An escape room, also known as a puzzle room, is a story-driven physical adventure game within a single room or space. Players solve a series of puzzles or riddles using clues or hints from around the room. In order to achieve your goal you’ll need to complete all challenges in the room within the time constraints and ultimately, escape the room. If you love problem solving, team building and an immersive experience, then an escape room is perfect for you!
It’s up to you. Based on recent CDC guidance, we are updating the museum’s mask policy to recommended but not required. This mask policy is subject to change based on CDC guidelines and COVID variants.
Nope! Wigwam Escape is a recreated forest and village that is located inside one of our museum’s buildings (we bring the outdoors in). Our escape room is completely temperature controlled, so its a great activity whatever the weather!
The success rate of Wigwam Escape is around 65%-70%. However, most groups that play need hints to win (remember taking hints is a good thing!). When hints are not used or are refused, the success rate of the game is about 30%. Because our escape room doesn’t use locks, keys, clocks or written language, some players view this as tough game. Remember our puzzles are unique and narrative focused, so if you stay on the story line, the game will reward you!
Yes! As long as there is a parent or guardian present during the game. Families or groups with children under the age of 12 are welcome! PLEASE NOTE: We do not recommend Wigwam Escape for children under the age of 5.
Our escape room, Wigwam Escape is operated within the Education Department of the Institute of American Indian Studies. The museum’s mission is to “preserve and educate through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality and knowledge of Native American cultures”. Wigwam Escape is an extension of this mission.
Inside the escape room, the game explores how people interacted with their environment 500 years ago. All of our puzzles are based off tasks or responsibilities Indigenous people living in the Eastern Woodlands would have had in their day-to-day lives. Our goal is to educate the public about pre-contact Native peoples through an interactive, stimulating and immersive experience.
Our office hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 9AM-5PM. Feel free to call us!
Wigwam Escape is open Friday-Sunday, but reservations are necessary. If you can’t find a time online that works for your group, let us know! We’re always happy to chat with you to find a different time that works for everyone. Call (860) 868- 0510 or email wigwam@iaismuseum.org
Your entire group should be here at your scheduled time. This way, you will have time to get yourself situated, use the facilities and an Experience Host will give you an introduction along with what to expect.
When you arrive at your scheduled time, you will receive a 15 minute game orientation. The escape room experience will last up to one hour. Afterwards, we will provide a light snack for roughly 15 minutes. In total, expect to be with us for 90 minutes.
Each escape room experience is catered to private groups. Your group size can be a minimum of 2 people with a maximum of 7. We recommend a party size of 4-6.
If you’re comfortable with splitting up your group, give us a call! (860) 868-0510 We offer a “hybrid” program, where part of your group can be in the museum while the others are in the escape room, then you switch! Depending on your size and age group, we can also offer an outdoor skills section!
The price is $25 per ticket. Members of IAIS and students (with valid ID) have a ticket price of $20.
Each Wigwam Escape ticket comes with a half off admission ticket to our museum. (This is redeemable before or after your Wigwam Escape booked time. This discount never expires and must be used during normal museum hours).
Yes. When you book for at least three people you are reserving the Wigwam Escape room for your group. The rest of your group can pay on arrival.
No. When you book or reserve a room, that room is for your group alone.
There are a few sections of the escape room that are not accessible for individuals in wheelchairs or walkers. Additionally, there are parts of the room where you must go from a kneeling to standing position. Please take that into consideration when booking your experience. If a member of your party has special mobility needs, please let us know when making your reservation.
All cancellations and reschedules must be made 24 hours prior to the scheduled booking time by calling (860) 868- 0510. Any late cancellations or missed bookings are non-refundable. We are happy to move your game to a future availability as long as it’s within the cancellation policy terms. There are no individual refunds for members of a team who are not present.
Wigwam Escape is located in Washington CT, a small town known for its picturesque countryside, local shops, cultural life and 10,000 years of history! We recommend spending the day here to explore and experience everything Washington has to offer! Take a hike along the Shepaug River at Steep Rock Preserve that has over 40 miles of hiking or walking trails. You can also head downtown to enjoy a meal or have a drink at one of our town’s many restaurants or bars. Whether you’re with friends, co-workers or family members, there’s something nearby for everyone to enjoy!
Bring your excitement, your love for problem solving, your friends, family or colleagues and we’ll provide the rest.
After you arrive, your personal belongings will be placed in a box that you will keep the key to. We want the experience of being in 1518 to be as authentic as possible so that means no modern day technology! If you need something with you for medical or personal reasons, please let your experience host know and we’ll be happy to accommodate you.
You will never be fully locked inside the room. You are free to exit if you need to use the restroom or in case of an emergency. However, the time on your game will not stop. It’s best to arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to get situated.
Check everything in the room. Clues and puzzles can be hidden in very unexpected places. Communication is key! Be sure to talk to members within your group if you think you have found a puzzle, solved a puzzle or need help. In addition to this, wear comfortable clothing. You may need full range of motion.