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Secret Spot

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.

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Sky Landing by Yoko Ono in Chicago
Arts, Chicago, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Yoko Ono’s ‘Sky Landing’

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 15, 2022March 22, 2022

Sky Landing is Yoko Ono’s first permanent artwork in the Americas.

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The Italian Bride of Chicago
Chicago, Secret Spot

Buried alive? A Chicago Ghost Story from Beyond the Grave

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 14, 2021September 30, 2021

Did a young bride send messages from beyond the grave?

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Putnam Chain in Chicago's Lincoln Park
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Revolutionary War History in Lincoln Park

by Jessica Mlinaric / June 8, 2021June 28, 2021

Lincoln Park is home to two little-known artifacts with supposed ties to the American Revolution.

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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

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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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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

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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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Arts, Italy, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Italy’s Colorful Chapel of Barolo

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 26, 2021January 28, 2021

A colorful chapel is hidden in the Italian countryside

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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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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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