‘Secret Chicago’ Book Coming Soon!

At long last, I’m thrilled to announce that I wrote a book! Secret Chicago will be published by Reedy Press this April and it’s available to order now!

Secret Chicago highlights 90 distinctive, little known, and unusual places in and around Chicago. The featured spots are a mix of historical places, hidden gems, and bizarre sights. They are places you can visit, from monuments to museums, bars, cemeteries, and more.

I spent the last year researching and writing Secret Chicago. The process was a huge challenge and an absolute joy! I did a lot of reading to find ideas (thanks Chicago Public Library). I also asked everyone I met for their thoughts, from bartenders to bloggers, historical societies, photographers, tour guides, and strangers at a bed and breakfast.

I hope this book inspires readers to engage with the city in a new way, whether that means exploring a neighborhood across town for the first time or discovering something new about their own. It was important to me to feature neighborhoods across Chicago, from Beverly up to Rogers Park and Garfield Park to Greater Grand Crossing.

Exclusive interviews introduce you to some of the city’s most fascinating residents, and one Grammy-winning Chicago visitor.

There will be lots of fun opportunities to celebrate the book launch this spring. If you’re interested in following my book launch journey and hearing about upcoming book readings, trivia nights, and parties consider signing up for my newsletter.

Thanks for your support!

Jessica Mlinaric

Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger.’ Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.