I wrote Chicago Scavenger to help folks connect to the city and each other. The book unlocks the city’s hidden gems by deciphering clues, tracking down photos, and exploring its neighborhoods. With 17 neighborhood scavenger hunts covering 342 sites, there’s a lot to explore in Chicago!
Join the Hunt
One fun component of writing a Chicago Scavenger hunt book is hosting a competition on my website. Readers can join the hunt my tracking their progress as they solve the Chicago Scavenger riddles. They take a photo at each location and win exclusive prizes! There’s no time limit that the hunt needs to be completed in and no limit to the number of folks who can win.
While several readers are making their way through the Chicago Scavenger hunts, one has already solved them all! Anna, our very first winner to complete the entire book, was kind enough to take some time to share her thoughts on the experience.
Anna’s Chicago Scavenger Experience
What inspired you to embark on the Chicago Scavenger hunt?
I read an article in the Chicago Reader about the book in late July. This sounded right up my alley, and I ordered the book right away!
How long did it take you to complete? Did you have a strategy?
It took about three months to complete. I started searching for clues on my walks to and from work; I live in the Near North and work in the Loop.
On the weekends, I like to explore the neighborhoods of Chicago anyway, so I incorporated the hunt into my explorations. At some point, I got hooked and the hunt became the focal point of my weekends! I tried to figure out as many answers as possible before heading to the neighborhoods.
Did you have any favorite discoveries or neighborhoods?
I enjoyed going to Bridgeport and Bronzeville because I don’t go to those neighborhoods as often as some of the others. I finally went to a show at Buddy Guy’s for the first time after discovering a free show while doing the hunt on a Friday after work.
I learned about Stan Mansion which was also what I considered to be the hardest clue to solve! I had an incredible meal at Peaches in Bronzeville. I always love going to Pullman because there’s so much history there.
Was there anything surprising that you learned or experienced?
I learned about the Chicago Magic Lounge and would like to go there one day. I had never been to Half Acre Beer Co and had a delicious meal there! I found the Leather Archive and Busy Beaver button museums very interesting as well as the Woolly Mammoth antique shop. The Damen Silos were fascinating.
Would you recommend the Chicago Scavenger hunt to others?
Yes!
You won a custom poster designed by local artist Jason Swearingen and screen printed in Logan Square by Salty Broad Press! What do you plan to do with the poster?
Display it proudly!
Thank you to Anna for her kind words on Chicago Scavenger and for taking the time to share her experience! If you’re interested in exploring new parts of Chicago, you can order the book and join the hunt!
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.
