Three Rivers Park District Creates Natural ‘Escape Room’

The Three Rivers Park District has created an escape room experience at the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park in Brooklyn Park that the public can try out this Friday. Participants must solve a series of puzzles in the park to win. The experience is geared to people ages 13 and up.

“We have an escape room here – except unlike most escape rooms, it’s not actually in a room,” said Ashley Smith with the Three Rivers Park District. “It’s in the park. We get to be outside the entire time and have the great outdoors with us. Basically the story is there is an evil villain who is out to destroy the Mississippi River and we need your help to save it. You can only do so by solving a whole bunch of puzzles. That’s kind of what the main program is.”

Mississippi Gateway Regional Park

With the Mississippi River as a backdrop, the setting for the escape room is fabulous. There are plenty of trees and critters in this suburban spot. It’s a great way to get outside and do something fun.

“It’s pretty much just a lot of nature-themed puzzles,” explained Smith. “Not only are you getting to solve a bunch of puzzles, but you also get to learn a little bit about birds and trees and mammals and water quality and all of that kind of stuff too.”

“Basically that’s what we’re looking for,” Smith said. “Anything younger than that is really just too hard. “

Programs continue into August. You can go to the Three Rivers Park District website to learn more.

“If you look at our programs and search for Mississippi Gateway you can find escape room without walls,” Smith said. “Also you are able to book programs with us. You just need to call. Again you can find that on our website. But you can book a private program as well.”

Because of the pandemic, lots of people are craving any chance to get outside. Places like Mississippi Gateway Regional Park are go-to spots.

“There are definitely a lot of people out in the park enjoying it, walking around,” Smith said. “But it’s nice and big and there’s still lots of space.”

Brooklyn Park