret War
Decipher the coded letters of a Baltimore privateer captain to expose a British spy network operating in the harbor during the War of 1812. Uncover the truth before the next ship sets sail.
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