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Chalet toboggan in Cleveland
Cleveland, Play

Embrace Winter Fun with Cleveland’s Toboggan Chutes

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 11, 2022December 9, 2023

Visit the tallest, fastest toboggan chutes in Ohio.

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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.

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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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explore-cleveland-metroparks
Cleveland, Play

New Cleveland Metroparks Podcast Invites You Outside

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 26, 2016January 4, 2017

A new podcast promotes exploration of the Cleveland Metroparks.

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chicago-holiday train
Chicago, Culture, Play

Holiday Train at 360 Chicago

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 21, 2015January 4, 2017

The Chicago Holiday Train has returned to the John Hancock building.

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Chicago, Play

Embrace the Elements with Snow Trekking at Northerly Island

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 18, 2014January 4, 2017

Snow trekking is available at Chicago’s Northerly Island most winter weekends.

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Chicago, Play

Take Heart Chicago

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 11, 2014January 4, 2017

On loving Chicago, in spite of the polar vortex.

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Chicago, Play

Paddle Beyond the Boat Tour with Kayak Chicago

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 24, 2012January 4, 2017

See Chicago by kayak for an active take on the waterway tour.

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Chicago, Play

Chicago Cycling Guide: When in Doubt, Be a Car

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 4, 2012January 4, 2017

This is your cheat sheet to urban cycling.

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Chicago, Play

Exploring Underground Chicago with Waxwing Puzzle Co.

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 6, 2012January 4, 2017

Learn about a different take on Chicago tourism.

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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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Buy My Books

Chicago Scavenger book by Jessica Mlinaric
Secret Chicago book by Jessica Mlinaric

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Secret Spots

  • 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
  • Charlie Chaplin mural in Chicago
    Where to Find Hollywood History in Chicago
    November 20, 2024

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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  • About
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