MemphisOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt
On the Mississippi, birthplace of blues and rock'n'roll
What to do in Memphis, this iconic city in Tennessee? Dive into the heart of a city where history, music, and culture converge on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Memphis is world-renowned as the birthplace of the blues, the cradle of rock'n'roll, and a key site in the Civil Rights Movement. Stroll down Beale Street, where melodies pour from the clubs, visit Graceland, Elvis Presley's legendary home, or explore the National Civil Rights Museum. For an unusual and immersive activity, our outdoor escape games invite you to discover Memphis from a new perspective. Transform your walk into a scavenger hunt, a true urban treasure hunt that will lead you through historic districts and iconic landmarks. Here is the trail we offer in Memphis:
The Mountaintop Message — Decode King's Final Hours
Decipher the hidden meaning in Dr. King's last speech and uncover the untold story of the Memphis sanitation strike that changed a nation.
Beale Street — The Lost Rhythm
Decipher the hidden score that vanished when Memphis blues legends clashed over a stolen composition. Uncover the truth before the final note is lost forever.
Landmarks of Memphis
Monuments and sites covered by our escape games across the city.
Unusual things to do in Memphis
For an unusual activity in Memphis, our outdoor escape games offer a unique perspective on the city. Off the beaten path, you'll explore the nooks of Beale Street, decipher hidden symbols in downtown graffiti, or follow clues related to Memphis's musical and civil history. It's an original outing that transforms every street into a chapter of a fascinating story. The adventure pushes you to observe architectural details, listen to the city's sounds differently, and interact with the urban environment in a fun and unexpected way. A memorable experience for those looking to truly immerse themselves in the soul of Memphis.
Things to do in Memphis with kids
What to do with the family in Memphis? Our outdoor escape games are an excellent option for a kids' and teens' activity. Generally accessible from age 8 (with adult help), these scavenger hunts transform the discovery of Memphis into a collective adventure. Younger children will enjoy searching for visual clues, while teenagers and adults will put their brains to work solving the puzzles. It's an ideal outing for creating memories, where everyone actively participates in exploring Memphis's lively streets, from the Mississippi riverbanks to historic districts, all guided by GPS for optimal safety. A fun and educational way to enjoy the city as a family.
Memphis for couples
For a couple's outing or a romantic getaway in Memphis, our outdoor trails offer an intimate and interactive experience. Away from the crowds, you'll stroll hand-in-hand through historic alleys, discovering the city's secrets together. It's a romantic activity that allows you to share laughs, tackle challenges as a duo, and create unique memories. Imagine solving a puzzle on Beale Street or deciphering a code near the Mississippi, then ending with dinner to the sound of the blues. Our scavenger hunts are an original way to strengthen your bond while exploring Memphis's rich cultural heritage, far from classic tourist routes.
What to do in Memphis when it rains
What to do in Memphis when it rains? Although our escape games are outdoor activities, the city of Memphis offers covered passages and arcades, particularly on Beale Street or in certain historic districts, which can provide partial shelter. If the rain is light, these areas allow you to continue the adventure, discovering another, more intimate and mysterious side of the city. Clues are often located in accessible places, even during a moderate shower. It's an opportunity to see Memphis in a different light, when the cobblestones shine and the atmosphere becomes more subdued, for a charming wet-weather activity.
Where is Memphis, and where do the routes start?
Starting points of our routes and the places they pass through.
Route starting points
Places in Memphis
- Lorraine Motel (exterior of National Civil Rights Museum)
- South Main Historic District (Intersection Main St and G.E. Patterson Ave)
- Clayborn Temple (exterior)
- National Civil Rights Museum Plaza (in front of the main entrance)
- Fire Station No. 2 (exterior)
- W.C. Handy Park
- River Garden Park (view of the Mississippi River)
- Intersection Main St and Linden Ave (near historical plaques)
- Club facades
- Exterior of the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
- Exterior of the Orpheum Theatre
- Exterior of the Peabody Memphis Hotel
- Mississippi Riverwalk / Mud Island River Park
- Exterior of Sun Studio
- Exterior of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music
The history of Memphis
From Cotton Trade to Music Center
Memphis, Tennessee, was founded in 1819 by John Overton, James Winchester, and Andrew Jackson. The area along the Mississippi River had been inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Chickasaw Nation, for thousands of years. Its location on the Fourth Chickasaw Bluff made it a port for trade, particularly cotton, which became central to its economy. The city grew into the world's largest spot cotton market and a hub for the hardwood lumber industry by the early 20th century.
This prosperity was interrupted by severe yellow fever epidemics in the late 1870s, especially in 1878 and 1879. These events caused thousands of deaths and led the city to bankruptcy, resulting in the loss of its charter until 1893. Memphis rebuilt and evolved, becoming a center where cultures shaped American music. The city is recognized as a birthplace of blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll, with figures like B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and Isaac Hayes working here. Sun Studio, founded in 1952 by Sam Phillips, recorded artists such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
A Place in Civil Rights History
Memphis played a role in the American Civil Rights Movement. In the 1960s, the city was a center for civil rights actions, including a sanitation workers' strike in 1968. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to Memphis to support these workers and was assassinated on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel. The Lorraine Motel now houses the National Civil Rights Museum, which preserves Dr. King's legacy and documents the struggle for human rights. The city's musical heritage is connected to its civil rights history, with music serving as a voice for social change, particularly through the blues and soul music recorded at Stax Records.
What to see in Memphis
- National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel — This museum is built around the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It presents the American Civil Rights Movement through exhibits and artifacts.
- Beale Street — This three-block entertainment district contains live music venues, restaurants, and shops. Blues, R&B, and rock 'n' roll music can be heard from the clubs.
- Graceland — The former home of Elvis Presley. Visitors can tour the mansion, see Elvis's cars and planes, and view exhibits about his life and career.
- Sun Studio — This recording studio offers guided tours about artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King who recorded there.
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music — This museum is on the site of the former Stax Records studio. It presents soul music history with over 2,000 artifacts, interactive exhibits, and Isaac Hayes' gold-plated Cadillac.
- South Main Historic District — This neighborhood south of Beale Street features historic architecture, art galleries, local shops, and restaurants. It was once Memphis's first suburb and later a hub for railroad commerce.
- Peabody Memphis Hotel — This Italian Renaissance-designed hotel is known for its daily Peabody Duck March in the lobby. The ducks march to the fountain at 11 AM and 5 PM.
When to visit Memphis
Visit Memphis during spring (April and May) or fall (September and October). The weather is mild, with temperatures from 15-30°C (60s to 80s Fahrenheit), suitable for outdoor activities. These seasons also host music festivals, such as the Beale Street Music Festival in spring and the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival in fall.
Avoid summer (June to August) if possible. Memphis experiences hot and humid weather, often reaching 32-38°C (90s Fahrenheit), with afternoon thunderstorms. The heat can make outdoor activities uncomfortable. Winter (December to February) can be cold and rainy, with occasional freezing temperatures, and some outdoor attractions may have reduced activity.
Getting around Memphis
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is about 10 miles southeast of downtown. The downtown core is walkable. For longer distances, such as to Graceland, a car is useful as public transport can take longer. The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) operates buses and a historic trolley system for downtown.
Parking downtown can be expensive, especially near Beale Street. Metered street parking is available but often limited to two hours and enforced Monday through Saturday. Public parking garages and surface lots are available, with varying prices. Ride-sharing services are an option, particularly at night. The Sun Studio Shuttle offers free transportation between Sun Studio, the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, and Graceland.
Things you probably do not know about Memphis
Verified details most visitors walk straight past.
- Tennessee Brewery
- What's hiding behind the Romanesque Revival facade of the Tennessee Brewery, once a beer factory? Originally built in 1890, the Tennessee Brewery stood empty for decades after ceasing operations. It has since been repurposed into modern apartments, blending its vintage brick and iron with contemporary design, allowing residents to live inside a piece of Memphis's industrial past.
- Ballard and Ballard Obelisk Flour Building
- Why does a former flour building in an industrial part of Memphis feature Egyptian motifs? The Ballard and Ballard Obelisk Flour Building, dating from 1924, was designed in the Egyptian Revival style. This architectural choice is a nod to Memphis's namesake, the ancient Egyptian capital on the Nile River, making it one of the few buildings in the city with such distinct motifs.
- Mallory-Neely House
- Beyond its Victorian grandeur, what unique treasures does the Mallory-Neely House hold from a global event? This 25-room Italian villa-style mansion, built in 1852, became a house museum in 1973. It features original furnishings, ornamental plasterwork, and stained-glass windows that were imported from the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
- Scimitar Building
- What gives the Scimitar Building, once a newspaper headquarters, a sense of constant motion? The Scimitar Building, opened in 1902 as the headquarters for the Memphis Scimitar newspaper, is notable for its graceful curve, bay windows, and elaborate cornices. This unique architectural design gives it a dynamic, almost kinetic energy.
- Montgomery Park Race Track
- Memphis once hosted a major horse racing event, but what led to its sudden disappearance in the early 20th century? The Tennessee Derby, a thoroughbred horse-racing event comparable to the Kentucky Derby, was run annually at Montgomery Park Race Track starting in 1884. The last race took place in 1906, as gambling was banned in Memphis the following year.
Questions about visiting Memphis
How many days should I spend in Memphis?
To experience the main attractions without feeling rushed, plan for at least 2 to 3 full days in Memphis. This allows enough time for Graceland, Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, and some of the city's unique music history sites.
What are the best neighborhoods to explore in Memphis?
Downtown Memphis is suitable for first-time visitors, offering proximity to Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Mississippi Riverfront. Other neighborhoods include the South Main Arts District for galleries and shops, Midtown for its atmosphere, and Victorian Village for historic homes.
Is Memphis an expensive city to visit?
Memphis can be visited on a moderate budget. While some major attractions like Graceland have admission fees, there are many free or low-cost activities. Lodging and meals can be more affordable compared to other major U.S. cities, with average daily costs ranging from $60 to $380.
How can I get around Memphis without a car?
Downtown Memphis is walkable, and the historic trolley system is a way to navigate this area. The MATA bus system covers wider parts of the city. For specific music attractions, the free Sun Studio Shuttle connects Sun Studio, Graceland, and the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Ride-sharing services are also available.
Is Memphis suitable for families with children?
Yes, Memphis offers family activities. Beyond the music and history museums, children often enjoy the Peabody Ducks, exploring the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, and spending time in the Memphis River Parks or Shelby Farms Park, which offers green spaces and playgrounds.
What is the weather like in Memphis throughout the year?
Memphis has a humid subtropical climate. Springs (April-May) and falls (September-October) are mild, with temperatures in the 15-30°C (60s-80s°F) range. Summers (June-August) are hot and humid, often reaching 32-38°C (90s°F). Winters (December-February) are mild, with occasional cold snaps and some rain.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an outdoor escape game in Memphis cost?
Our outdoor escape games in Memphis start at €12 per team (1 phone). This rate is ideal for a small group or a couple. If you are more numerous and wish to play with multiple phones for a better immersion, budget €19 for 2 phones and €25 for 3. The price is fixed per team, which makes the activity very affordable per person if you are several.
Are the Memphis escape games suitable for children / families?
Absolutely! Our trails in Memphis are designed to be a fun family activity. Most are accessible from age 8, with adult assistance. The puzzles are varied: some require observation for the youngest, others logic for teenagers and adults. The GPS guidance system is very intuitive and secure, allowing the whole family to enjoy the walk without risk of getting lost in the streets of Memphis.
How long does an outdoor escape game in Memphis last?
An outdoor escape game in Memphis generally lasts between 1h30 and 2h30. The duration depends on your pace of play and the time you spend exploring the surroundings. The advantage of our games is that they are self-guided: you start whenever you want, take breaks if necessary, and progress at your own tempo. It's perfect for fitting into your visit schedule, whether it's a morning, an afternoon, or late in the day.
Do I need to book in advance?
Online booking is not mandatory, but we recommend it to ensure a smooth experience, especially if you plan to play during weekends or peak tourist seasons. Once your purchase is complete, you instantly receive an activation code by email. This code has no expiration date, so you can use it whenever you wish, offering great flexibility for your visit to Memphis.
What is Memphis known for? / What to visit in Memphis?
Memphis is first and foremost the world capital of blues, soul, and the birthplace of rock'n'roll. Don't miss Beale Street, its vibrant historic and musical district. Graceland, Elvis Presley's home, is a must-see for fans. The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the former Lorraine Motel, is an essential place of history and remembrance. Our escape game trails incorporate these iconic locations and allow you to discover them from a fun and interactive perspective.
What is the best season to visit Memphis?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the ideal seasons to visit Memphis. Temperatures are mild and pleasant for outdoor activities, and the city is often bustling with festivals. Summer can be hot and humid, but evenings are perfect for enjoying Beale Street. Winter is cooler, but tourist traffic is lower, offering a quieter experience. Our escape games can be played year-round, but prefer mornings or late afternoons in summer.
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