Stuck, spotted a mistake, or found a place we missed? Start with the questions below. If your answer isn’t here, send us a message at the bottom of the page.
Questions people ask
Which states are on the map?
All 50 states have a map in the Field Guide. Each one is a chapter, in the order the states joined the Union. Landmarks go live state by state, starting in the Northeast, and new chapters fill in with every update.
What kinds of places are on it?
Haunted places, cryptid sightings, oddities, abandoned places, roadside attractions, lighthouses, museums, historic sites and hiking trails. The strange ones (haunted, cryptid, oddity, abandoned and roadside) get big glowing pins so they stand out.
How do check-ins work?
Go to a place, open it in the app and tap Check in. You need to be close: most places want you within about 200 meters, and bigger spots like offshore lighthouses or long trail systems show their own range on the place page. Each check-in is worth 10 points.
What are ranks and collections?
Points move you up seven ranks, from Flatlander to Keeper of the Strange. Collections (like Lighthouse Keeper or Cryptid Hunter) give you bronze, silver and gold medals as you check off places in a set.
Does the app track my location?
Only while it’s open, and only to show what’s near you. Your position is sent to us only when you check in, and we keep the distance from the place, not your coordinates. The Privacy Policy has the details.
Can I post videos?
Yes. Once you’ve checked in at a place, you can write a post there and add YouTube links to videos you made. You don’t have to be standing there when you post. One post per place; you can add to it later.
How do I get a verified badge?
Ghost hunters, cryptozoologists, historians and creators can apply from the Me tab: tap Get verified, then tell us who you are and add links to your work. Every badge is reviewed by hand.
Is it okay to visit these places?
Many are on private property or are dangerous after dark. A pin is not permission to enter. Follow posted signs, hours and the law, never trespass, and leave everything as you found it.
A place is in the wrong spot, or it’s missing.
Tell us with the form below and pick “A place is wrong or missing.” Include the place name and town, and what’s wrong.
Where does the information come from?
Hand research for the strange places, plus OpenStreetMap, the National Register of Historic Places, the National Park Service and photos from Wikimedia Commons.