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…
Actors From the London Stage presents: Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night'
We are very excited that Actors from the London Stage will be on campus for a one-week residency the week beginning…
Bird B-I-N-G-O @ Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
- Recurring weekly on Friday
Join the Naturalist at the Nature Center to help fill all of the bird feeders and play this fun game. Prizes…
Campground Rove @ Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
- Recurring weekly on Friday
Be on the lookout in the campground for a Park Naturalist. They may have something fun and interesting with them. Be…
Chesterton Third Friday
- Recurring weekly on Friday
Chesterton Third Fridays, running from May through October, partners with 23 downtown businesses, offering evening…
Connections:Â 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…
Fall Fun at County Line Orchard
- County Line Orchard
- Recurring daily
Family Fun at its Finest! Gather your family and come spend a day at County Line Orchard. Features U-Pick pumpkins…
Gabis Arboretum Railway Garden Train
- Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
- Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday
Featuring dwarf plants and model steam engine trains, the exhibit showcases the impact steam engine trains had on…
Haunted Walking Tour of Valparaiso!
Come hear the spooky and chilling stories of Valparaiso's ghosts and its dark history. Prepare for a night of…
Haven Hollow Harvest Fest
Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy and the Portage Township Parks will be hosting the Haven Hollow Harvest…
Meet the Animals - Sunset Hill Farm
- Sunset Hill Farm County Park
- Recurring weekly on Friday, Saturday
Come meet our farm animals and their caregivers. Our animals include sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, and bunnies…
Of Giants and Warriors: Diane Grams + Timothy D. Lace @ Chesterton Art Center
- Chesterton Art Center
- Recurring daily
Of Giants and Warriors delves into tales of memory, metaphor, ancient artistic processes, resilience, joy, and…
Spine-Chilling Spider Hunt Night Hike @ Indiana Dunes State Park
At the Nature Center, you will discover fascinating facts about our 8-legged friends. Then go on a hunt in the dark…
Stand Up Comedy @ Velvet Tiki Lounge
Free comedy show, Beer Can Comedy presents Eric Pennell and Friends at 8:30 p.m.
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…
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.