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

Nature

Valley of Fire in Nevada
Las Vegas, Nature

Hiking Nevada’s Valley of Fire

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 18, 2021December 16, 2024

Take a day trip from Vegas to hike spectacular sandstone formations

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
Matthiessen State Park
Chicago, Nature, Travel Guide

The Best Places to Get Outside In and Around Chicago

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 11, 2021September 4, 2025

My favorite walks, hikes, and natural areas in Chicagoland

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
The Cleveland Cultural Gardens
Cleveland, Culture, Nature, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Cleveland’s Cultural Gardens

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 20, 2021April 29, 2021

Over 30 gardens celebrate diversity and Cleveland’s ethnic communities

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
North Park Village Nature Center
Chicago, Nature, Play, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Chicago’s Sanitarium Turned Nature Center

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 13, 2021July 7, 2024

Few realize that this 46-acre park is built on the site of a former sanitorium.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
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…

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
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.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
The Signal Tree in Akron, Ohio
Akron, Nature, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: The Mystery of Akron’s Signal Tree

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 15, 2020January 28, 2021

It’s age, shape, and function are still a mystery.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin

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

Home | Privacy Policy | Contact

Urban Explorer Logo
Copyright © 2026 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