While we can’t travel far this year, I’ve been trying to inspire people to explore close to home by offering outdoor ideas and tagging them #secretsocialdistancing. I was excited when WGN Morning News’ social media producer, Tom Barnas, invited me to show him some Secret Chicago spots in person. I toured Tom through one of my favorite secret places from my book, the burial site of the world’s first nuclear reactor!
If you’re hiking through the Cook County Forest Preserve around Red Gate Woods in Palos, watch your step. The world’s first nuclear reaction took place at the University of Chicago, but afterwards the reactor moved to a research facility in this area. When the lab moved, they buried the reactor and nuclear waste out in the woods. There are stone markers at the burial locations, and it’s safe to visit, but just don’t dig!
Tom and I had a great time hiking through the forest preserve on a hot summer morning. The burial sites are a big piece of world history in an unlikely location. For more secret spots in Chicago, you can order the book online now!
Visit WGN or watch the clip below: Remnants of the World’s First Nuclear Reaction Buried in Chicago Area Forest Preserve? Red Gate Woods Has the Secret
Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger.’ Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
