The Searchin’ Mount Vernon Scavenger Hunt

Walk in the footsteps of George Washington…

…on a hunt that hits the highlights of his magnificent estate and gardens, just a half-hour drive from downtown Washington, D.C. You’ll marvel at the Founding Father’s ingenuity as you follow clues through the grounds and answer tricky, fun questions about what you find.

On teams, you’ll gambol in his gardens, get a bit unstable in his stable, take the heat in his blacksmith shop, get coached in his coach house, raise your blood pressure in his salt house, clean up your act in the wash house, and enjoy a small museum about all things George.

Along the way, you might also…

• Learn how Washington spurred a “sheepish” lieutenant to go faster
• Discover what animal Martha trusted with her pearls
• Marvel at an old-fashioned device that “mangled” clothes
• Play “Spot That Spot” with photo clues
• Find a hippo that helped hungry, hungry George (think: teeth)

Plus, the estate’s small museum is packed with intriguing objects connected with Washington, including jewels, swords, famous documents, oddball collectibles, and a “shocking” video.

But you don’t need to know anything about Washington or Mount Vernon to win: you just need to pay attention to the details, work together, and wear some comfy shoes.

A Kids Edition of the scavenger hunt, for ages 7 and up, has been enjoyed by school groups as a great way to get a whirlwind tour of the highlights of this sprawling estate.  

Note: the hunt does not include the Mansion, Washington’s actual residence, because it is accessible only by guided tour. But your group can certainly tour the Mansion before or after a hunt!