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Secret Chicago author Jessica Mlinaric at the world's first nuclear reactor burial site
Chicago, Media Appearances, My Books

Hiking to the World’s First Nuclear Reactor with WGN Morning News

by Jessica Mlinaric / August 11, 2020October 14, 2020

Hike to the burial site of the world’s first nuclear reactor!

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Secret Chicago Author Jessica Mlinaric Joins NBC's Chicago Today
Chicago, Media Appearances, My Books

‘Secret Chicago’ Featured on NBC’s Chicago Today

by Jessica Mlinaric / August 7, 2020October 12, 2020

Chicago Today invited me to share some outdoor spots from my book Secret Chicago on their show!

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Oakland Museum of Contemporary Art
Arts, Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Oakland Museum of Contemporary Art

by Jessica Mlinaric / June 19, 2020November 22, 2020

The free, outdoor museum is dotted with abstract wooden sculptures.

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Crossword puzzle for 'Secret Chicago' book
Chicago, My Books

A ‘Secret Chicago’ Crossword Puzzle

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 23, 2020May 23, 2020

I created a crossword puzzle based on places from my book Secret Chicago!

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Author Jessica Mlinaric Appears on WGN Morning News virtually
Chicago, Culture, Media Appearances, My Books

‘Secret Chicago’ Social Distancing on WGN Morning News

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 20, 2020October 12, 2020

WGN Morning News invited me to share secret spots to explore outside.

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Jim Bachor Cheeto mosaic
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Pothole Art Hunting: Chicago Mosaics Hidden in Plain Sight

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 22, 2020October 12, 2020

Jim Bachor transforms infrastructure craters into public art.

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The Light in the Piazza at Lyric Opera by Liz Lauren
Arts, Chicago, Culture

Fall in Love in Italy This Holiday with The Light in the Piazza at Lyric Opera

by Jessica Mlinaric / December 18, 2019January 18, 2020

Fall in love in 1950’s Italy with the Lyric Opera’s production of ‘The Light in the Piazza.’

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Jon Langford and Rob Miller by Jessica Mlinaric
Chicago, Culture, Music

Having a Beer with Jon Langford and Bloodshot Records’ Rob Miller

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 15, 2019January 7, 2025

Rob Miller of Bloodshot Records and Jon Langford of the Mekons shared how their work—and beer—has changed in the last 25 years.

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Dancer at the Chicago powwow
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: An Urban Powwow in Chicago

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 12, 2019June 10, 2021

The annual powwow welcomes all to celebrate Native American culture.

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Chicago's Wrigley Building by Jessica Mlinaric
Architecture, Chicago, Culture

Behind the Scenes at 10 Unique Chicago Architecture Sites

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 28, 2019January 26, 2020

Check out some of our favorite Chicago architecture finds from Open House Chicago.

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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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