3 Dune Challenge
Need a reason to get outside? We’ve got three.
Challenge friends, family, and yourself to an epic climb up the three tallest sand dunes at Indiana Dunes State Park. It’s 1.5 miles of tough trail with 552 vertical feet that’s 100 percent brag-worthy.
Don't just face the Challenge. Conquer it!
Hiking up the three tallest sand dunes isn’t easy, but it can still be fun for all ages. Go solo or grab your friends and family to hike the 1.5-mile trail at your own pace. Just be sure to…
If your idea of fun is running up the stairs of a skyscraper or doing a marathon, try climbing 552 vertical feet of sand and stairs. The 3 Dune Challenge is Indiana’s best test of physical…
“Running on sand requires 1.6 times more energy than running on a hard surface.”
— Biologists.org
Start Here
Your adventure begins at the Indiana Dune State Park Nature Center.
How to Complete the Dare
- Go to the Indiana Dunes State Park
Visit Indiana Dunes State Park, located at the end of State Rd. 49 at 1600 N. 25 East, Chesterton, IN 46304. - Hike the Trail
With 552 vertical feet, this is the toughest trail in the State Park. Take the challenge and conquer the dunes. - Share the Challenge
Take a selfie at the top of one of the dunes and post it using #3DuneChallenge. - Get Your Badge of Honor
Visit the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center for a free bumper sticker and to buy a commemorative T-shirt or hoodie.
Celebrate Your Accomplishment
Stop by the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to get your free 3 Dune Challenge sticker.
You can also buy a T-shirt or hoodie—you’ve earned it!
The 3 Dune Challenge
Challenge yourself, your friends, and your family to climb the three tallest sand dunes at the Indiana Dunes State Park. The 1.5-mile trail is the toughest in the park, with 552 vertical feet to climb. The reward: breathtaking views and the title of dune conqueror.
This self-guided trail starts on Trail Eight outside of the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center. After you conquer the challenge, buy a shirt or hoodie and pick up a free sticker from the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center at 1215 N. State Road 49, Porter, IN 46304.
Phone: (219) 926-2255
Website: http://www.indianadunes.com/3dc
This project was created in collaboration with our amazing partners.
Events in the Indiana Dunes
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- Chesterton Art Center (CAC)
- Recurring daily
Chesterton Art Center is pleased to announce a new exhibition in partnership with The Area Artists Association…
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- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
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- Thomas Centennial Park & Chesterton Bandstand
- Recurring daily
The Festival of Trees gives businesses, organizations, and families the opportunity to share the celebration of the…
Family Activity Sundays @ PoCo Muse
- Recurring weekly on Sunday
Family Activity Sundays. New Activities Each Week! Sundays from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Hibernate, Migrate, or Tough it Out!
Discover more about the adaptations of some of our Indiana Dunes wildlife to help them prepare for the cold winter…
Holiday Gift Gallery
- Art Barn School of Art. Inc.
- Recurring daily
For the season, Art Barn’s gallery will overflow with small items perfect for holiday giving. Visitors will find…
Holidaze Craft Show
- Porter County Expo Center
- Recurring daily
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Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! @ The Chicago Street Theatre
- Chicago Street Theatre
- Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday
By Allison Gregory, directed by Dona Henry, and co-director Ashleigh Happer A wonderful way to ring in the holiday…
Miller Woods Hike on the Paul H. Douglas Trail
- Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education
- Recurring weekly on Sunday
Hike with a ranger through a globally rare black oak savanna, by beautiful wetlands, and around dunes. This event is…
Sunday Matinee: "Ordinary Angels"
Join us for a screening (and popcorn!) of the film Ordinary Angels . Based on a remarkable true story, Ordinary…
The Twelve Dates of Christmas @ The Chicago Street Theatre
- Chicago Street Theatre
- Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Ginna Hoben, directed by Ashleigh Happer, and co-director Dona Henry Looking for…
Tour the American Factory @ Journeyman Distillery
- Journeyman Distillery at the American Factory
- Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday
Visit the new distillery, brewery, and production floor to learn the process of our grain-to-glass spirits, and the…
Viewpoints by Julia Holmaas @ Country Inn & Suites, Valparaiso
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson - Valparaiso
- Recurring daily
Join us for the Art Gallery Exhibition of Viewpoints by Julie Holmaas at the Valpo Country Inn & Suites.
Winter Lights Drive-Thru
- Sunset Hill Farm County Park
- Recurring daily
Our Winter Lights Drive-Through is one of our favorite traditions! You can enjoy the magic of the Winter Lights…
Yoga at Brincka Cross Gardens
- Brincka Cross Gardens
- Recurring weekly on Sunday
Join Kate for a relaxing hour of yoga at the serene Brincka Cross Gardens. Class takes place inside the house and is…
Another Amazing Trail at the Indiana Dunes
Looking for another challenge? We dare you to take on the Diana Dunes Dare in the Indiana Dunes National Park. 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 Alice’s footsteps and explore the natural wonders of her beloved Dunes terrain.