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
3 Little Birds Market
- Porter County Expo Center
- Recurring daily
Join 3 Little Birds SPRING Market for a one-of-a-kind event that brings together local small businesses and artistic…
A Walk on Cloud 9 at Sunset Hill County Park
Take a walk on Cloud 9 with the Sunset Hill Farm Naturalist staff. We will be focusing on learning about the various…
Anastasia the Musical, Youth Edition
- Recurring daily
Inspired by the beloved films, ANASTASIA transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of…
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…
Chellberg Farm Open House
- Recurring weekly on Saturday
Stop by the historic Chellberg Farm to tour the farmhouse and visit the animals. Rangers and volunteers will be on…
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…
Dueling Pianos with Troy and Katy
Ksty and Troy take your song requests and weave them into an amazing playlist for a memorable night of singing…
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…
Guided Museum Tour - Saturdays
- Recurring weekly on Saturday
Would you like more insight and detail about the exhibits currently on display? Stop by the PoCo Muse every Saturday…
Hebron Celebrates Trails Day on Veterans Memorial Trail
Please Join us for Hebron's first Celebrate Trails Day. On the Veterans Memorial Trail/our Portion of The Great…
High Street @ Marina Shores Yacht Club
High Street performing on this summer night at the Shores! Time: 7:00 - 11:00 pm.
JD Marshall Shipwreck History Stroll
Join the naturalist for a 1.5-mile flat walk to the beach and back describing our park’s Lake Michigan shipwreck…
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.