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
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…
Duneland School Corporation Student Exhibition @ Chesterton Art Center
- Chesterton Art Center
- Recurring daily
Chesterton Art Center welcomes our Duneland students, families, and community to this annual exhibition tradition…
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…
Open Ice Skating under the Urschel Pavilion
- Recurring daily
Grab your friends, bring the kids, snag your spouse and come out to skate at the William E. Urschel Pavilion. Open…
Opportunity Enterprises Student Exhibition @ The Art Barn School of Art
- Art Barn School of Art. Inc.
- Recurring daily
Art Barn is thrilled to partner with Opportunity Enterprises (OE), well established in the community for providing…
Photographs from Academy of Music Block Fire
- Recurring daily
In February 1926, Valparaiso's Academy of Music Vlock at the southwest corner of Lincolnway and Washington Street…
Teresa Rose Firehouse Medium @ Running Vines Winery
Join me and experience healing, loving messages, and of course, interact LIVE with me. Teresa Rose Firehouse Medium!…
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)…
Tour the American Factory @ Journeyman Distillery
- Recurring daily
Visit the new distillery, brewery, and production floor to learn the process of our grain-to-glass spirits, and the…
Tringo @ Cheers in Chesterton
- Cheers in Chesterton
- Recurring weekly on Tuesday
Every Tuesday it's Tringo Night at Cheers in Chesterton!!! Join them for trivia, bingo, food, and drinks. Fun for…
Valparaiso Fire History Activity
- Recurring daily
A self-guided fire history tour around the Courthouse Square.
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…
Community Day & Health Fair
Featuring: Low-Cost Wellness Screenings 6:30-9:30 a.m .- *10-hour Fast required, no insurance accepted, pay at the…
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.