Created by Mike Strong and Karlyn Leander for UCF’s Meow Wolf workshop, Fall 2023.
This project was selected as one of two projects presented to the creative team at Meow Wolf at the end of the semester.
Art created by Karlyn Leander unless otherwise noted.
Welcome
Welcome to Cryptic Lakes! Located in the northwest region of the United states, this cozy, glamping destination was founded by Grizzletoe, a local Bigfoot. Unlike most sasquatches, Grizzletoe is fascinated by all things homo sapien. He is very excited to share his home and culture with all the human visitors who come to Cryptic Lakes. Guests are invited to come for a day or even spend a few nights in one of Grizzletoe’s hand made yurts! There are plenty of activities to fill your weekend, from ziplining to campfire dinners, you might even discover some surprising secrets during your stay.
Daytime Experience: Wilderness Trail to Ancient Caverns
As guests meander the beautiful Northwestern forest, they will come to a hidden cavern whose walls are lined with cave drawings and sasquatch lore. Within the cavern Guests will unlock a secret entrance (playing a few games/solving a riddle) and enter into the Bigfoot Village where they can explore the many wonders of this ancient community.
Guest Role
There is no conclusive evidence that Bigfoots exist, but believe us, they do. How will anyone convince their friends that they’ve really discovered a Bigfoot Village at Cryptic Lakes? During their stay, the guest goal is to find undeniable photo evidence of their sasquatch encounter. This will be especially difficult since (as everyone knows) Bigfoots are invisible!
Luckily Bush Craft Ben, a cryptozoologist and outdoorsman has engineered a special camera with the capability to capture images of the invisible locals. The pieces this camera are scattered throughout the camp. As guests explore and participate in activities, they will “collect” the missing camera pieces, tracking their progress in their phone. When enough parts have been acquired the camera will be able to reveal the invisible Bigfoots within their environment.
Camera illustration by Mike Strong
Designer’s Note:
One of our biggest challenges was creating a bigfoot encounter without breaking our most sacred rule: Bigfoots are not scary.
Rather than a costumed character to play Grizzletoe, we decided make him un-invisible with augmented reality and app connectivity. This decision unlocked several great advantages.
- The scavenger-hunt nature of the game motivates guests to explore all the camp has to offer. As the pieces of the camera are collected, the AR image on your phone will become clearer and clearer. By the end, guests will be able to take home a framed photo of them and their new pal Grizzletoe.
- App connectivity allows the invisible world of Cryptic Lakes to continue to develop for return visitors. Other Cryptids such as Mothman and Chupacabra might even make special seasonal appearance which can be witnessed through your previously unlocked achievements.
- By creating physical cameral parts embedded within the show scenes around camp, guests will be motivated to put their phones down while playing, only bringing them out briefly to collect their badge.
Mom’s Diner
Another way guests can experience the incredible hospitality of the Bigfoots at Cryptic Lakes is at Mom’s Diner. Of course, the food is served in bigfoot portions, because its prepared in a bigfoot sized kitchen! Don’t be alarmed if you find a little sasquatch hair on your plate, its perfectly edible.
Exterior Rendering by Mike Strong
Libations
Grizzletoe is exceptionally proud of his home brew! After a day of exploring and play, grab a mug at Grizzletoe’s Growler Guzzler and settle down by the campfire for nightly storytelling. Hear Bushcraft Ben and other local adventurers share their spookiest tales.
Evening show by the campfire
Seasonal Overlays
Cryptic Lakes boasts amazing opportunities for year round visitation. Besides the traditional human holidays such as Christmas and the 4th of July, there are a host of Sasquatch holidays such as Crinkle Day and Trimmplin Flod (De-matting Day). Cryptic Lakes is a wonderful venue for group retreats, vacations, family reunions and events.
Join us
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