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Chicago

Jessica Mlinaric walks down Chicago's wood block alley
Architecture, Chicago, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Chicago’s Wood Block Alley

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 16, 2021January 5, 2024

Chicago’s Gold Coast is hiding some unlikely history.

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Beverly Castle Chicago
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – March 2021

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 1, 2021March 1, 2021

Download a free printable calendar for March 2021 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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World's Fair Bison in Humboldt Park
Arts, Chicago

The World’s Fair Bison of Humboldt Park

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 9, 2021December 31, 2023

The Humboldt bison are a curious Chicago story!

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Chicago Magazine January 2021
Chicago, Nature, Play

Outdoor Winter Activities for Chicago Magazine

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 2, 2021February 10, 2021

Chicago magazine’s January 2021 issue hit newsstands this week features ways to safely enjoy winter outdoors. This time of year, we all need an excuse to…

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Pothole art by Jim Bachor
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – February 2021

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 1, 2021February 2, 2021

Download a free printable calendar for February 2021 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Shedd Memorial Chapel at Rosehill Cemetery
Architecture, Chicago, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Shedd Memorial Chapel at Rosehill Cemetery

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 19, 2021September 28, 2021

Want to admire Tiffany stained glass without the crowds?

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January 2021 Secret Chicago Calendar
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – January 2021

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 1, 2021January 7, 2021

Download a free printable calendar for January 2021 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Detail of Glasner Studio by Edgar Miller as featured in the Secret Chicago book
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – December 2020

by Jessica Mlinaric / December 1, 2020January 7, 2021

Download a free printable calendar for December 2020 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Chicago Portage National Historic Site
Chicago, Nature, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: The Chicago Portage

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 23, 2020January 21, 2021

Visit an overlooked link to Chicago’s origin.

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Author Jessica Mlinaric at Oak Woods Cemetery
Chicago, Media Appearances, My Books

Touring Chicago’s Mass Grave with WGN Morning News

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 16, 2020November 22, 2020

Did you know that the largest mass grave in the Western Hemisphere is in Chicago? Check out this little-known Civil War history.

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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

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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
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