Skip to content
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Urban Explorer Logo
Culturally Curious Travel
  • About
    • Contact
  • Destinations
  • Chicago Travel
  • Hidden Gems
  • Culture
  • Photo Gear
  • My Books
  • Shop

Architecture

Gold dome of the InterContinental Chicago hotel
Architecture, Chicago, Secret Spot

Secrets of the InterContinental Chicago Hotel

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 9, 2024May 13, 2025

A historic hotel with lavish design and secrets in every ballroom.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
Chicago home that looks like a castle
Architecture, Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – February 2024

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 1, 2024February 25, 2024

Download a free printable calendar for February 2024 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
Chicago's Oldest Monument
Architecture, Chicago, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Chicago’s Oldest Monument

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 23, 2024July 7, 2024

Explore this little-known piece of history on an unnamed road on the Indiana border.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
Best view of Columbus, Ohio
Architecture, Columbus, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: The Best View of Columbus

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 9, 2024November 1, 2024

The best view of Columbus, Ohio is hidden in plain sight. The Rhodes Tower home to a little-known observatory – and it’s free to visit.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
Greenacre Park in NYC is home to a secret waterfall
Architecture, New York City, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: A Waterfall Flows in Manhattan

by Jessica Mlinaric / December 12, 2023November 1, 2024

Even New Yorkers are surprised to find a waterfall tucked away in Manhattan.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
University of Chicago Botany Pond
Architecture, Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – April 2023

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 1, 2023March 19, 2023

Download a free printable calendar for April 2023 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
St. Dunstan in the East
Architecture, London, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Hidden History in a London Garden

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 27, 2022October 1, 2022

Discover a park and powerful reminder of the London’s history.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
Ghost church in Pilsen, Chicago
Architecture, Chicago, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Pilsen’s Ghost Church

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 27, 2022March 19, 2023

A Pilsen church is preserved in a surprising statement.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
Downtown Chicago view from Bank of America Tower
Architecture, Chicago

Look Inside 12 Stunning Chicago Architecture Sites

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 19, 2021February 1, 2022

Check out some of my favorite architectural finds from Open House Chicago 2021.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
Pula Zerostrasse
Architecture, Croatia, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Underground Tunnels in Croatia

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 23, 2021March 30, 2021

Two underground tunnels in Croatia hold subterranean stories

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin

Posts navigation

← Older posts

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.'
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

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
  • 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
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
Urban Explorer Logo
Copyright © 2025 Urban Explorer. All rights reserved.
Proudly powered by WordPress. Theme EightyDays by GretaThemes.
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • About
    • Contact
  • Destinations
  • Chicago Travel
  • Hidden Gems
  • Culture
  • Photo Gear
  • My Books
  • Shop
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube