Explore 13 Engaging Scavenger Hunts in the South for Immersive Tourism Experiences
For many, the deepest attraction of traveling at any age is exploration. There's nothing more enjoyable than unearthing something engaging and impromptu around the next corner or stumbling upon a hidden treasure only the locals know about. The thrill of coming across something new and marvelous is a sensation we never grow out of. It's the aspect of travel that keeps us alive and youthful.
Consequently, numerous towns in the Southern region have incorporated an assortment of art installations all around their cities, encouraging tourists to visit popular attractions, lesser-known spots, and everything in between. Sculptures, murals, and secret treasures now bring joy to both locals and visitors—and offer a fun, ready-made itinerary for any traveler.
From animals to birds, gnomes to doors specifically designed for them, these are the scavenger hunts worth traveling to the Southern region to explore.
Rats on Main Street
Greenville, South Carolina
Though Swamp Rabbits are a significant symbol in this down-to-earth town (even serving as the mascot for the local hockey team), it's another four-legged creature that has quietly gained notoriety: rats.
Rats on Main began with a high school student's project, when Jim Ryan proposed installing a group of nine bronze rat sculptures—a tribute to Goodnight Moon—along Main Street. The hunt for these rats is a challenge, as they are hidden discreetly along the downtown strip and sometimes integrated into other sculptures. To add to the excitement, the Visit Greenville SC Visitor Center provides a handout with clues instead of a straightforward map.
The scavenger hunt has grown in popularity, even inspiring the creation of a children's book titled Rats on Main, illustrated by the sculptor. Furthermore, it has motivated local establishments to undertake their own initiatives, such as Frogs on Front Street in neighboring Spartanburg, and the Mousey Maze Hunt at area museums.
Tiny Door ATL
Atlanta, Georgia
Ten years ago, artist Karen Anderson Singer, creator of Tiny Door ATL, started designing and installing seven-inch doors throughout Atlanta's neighborhoods.
“I was inspired by the ongoing debate surrounding street art in Atlanta and wanted to create artwork that honored and revered the neighborhood, while also provoking curiosity and imagination,” she explains to Southern Living. “Each door is created at the invitation of the neighborhood or institution. Tiny Door ATL installations aim to reflect and showcase what makes its environment unique. I spend up to a year researching each door, examining the architecture, colors, and above all, the spirit of the surrounding neighborhood.”
As the collection expands, so does the enthusiasm of Atlanta visitors, with the online door map attracting over one million visits.
Nuts in Dothan
Dothan, Alabama
This Alabama city is head over heels—or should we say shells—for peanuts. After all, Dothan is the Peanut Capital of the World, with over half of the nation’s peanuts grown within a 100-mile radius. It has also been the venue for the National Peanut Festival for over 80 years.
Unsurprisingly, civic pride drives art, and approximately 84 four-foot fiberglass peanuts have sprouted up across the city. Official maps, which also mark the local mural series, are available at the Visit Dothan Headquarters, and everyone searching for the perfect peanut or mural is encouraged to vote for their favorite in an ongoing competition.
Tigers Roaming the City
Memphis, Tennessee
Many cities have university pride, but the University of Memphis takes it to a whole new level. To celebrate the university's centennial, the alumni association launched Tigers Roaming the City, installing 50 tiger statues around campus. Later, local fans and businesses doubled that number by sponsoring their own 50 across the entire city and even slightly beyond.
Decorated by Mid-South artists, students, and graduates, each tiger is unique. A campus map and Google map make tracking down the fierce felines a little easier.
The Bulldog Project
Ruston, Louisiana
Louisiana Tech University boasts a devoted fan base and iconic mascot. In 2017, "The Bulldog Project" was launched, inviting sponsors and artists to celebrate the school's emblem.
By September 2018, the first 10 three-foot fiberglass bulldogs had been placed across Ruston, followed by a "Bonus Bulldog" the following year. “Not only was it a celebration of art in the community and a creative way to make art more accessible, but it was also a fun way to highlight the significance of Louisiana Tech University in the community,” says Tori Davis, director of marketing and communications for Experience Ruston.
In 2022, seven bulldogs were auctioned off to support the Ruston Cultural District's arts, but, unlike other projects, all statues remain publicly accessible in various locations. The collection continues to grow, with ten more bulldogs expected by 2025—perfect for next year's road trip!
Turtle Exploration Trail
Palm Coast, Florida
Just as its name suggests, the Flagler County Cultural Council's Turtle Exploration Trail was a methodical process, with each sculpture unveiled bit by bit beginning in 2018. Inspired by the loggerhead turtle, the indigenous sea turtle species beloved by residents who reside by the coast of Florida, the project honors both the region’s wildlife and its lively arts community.
Today, 21 life-sized loggerheads brighten up the coastal town, and you can find them all on downloadable guides available through the Visit Flagler site.
The Abingdon Main Street initiative might no longer be operative, but the creatures it brought to life continue to thrive, potentially even attracting new members in 2026. This undertaking draws inspiration from the local folklore about Daniel Boone's dogs being attacked by wolves in 1760, leading to the area's original name, Wolf Hills, before it was renamed in 1778. The town initially depicted ceramic wolves and adorable wolf cubs for fundraising purposes, in support of the William King Museum of Art.
The museum assumed control of the project in 2019, and each painted wolf was subsequently auctioned off at a major event. Some found new homes in private collections, while others remained on public display in local establishments. A considerable number of these painted wolves are marked on the Abingdon Arts Trail Map, with even more to be added as the William King Museum of Art revitalizes the project under the Virginia 250 grant program.
Gallop Around Aiken and Stitch Around Aiken
Aiken, South Carolina
For any kids dreaming of owning a pony, this is your chance to interact with nine life-sized equine figurines located in the northern corner of Thoroughbred Country. The art scene in Aiken is quite reputed, and in 2004, their arts center entrusted local artists to create 32 fiberglass horses for a series named “Horseplay.” Although many were sold off to fund scholarships and classroom supplies, the remaining statues adorn the downtown area. To take part in an adventurous scavenger hunt, obtain a Horse Around Aiken map and locate each horse.
Simultaneously, Kitting Around Aiken champions another traditional equestrian pastime: fox hunting. Owing to Kitfox Pediatric Dentistry and the City of Aiken, six bronze baby fox sculptures can be found hidden in playful poses downtown. This fun and wildlife-safe "fox hunt" pays homage to the sport's history. Each fox has a name and story, so visit the dentistry's website to discover their identities and locations.
Carousels Amidst the Town
Meridian, Mississippi
The vibrant and eye-catching horses are the centerpiece of Meridian's Around Town Carousels Abound, a spirited scavenger hunt inspired by the Dentzel Carousel from the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, which remains operational at Highland Park. Over 100 colorfully-decorated horses are scattered across the city, making this event one of the largest of its kind, with revenues benefiting Hope Village for Children. Companies sponsor the horses, which are decorated by local artists, and actress Sela Ward serves as the village's spokesperson. Yet, if 100 horses prove to be too challenging, be reassured; there are 13 down at the heart of historic downtown.
Gnomes in Rock City
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Join Frieda Utermoehlen Carter on a magical journey as you uncover her mischievous gnomes dotted throughout Rock City Gardens on Lookout Mountain. Initially, these playful gnomes were integrated into botanical displays by the founder of the attraction, but they have since multiplied. Today, approximately 60 gnomes reside throughout the park along the Enchanted Trail, inviting visitors to embark on a Gnome Quest to locate as many as they can.
The majority of the gnomes can be found in Fairyland Caverns, nestled in fanciful fairy tale settings. Some are easily spotted, while others encourage a friendly competition.
Herons by the Bayou
Monroe, Louisiana
Though this scavenger hunt can't be completed on foot, the 100 herons of Ouachita Parish are well worth the journey. Inspired by Memphis' tigers, Brooke Foy, assistant professor of art at the University of Louisiana Monroe, envisioned a similar project. With grant support from the Delta Regional Authority, her idea materialized as "Herons on the Bayou."
The first wave of six- to seven-foot herons took flight in 2019, with a total of 65 placed in Monroe, West Monroe, and Rayville. Another 31 were added in 2021, and the remaining 14 completed the flock in 2022, bringing the total to 100 and raising $750,000 for public art, education, and cultural programs. Use the beautifully illustrated Heron Hunt guide to embark on your bird watching adventure.
LOVEmarks and Heartfelt Memories
Virginia
"Virginia is for Lovers," and in 2013, the state extended its affection to those who appreciate photo opportunities and public art through the LOVEmarks program. The initiative granted small funds to communities and businesses to establish permanent, life-sized LOVE murals, sculptures, and other art installations.
Although funding is no longer offered, the passion for adding to the LOVEworks map remains undeterred. With over 370 installations scattered throughout the state, a journey through Virginia offers a unique chance to discover hidden gems like Wytheville, where you can find three LOVEmarks within minutes.
Engaging in capturing snaps of your accomplished scavenger hunt finds is one thing, but integrating yourself into them is another level. The Wings of the West journey offers tourists an opportunity to position themselves in front of colossal murals. Every pair of wings signifies something about the location, for example, the aircraft wings at Skydive Deland. As of now, a grand total of six are strategically placed across West Volusia County at its most crowded tourist spots, functioning as a loose route to familiarize oneself with this section of Central Florida.
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- The 'Rats on Main' scavenger hunt is a popular attraction in Greenville, South Carolina, where visitors can find nine bronze rat sculptures hidden along Main Street.
- Tiny Door ATL in Atlanta, Georgia, is known for its seven-inch doors designed by artist Karen Anderson Singer, which are installed throughout the city and serve as a fun scavenger hunt for tourists.
- In Dothan, Alabama, the city's pride in being the Peanut Capital of the World is reflected in its scavenger hunt, where 84 four-foot fiberglass peanuts are hidden throughout the city.
- Memphis, Tennessee, is home to Tigers Roaming the City, a project that installed 100 tiger statues around the city, decorated by local artists and students.
- The Bulldog Project in Ruston, Louisiana, invites sponsors and artists to celebrate Louisiana Tech University's emblem by creating life-sized bulldog sculptures, which are now scattered throughout the city.
