We are trying to boycott trump-friendly companies. Where does Acadia Escape Room stand, politically?

Let me perfectly clear on this: Fuck trump and his nazis. Fuck bigots. Fuck authoritarianism, racists, rapists, and the entire disgusting maga ideology. If you’re a nazi, don’t play these games. They’re not for you. Instead, take this time to go fuck yourself.

I will always be an ally to Ukraine. To the LGBTQ movement, to trans people, to immigrants, people of color, and anyone else the white supremacists try to marginalize and harm.

Wait. What? An outdoor escape room? How does that work?

That’s three questions. Calm down.

It’s very much like an escape room. Except, without the escape theme. And there’s no room. And there’s no time limit. So… ok, it’s only a little like an escape room. But here’s how it works:

You select your game, based on the type of experience you’re looking for (car, ebikes, hiking, etc.)  You buy it, download the file to your phone, and follow the directions. Depending on which game you select, You will be given EITHER a starting location, where you can find your first puzzle, OR you will be given a starting puzzle, to be done wherever you happen to be standing. The solution to each puzzle gives you the location of the next puzzle, along with any other game objectives or challenges you may encounter. In this way, you will tour certain parts of the island, both in and out of the park. In some games, perhaps discovering locations you’ve never been to before. In others, you’ll visit old favorites in new ways.

Can you solve all your puzzles? Can you beat the game?

PLEASE NOTE: Each purchase is for up to 4 players. Please do not distribute the file to other groups. This is an honor system. I have no way to enforce it. It’s just a DBAD rule. This is how I make my living now, and I’m really working hard at it. Please do not distribute the game files after you play. I deeply appreciate that you want to take new players out and play again, but please buy another copy so I can keep doing this. If you play often and want a discount- THANKS! Drop me a line and I’ll be happy to hook you up, as well as to hear what puzzles you like/hate. Email me at puzzleponderer@gmail.com

And seriously- Thank you for playing. Your support makes this possible.

Where do we leave from? Where will we go?

It’s different for every game. There will be start/end locations listed in the game descriptions on the sale page.

Bike games take place on the Carriage roads, and while each game has a unique route, each bike game ends in the same place it began, so you won’t get stuck somewhere at the end. I have a game near each bike rental company I know of, for your convenience. If you are renting a bike at Acadia Outdoor Center in Seal Harbor, you’ll want the Jordan Pond game. If you are renting from Hulls Cove, you’ll want the Hull’s Cove game. If you are renting a bike on cottage street in downtown bar harbor, you’ll likely want the Duck Brook game.

Car games: Driving games have different start points than end points. Where you will end up is a mystery. I don't even know anymore. You will be staying on Mount Desert Island, unless otherwise specified in the game description. (click on the picture associated with your game to see the full description.)

Hiking/Walking games start in various places, accessible by various means. Some games are entirely based around a single large location. Some games require you to walk from place to place. You may be instructed to get to a specific trailhead, or you may be given a puzzle to work out your starting location. Overall hiking distance and difficulty will be provided in each game’s description, prior to purchase. (click on the picture associated with your game to see the full description.) 

 

How many players can play?

Each purchase is for up to 4 players. Please do not distribute the file to other players. This is an honor system. I have no way to enforce it. It’s just a DBAD rule. This is how I make my living now, and I’m really working hard at it. Please do not distribute the game files after you play. I deeply appreciate that you want to take new players out and play again, but please buy another copy so I can keep doing this. If you play often and want a discount- THANKS! Drop me a line and I’ll be happy to hook you up, as well as to hear what puzzles you like/hate. Drop me a line at puzzleponderer@gmail.com

And seriously- Thank you for playing. Your support makes this possible.

:-)

What should we pack?

Gameplay requires a cell phone, and your downloaded game file.
 

Beyond that, you should bring all the things you’d pack for a normal outing of whatever type of adventure you pick (A bike trip, a hiking trip, or a car trip.) You should bring drinking water and sunscreen, an extra layer or two, good outdoor shoes, a small med kit, snacks, etc. Games are designed to occupy your team for between several hours and a full day, depending on which game you select. Plan and pack accordingly.

(No, seriously, bring drinking water. You wouldn’t believe how often the rangers have to go rescue people simply because they didn’t bring water. Remember: A happy mountaineer pees clear.)

You can bring a pencil and paper if you like. It may be helpful, but is not required.

Other than that- you will be romping around outside for several hours, and anything can happen. Feel free to bring whatever makes you feel more prepared. Spare helicopter blades, dinosaur repellant spray, ancient tomes of eldritch arcana, possibly a pingpong paddle or spare scuba regulator, maybe some night vision goggles, etc. Y’know- whatever you normally bring for this kind of thing. 

You will be in and around a national park. Be mindful of all pertinent laws.

How long does it take to play?

Game duration varies widely between games, and players. A rough expectation of playtime can be found in the description of each game prior to purchase. (Click on the picture associated with your game to see the full description.)

What happens if we get stuck on a puzzle?

Each game file contains your puzzles, as well as hints and full solutions for each puzzle. You will always be able to proceed, even if you find yourself unable to complete a particular puzzle.

Please report problems, alternate solutions, complaints, ideas, or broken puzzles to the professor at puzzleponderer@gmail.com.
 

What about special accommodations and ADA accessibility?
 

I have not forgotten about you. I am working on several more broadly accessible games, but I haven’t finished them yet. Please forgive me. If you have questions, suggestions, or specific needs you’d like me to accommodate in future, please drop me a line at puzzleponderer@gmail.com. I’d be happy to discuss it. 

Can we bring a dogs?

 

OMG I LOVE DOGS. Tell your dog I said hi. Pet their belly for me. Also slip them a bit of cheese on the sly. Tell them that was from me, too. But don’t forget that they need to be leashed in the park.

Also, new rule: you need to read all the puzzles to them in that silly voice you use when you talk to dogs.

Be aware that the bike games are much too far for your dog to run. (most of those courses are set up for Ebikes, and tend to go about 15-20 miles.) Some of the rental shops might have trailers you can tow your dog in though. You can ask them about that.

If you bring a dog, you should send a picture of them playing the game, and I’ll send you a coupon for money off your next adventure. Send your dog pics to puzzleponderer@gmail.com

Can we bring kids?

Some games may not be suitable for all ages. As of 2025, all games are suggested for players age 15 and up. Please consult the description of each individual game prior to purchase. (click on the picture associated with your game to see the full description.) I am currently working on a family/kids version, but it’s not quite finished yet. Check back soon!

Is it true that Professor Puzzles was Time Magazine’s “man of the year” in 2006? 

 

Yes, but it was an award shared with my entire team, many of whom deserved it more than I. For other media appearances or interview requests, please contact my agent at puzzleponderer@gmail.com

 

How do we contact you?

You can reach me at puzzleponderer@gmail.com 

 

I used to give out a phone number, but one of you cretins wrote it in every truckstop bathroom from here to Key West, so no more of that.

How difficult are your games?

 

Difficulty varies between games. Please consult the individual game descriptions. (Click on the picture associated with your game to see the full description.)  I strive for a difficulty level that presents a fun challenge while also being solvable for the majority of players. My goal has been to provide the funnest games possible, not the most difficult. Let me know how your game went! If you found the puzzles too easy or too hard, let me know! I will definitely take that into account when designing future games and puzzles. Please submit your feedback to: Puzzleponderer@gmail.com

NOTE: I am considering doing a MEGA SUPER HARD puzzle game, for the diehard escape room lovers, but I’m not sure how much demand is out there for that. If you want a harder game, let me know!

 
What if I have a large group or a special event?

I’d be delighted to work out a special rate for your party. Formal events, large family gatherings, or monstrous hordes seeking some R&R after storming a castle, I’d be happy to accommodate you. Please send me an email at puzzleponderer@gmail.com 

 

How often will you post new games?

 

As quickly as I am able. Believe it or not, it usually takes 6-8 months to design a game like this. I’m continually shocked by what it requires to get a game out. I’m hopeful I’ll be able to speed that up a bit in the future, but that remains to be seen. Also, I have several that I’m working on concurrently at the moment, and I’m hoping to have them posted before the end of summer. Check back soon!

We bought the game file- Can we give it to our friends to play after we’re done with it?

Each purchase is for up to 4 players. Please do not distribute the file to other groups. This is an honor system. I have no way to enforce it. It’s just a DBAD rule. This is how I make my living now, and I’m really working hard at it. Please do not distribute the game files after you play. I deeply appreciate that you want to take new players out and play again, but please buy another copy so I can keep doing this. If you play often and want a discount- THANKS! Drop me a line and I’ll be happy to hook you up, as well as to hear what puzzles you like/hate. Drop me a line at puzzleponderer@gmail.com

And seriously- Thank you for playing. Your support makes this possible.

What games will you make next?

I’m currently working on a car game, as well as additional walking/hiking games, and experimenting with other formats. Stay tuned!