Saturday, June 7th, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Check-in opens at 5:45 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 (16 years old and older) 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 beloved Detroit Zoo has also played host to unique moments in history:

• During the Great Depression, zoo land was turned into farms to help feed Michiganders.

• From 1933–34, the Civil Works Administration and Federal Emergency Relief Administration funded the hippopotamus house and beaver habitat.

• From 1935–37, the WPA built the animal hospital, admin building, and much of the zoo’s early landscaping.

• In 1968, the Penguinarium opened—the first zoo building in the world designed entirely for penguins.

From the weird to the wild, art to aardvarks, and history to homecomings; from the industrial tycoons who donated all manner of things and beasts, to the creatures who call Royal Oak home, you’ll never look at the zoo the same way again.

How It Works:

Guests will arrive at the closed-to-the-public zoo where they will check in as a team before heading out to explore, investigate, and unlock history by completing challenges, quizzes, riddles, and scavenger tasks located throughout the zoo’s expansive campus. Teams of 2 to 6 players will collect items, compete in challenges, and puzzle out all manner of clues.

Explore exhibits, spot historical details, and uncover the wild history of this remarkable place — all without the usual crowds.

From the monkeys to the giraffes, the main gallery to the reptile house, you’ll step, crawl, slither, and gallop into the fascinating past of the Detroit Zoo. From birds who served in WWII to a turtle found walking on 14 Mile Road, this promises to be an evening over 90 years in the making.

Winning & Prizes:

The first three teams who successfully solve all of the challenges and collect each of the items, will go home with Detroit-made prizes, Detroit Zoo swag, and bragging rights. 

All guests who participate in the History Scavenger Hunt will receive a custom (designed and silkscreened in Detroit) Detroit zoo tote bag, a pile of fun items collected throughout the hunt, and memories that will last a lifetime. 

No prior knowledge or skill is needed to play or to win!

Additional Prizes will be awarded for great team names, individual challenges, or pure zoo magic. 

Helpful Information:

• Parking is $8 per car. Save time by pre-purchasing parking via theDetroit Zoo’s website. Zoo members receive free parking with their membership card.

• Included in your ticket:

  • Admission to the Detroit Zoo after hours.

  • A Detroit History Club Detroit Zoo custom tote bag (very helpful as you collect buttons, stickers, and more throughout the hunt)

  • A chance at additional prizes

• No food or drink is permitted into the zoo and no food service is available during the event. We recommend eating before arrival.

• WATER BOTTLES ARE WELCOME!

• Teams are 2 to 6 players.

• Membership in the Detroit History Club is not required to participate in Detroit History Club events. 

• Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are highly recommended. This event is held rain or shine unless deemed unsafe by the Detroit Zoo.

• The zoo is ADA compliant. For specific mobility needs, please email us at office@detroithistorytours.com.

Tickets & Entry:

• Your order confirmation email serves as your ticket – nothing will be shipped. Show it at check-in (printed or on your phone).You can also check-in by name upon arrival.

• No hidden fees or service charges EVER — the price you see is the price you pay. Your ticket total will remain the same throughout checkout.

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

• Guests over 16 years of age are welcome. Those under 18 must attend with an adult.