Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure
Embark on a scavenger hunt to the unknown and unusual corners of Chicago. This endlessly interesting city is home to tales as tall as our skyscrapers and secrets as deep as our pizzas. Explore a side of Chicago you’ve never seen, from a grave in a junkyard to a pool under the Loop.
Discover where you can picnic on a nuclear pylon or snorkel a Lake Michigan shipwreck. Visit the site of the Western Hemisphere’s largest mass grave or run away to the circus in a church. Do you know where to find the birthplace of gospel music and a final resting place for Cubs fans? Surprises are hiding everywhere in Chicago, from a chapel atop a Loop skyscraper to an art gallery in a Beverly fieldhouse.
From an energy vortex in Fulton Market to a salt cave in Portage Park, follow Secret Chicago across the city’s neighborhoods and into its little-known history. Find oddities and inspiration in Chicago’s uncommon sites, including hidden attractions, haunted locales, and unique landmarks. This guide delivers answers to questions around town that you didn’t even know you had and proves that when it comes to secrets, Chicago is second to none.
Praise for Secret Chicago
“I was surprised and delighted to find in the book a few things that were new to me, and likely will be to many of you.” – Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune
“Even if you think you know Chicago well and are familiar with some of its out-of-the-way haunts, you would be surprised to learn from this book about many more hidden gems, quirky attractions, and lonely landmarks that have stayed below the radar—until now.” – Greg Borzo, Chicago Writers Association
“Pick up this book and you’ll find 90 separate sites Jessica sussed out from all over the city, with an interesting narrative and a few pictures to whet your appetite for adventures of your own. I had a great time checking off places I’d discovered in my own city adventures and finding out about new places and things to see and I can envision this book being a great resource for anyone hoping to get more acquainted with Chicago as it truly is—a group of totally unique, diverse neighborhoods with their own style and culture.” – Marielle Bokor, Third Coast Review
Select Press
Are there any secrets left for us to discover about Chicago? Find out in ‘Secret Chicago’ – Chicago Tribune
Author Jessica Mlinaric Explores Chicago’s Hidden Treasures in Her New Book – WGN Morning News
Shipwrecks and Sex Antiques? Chicago’s Weird and Wonderful Places Highlighted in New Book – Chicago Tribune
Secrets of Chicago: Hidden Spots You Probably Didn’t Know About – NBC Chicago
‘Secret Chicago’ Will Keep You Busy for Hours as You Make Your Way Around Your Neighborhood Walk – WGN Morning News
Discover Chicago’s Secret Side in This New Guidebook – Midwest Living