Diana of the Dunes Dare
In honor of the daring and free spirit of Alice Mabel Gray, also known as Diana, a nearby sandhill has been named “Diana’s Dune.” You can now hike in a local legend’s footsteps at Indiana Dunes National Park’s West Beach. Explore the natural wonders of her beloved Dunes terrain while learning about dune development.
Dare to Be Different? Embrace the Dunes.
In 1915, Alice Mabel Gray left her conventional life in Chicago to settle in a crude shack along Indiana’s wild Lake Michigan shore. Here, she became known as Diana of the Dunes—a legend in…
Follow this National Park trail to learn about the four stages of dune development within its one-mile length. Access it from the parking lot or the path beginning at the beach. This scenic…
The Diana Dunes Dare is just an hour drive from Chicago.
Start Here
Your adventure begins at the National Park’s West Beach
How to Complete the Dare
- Go to West Beach
Visit Indiana Dunes National Park’s West Beach, located off U.S. Highway 12, at 376 N. County Line Rd., Gary, IN 46403. - Hike the Trail
Dare to Be Different? Then step into the past and embrace the Dunes. Walk in Alice Mabel Gray’s (Diana’s) footsteps while learning about Dune Succession. - Share Your Dare
Stop at the West Beach Bathhouse to take a selfie in front of our Diana of the Dunes selfie station and post using #DianaDunesDare. - Get Your Badge of Honor
Visit either the Paul H. Douglas Center or the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center for a free sticker.
Celebrate Your Accomplishment
Stop by the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or the Paul H. Douglas Center to get your free Diana of the Dunes sticker.
You can also buy a T-shirt or hoodie—you’ve earned it!
Diana of the Dunes Dare
Embrace the Dunes. Take the dare! In honor of the daring and free spirit of Alice Mabel Gray, also known as Diana, a nearby sand hill has been named “Diana’s Dune.” You can now hike in a local legend’s footsteps at West Beach. Explore the natural wonders of her beloved Dunes terrain while learning about dune development. This self-guided trail starts near the parking lot at Indiana Dunes National Park's West Beach. After you complete the dare, buy a shirt or hoodie and pick up a free sticker from the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.
Phone: (219) 926-2255
Website: http://www.indianadunes.com/ddd
This project was created in collaboration with our amazing partners.
Events in the Indiana Dunes
Annual Juried Art Exhibition at the Art Barn School of Art
- Art Barn School of Art. Inc.
- Recurring daily
The Art Barn School of Art is delighted to announce its Annual Juried Art Exhibition. We are proud to continue the…
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
- Memorial Opera House
- Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Don’t miss your chance to thrill to the inspiring true story of one woman’s remarkable journey from teenage…
Brauer Museum of Art - Permanent Collection
- Valparaiso University Brauer Museum of Art
- Recurring daily
The Brauer Museum boasts a collection of more than 5,000 works of art from the mid-19th century to the present. Also…
Connections: New Objects on Display
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
Take a closer look. Gathered throughout the PoCo Muse are pairs of objects that speak to each other in surprising…
Connections: Take a Closer Look - Permanent Exhibit
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
Gathered throughout the PoCo Muse are pairs of objects that speak to each other in surprising ways. The objects may…
Disney + The Villains Trivia @ Running Vines Winery
Heroes vs. Villains! Disney & The Ultimate Trivia Showdown at Running Vines Winery!Calling all Disney fans!…
Exhibit Opening: New Era Guitars: Making Music in the Dunes
- Westchester Township History Museum
- Recurring daily
Born and raised in Northwest Indiana, Tony Klassen was a talented artist, furniture builder, and guitar maker. He…
Lowenstine WWII Roll of Honor
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
In November 1943, members of the Charles Pratt Post #94 of the American Legion had an idea to erect a memorial on…
Native Plant Sale @ Gabis Arboretum
- Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
- Recurring daily
Our staff carefully selected favorite native plants that we also have growing at Gabis. Beyond beautifying your…
Next to Normal
- Chicago Street Theatre
- Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, Next to Normal was also…
Open Mic Night @ Hunter's Brewing
- Hunter's Brewing
- Recurring weekly on Thursday
We have a fabulous and fun Open Mic Night every Thursday evening here at Hunter's Brewhaus, Dry Cleaning Emporium…
Star Wars Trivia @ Aftermath Cidery & Winery
In honor of Star Wars Day, we're hosting a special trivia event for all Jedi Sith, and Wookie fans! Test your…
The Path That Ventures Within: Inspirations Found Along Indiana Dunes Trails
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
Taken along the crisscrossing trails of the Indiana Dunes, the color photographs of Herb Barghusen (1933-2015)…
Westchester Township History Museum - Permanent Exhibit
- Westchester Township History Museum
- Recurring daily
The permanent exhibit highlights local history from prehistoric times to today. Temporary exhibits celebrate…
Chesterton/Duneland Kiwanis Trash to Treasure Sale
- Duneland Family YMCA
- Recurring daily
The Chesterton Duneland Kiwanis Club will host a Trash to Treasure Sale from 8:00 a.m. and on Friday at noon. Many…
Another Amazing Trail at the Indiana Dunes
Challenge friends, family, and yourself to an epic climb up the three tallest sand dunes at Indiana Dunes State Park. The 3 Dune Challenge is 1.5 miles of tough trail with 552 vertical feet that’s 100 percent brag-worthy.