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Jessica Mlinaric and Geoffrey Baer with bicycles at the Illinois-Indiana State Line Boundary Marker
Chicago

Exploring Chicago Mysteries with WTTW

Explore three Chicago mysteries with me and Geoffrey Baer!

Author Jessica Mlinaric in Chicago
Chicago

Chicago Scavenger Featured in the Chicago Tribune

Jessica Mlinaric walks down Chicago's wood block alley
Architecture

Secret Spot: Chicago’s Wood Block Alley

green day at riot fest
Chicago, Culture

Riot Fest 2025 Sunday: Green Day, Idles, Hanson, and More

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 22, 2025September 22, 2025

Riot Fest ended its 20th anniversarywith a bang and an official proclamation.

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gwar fans in fake blood
Chicago, Culture

Riot Fest 2025 Saturday: Weezer, John Stamos and the Beach Boys, Gwar, and More

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 21, 2025September 21, 2025

Weezer headlined, but the Beach Boys and Stamos stole the show.

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Blink-182 plays riot fest
Chicago, Culture

Riot Fest 2025 Friday: Blink-182, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and More

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 20, 2025September 21, 2025

Riot Fest kicked off its 20th anniversary with five stages of music.

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Crowd at Riot Fest
Chicago, Culture, Music

Riot Fest Tips from a Concert Photographer

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 3, 2025September 23, 2025

Whether it’s your first time or you’re a veteran fan, I’m sharing my best Riot Fest tips.

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colorful mural at Casa Aztlán Chicago
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – September 2025

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 1, 2025September 5, 2025

Download a free printable calendar for September 2025 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Chicago Riverwalk
Chicago

30 Fun Things to Do in Chicago in September

by Jessica Mlinaric / August 27, 2025September 15, 2025

Heading to Chicago this fall? Check out these 30 fun things to do.

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Chicago skyline with jets
Chicago

Chicago Air and Water Show Tips for a High-Flying Weekend

by Jessica Mlinaric / August 13, 2025August 15, 2025

Check out these tips for attending the country’s largest free air show .

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Damen Silos in Chicago
Chicago, Culture

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – August 2025

by Jessica Mlinaric / August 1, 2025August 12, 2025

Download a free printable calendar for August 2025 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Chicago

45 Fun Things to Do in Chicago in August

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 30, 2025September 5, 2025

Heading to Chicago this summer? Check out these 55 fun things to do.

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colorful concert stage lights outdoors
Chicago, Music

Lollapalooza Tips from a Concert Photographer

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 29, 2025September 15, 2025

I’m sharing my best Lollapalooza tips from more than a decade of attending.

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About Me

Urban Explorer is a travel blog highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems to inspire curious travelers by Jessica Mlinaric, author of 'Secret Chicago' and 'Chicago Scavenger.'
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Newsletter



Buy My Books

Chicago Scavenger book by Jessica Mlinaric
Secret Chicago book by Jessica Mlinaric

Instagram

Secret Spots

  • The Secret Chicago book launch party was held at the Drifter
    Discover the Drifter Chicago: A Historic Speakeasy Hidden in River North
    April 15, 2025
  • church with a blue sky
    How Chicago Became the Birthplace of Gospel Music: Inside Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church
    January 14, 2025
  • Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville
    A Hidden Elevator and More Secrets at Asheville’s Omni Grove Park Inn
    January 8, 2025

Media Appearances

  • Jessica Mlinaric and Geoffrey Baer with bicycles at the Illinois-Indiana State Line Boundary Marker
    Exploring Chicago Mysteries with WTTW
    April 23, 2024
  • Downtown Chicago view from Bank of America Tower
    Swapping Chicago Favorites with Peter Greenberg
    February 26, 2022
  • Author Jessica Mlinaric at Oak Woods Cemetery
    Touring Chicago’s Mass Grave with WGN Morning News
    November 16, 2020

Travel Guides

  • Knoxville, TN in spring
    The Big Ears Festival Guide to Knoxville, TN
    March 2, 2025
  • Walls of Ston, Croatia
    How to Spend One Day in Ston, Croatia
    February 11, 2025
  • Sheep at Black Thorn Farms in Asheville
    Two Days in Asheville, North Carolina: Experience Arts, Brews, and Mountain Views
    January 10, 2025
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