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
View All Events"Against the Grain" at the PoCo Muse
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
Against the Grain elevates objects in the collection made from wood and places them alongside the fine art of local…
1966 Hiking Challenge: West Beach 3 - Loop Trail
Trails at Indiana Dunes' West Beach take visitors through a variety of scenes. Find yourself in the shade of an…
Adult Recess Day @ Four Corners Winery
Remember the joy of recess? It’s time to relive those moments- grown-up style! Join us for a day of play, laughter…
Annual Festival of Magic
- Running Vines Winery
- Recurring daily
Join us for this year's Festival of Magic, a whimsical celebration of all things wizarding and magical! The Festival…
Annual Mermaid Straw World Wide Cleanup
Each year we come together as a global Mermaid Straw community and kick off #PlasticFreeJuly right by hosting a…
Area Artists Association Exhibition "Knee High by the Fourth of July" at the Art Barn School of Art
- Art Barn School of Art. Inc.
- Recurring daily
“Knee High By The Fourth of July” is a common saying that is an embedded marker of our land, our country, and our…
Beneath the Surface: Jon Hook + Andrea Peterson Artists' @ Chesterton Art Center
- Chesterton Art Center
- Recurring daily
Beneath the Surface: Jon Hook + Andrea Peterson Artists' Reception for Third Friday. Chesterton Art Center is…
Bobby Wright Headlines @ Cheers in Chesterton
Come enjoy TWO of the best comedic juggernauts that Chicagoland has to offer and a surprise or two. Join Forgettable…
Bubble Grazing Workshop
Add color to one of our ready-made bisque wares by blowing underglaze bubbles to create a unique dish! Choose from a…
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…
Chesterton's European Market
- Chesterton's European Market
- Recurring weekly on Saturday
An outdoor family/artisanal market is held in historic downtown Chesterton every Saturday from the beginning of May…
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…
Corn Maze @ County Line Orchard
- County Line Orchard
- Recurring daily
I'm all ears! Explorer Pass $9 or All Access Pass $14 Get lost in our HUGE corn maze! Our themes vary every year…
Drama of the Dunes Art Exhibit
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse) currently has on display a collection of works produced by local artists who were…
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…
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.