The Dunes Daily Challenge is Back!

Last spring, at the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown, Indiana Dunes Tourism and Dig the Dunes launched the Dunes Daily Challenge to entertain and boost the spirits of the people who love the Indiana Dunes. We posted a creative challenge each day and awarded prizes at the end. Everyone enjoyed it so much, we've decided to do it again this year!

The daily challenges start on March 4th and run through the 13th. Join our Facebook event to participate! If you missed out on last year's Dunes Daily Challenge and want to know what you're in for, here's a little sample of last year's fun:

Food of the Dunes

We asked people to make a food dish and give it an Indiana Dunes-inspired name. Here are a few of our favorites:

Michele M. named her cake, Cowles Chocolate Bog Cake, after our amazing Cowles Bog Trail. Cowles Bog is a place of outstanding plant diversity in the Indiana Dunes. This is where Dr. Henry Cowles conducted much of his early work on plant ecology and succession.

Cowles Chocolate Bog Cake by Michele M.

Hill D.'s Kimchi of the Dunes looks absolutely delicious and is worthy of the Dunes name!

Kimchi Hill D.'s Kimchi of the Dunes

Views of the Indiana Dunes

We challenged people to share their favorite photo of the Indiana Dunes and they definitely accepted that challenge!

Steve B. captures one of the most amazing views from the Indiana Dunes lakeshore. People come from miles around to watch the sun set behind Chicago across the lake.

Steve B.'s Indiana Dunes sunset

Sheila D. showed us her picture of the sandy trail leading to the beautiful, blue Lake Michigan.

Sheila D's photo of the Indiana Dunes beach and sky

Art of the Indiana Dunes

The sandy shores and towering dunes of the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks have inspired many an artist. We challenged people to create their very own Indiana Dunes-themed art using any art supplies they had on hand.

Steven B. created the Indiana Dunes using snow and LEGO! A barge moving across the water near the horizon isn't an unusual sight as Lake Michigan has many shipping routes.

Steve B. recreated the Indiana Dunes using Lego and snow

Carole S. created her own custom Indiana Dunes trail map and named each trail section things like "Point of Overwhelming Awe" and "Quiet Forest of Tranquility." Carole clearly loves the Indiana Dunes. If you'd like to learn more about these trails, visit our hiking page!

Custom Trail Map by Carole S.

We can't wait to see what creative and beautiful things people submit this year! The Dunes Daily Challenge starts on March 4th and runs through the 13th. Join our Facebook event to participate!


Looking for a place to stay while visiting the Indiana Dunes? Peruse our list of B&Bs, inns, and hotels to find the perfect overnight stay to suit your style. Don’t forget to sign up for the Indiana Dunes Deals Pass to access discounts at local restaurants and shops!