Participants become detectives as they work through puzzles and piece together clues to find out whodunnit! Using a combination of video clue and live interactions, our sleuths will travel around downtown McHenry trying to solve the case. It’s a murder mystery, a scavenger hunt, and an escape room all in one!
The 2025 event is on October 4.
2024 Event – Once Upon a Murder
2025 Theme will be announced soon!
How does it work?
Your team of detectives will need to explore downtown McHenry, interviewing witnesses, solving clues, and eliminating suspects! Each location will reveal another piece of your investigation. Using a combination of a video clues, live witnesses, puzzles, and more, you’ll try to crack the case.
At the end of the day, using the information you gathered, you’ll make your guess as to whodunnit.
Please note that you’ll need access to at least 1 charged smartphone per team.
How much does it cost?
Murder Mystery Ticket (for participants ages 13 and up) – $20
Includes: commemorative backpack, water bottle, suspect guide, and other goodies.
Kids Scavenger Hunt Ticket (for participants 12 and under) – $5
Includes: Accompanying scavenger hunt (kids can play along as you solve the murder mystery without giving away the next clue), top secret detective pack
How many can be in a group?
That’s up to you. While it’s possible to solve the mystery by yourself, it is most fun when working with other people to find and solve clues. We suggest a group size of 2-6 players players to ensure everyone is part of the clue-solving experience. If you have more, we suggest you split into smaller groups and compete against each other.
How long does it take?
This is not a race, and you don’t get more points if you finish first. You can travel at your own pace, and therefore the time varies significantly. We encourage leisurely enjoying the places the mystery takes you. Stop for lunch or a drink and even shop along the way. The game is designed to take about 4 hours without stops.
Is this appropriate for children?
Children are welcome to participate.
While the murder mystery game is not designed for children, many families may choose to bring their kids. We encourage purchasing the “Scavenger Hunt” ticket for kids age 12 and younger. This is an accompanying game that kids can play alongside their parents (without giving away any clues for the murder mystery!). If your child is 12 or younger and enjoys the element of finding the witnesses and solving the challenges, you are welcome to purchase the “Murder Mystery” ticket for them.
However, please note that as with any murder mystery, there may be elements of the storyline that are unsuitable for children, so parental discretion is advised.
Although we will have a trolley running between our downtown locations, there is a lot of walking involved, so it is recommended to bring a stroller or backpack for any small children accompanying you.
Do I need to bring/wear anything special?
You’ll need access to at least 1 smartphone per team. Everything else you need to participate is included. You don’t need to be familiar with the area or have any specialized knowledge to win. This is great fun for both locals and tourists.
Please dress according to the weather and wear suitable footwear. If you want to coordinate your team to come dressed as your favorite detectives, even better!
Don’t forget sunscreen!
Do I have to buy anything?
You are not required to purchase anything along the route, however there are multiple opportunities for shopping and dining if you wish. Businesses all accept cash/debit/credit; whether you choose to purchase is up to you. Occasionally you may receive a clue with a special offer from a business – this is directly from them to you and there is no requirement or expectation to buy.
What happens if it rains?
This is a rain or shine event. Please dress according to the weather and wear suitable footwear.
COVID-19 Precautions
Our game takes place both outdoors in the open air and inside area businesses. The game is mostly self-guided, so you can avoid other teams by taking an individual route. If you are experiencing Coronavirus type symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, please do not attend. There are no refunds, but your ticket is transferable, so please give it to someone else who can play.
SAVE THE DATE
OCTOBER 8, 2022
SAVE THE DATE
OCTOBER 4, 2025
Our McHenry Murder Mystery Committee organizes this event, including choosing the theme, planning the logistics and helping things run smoothly the day of the event. This year’s committee members include:
Christine Ditzler
Restoration 1
Robert Clarke
Above Par Construction, Inc.
Dorothy Wolf
City of McHenry
Lori Mercure-Wagner
LRS
James Underwood
Underwood & Draegert – Goosehead Insurance
Nikole Kulig
First Mid Bank and Trust
Gail Beyer
First Mid Bank and Trust
Christopher Draegert
Underwood and Draegert – Goosehead Insurance