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When visiting Indiana Dunes National Park, you have to try the 3 Dune Challenge! The 3 Dune challenge is a challenge of endurance, as visitors take on the three larges (hikeable) dunes in the park. While you may be a little out of breath as you make it to the top of each of the dunes, you’re sure to be completely breathless when you get to take in the views from the tops of the dunes, making the challenge completely work the backwards-sliding steps you take as you dredge your way to the top.
Where is the 3 Dune Challenge?
The 3 Dune Challenge is located in Indiana Dunes State Park. Many people are now familiar with Indiana Dunes thanks to a portion of this area gaining National Park Status, but the 3 Dune Challenge is actually located in the State Park part of the Dunes. It might seem strange that there are two separate parks departments sharing this space, but the two organizations work very closely together. They even share the same Visitor’s Center! If you’re looking to take on the 3 Dune Challenge, the Visitor’s Center is a great place to start.
Indiana Dunes Visitor’s Center
Start your adventure at the visitor’s center. Here, you’ll be able to get more information from the park rangers, including a map of the park and tips for other beautiful places to see along the way. This is also where you will pick up your free 3 Dunes Challenge sticker after completing the challenge. Park rangers may ask you a series of questions to prove you completed the challenge. At the very least, get your top-of-the-dune selfies ready to show off!
The Indiana Dunes Visitor’s Center is located at: 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304
Getting to the 3 Dunes Challenge
The best way to get to the Dunes is by driving. Because Indiana Dunes State Park is a distant suburb of Chicago, this park can get pretty busy on a nice day. It can be especially busy on the weekends, so be prepared to sit and wait to enter the park. There is an entrance fee to get into this park, and if you’re from outside of Indiana, you’ll pay a little bit more. Indiana residents enter for $7, out of state plates get in for $12.
In addition to the long lines to get into the park, there is also limited parking inside of the park. Arrive early when you can and be sure to only park in designated parking spaces.
There is another Visitor’s Center inside this part of the park. It’s a small building that marks the beginning and end of the 3 Dune Challenge. This is a great place to refill your water bottles or use the bathroom before embarking on your hike.
Hiking the 3 Dunes Challenge
You’ve made it to the starting line, now you’re ready to take on the challenge. Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for some sandy elevation. Along the trails, there are plenty of markers to let you know where to go. Keep an eye out for these bright yellow signs that let you know you’re headed in the right direction. For most of the hike, you’ll be following Trail 8.
The hike is 1.5 miles in total, which seems relatively easy at first. You might not even feel too intimidated by the 552 vertical feet that the three dunes present. But what I cannot stress enough about this hike is that for every two steps forward you take up the dune, you will slide one step backwards down the sand. You will feel like you are making no progress as you climb the daunting sand pile. You might even seen dune-experts trekking past you at unnaturally fast speeds. Once you make it to the top, however, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world, even if you’re only 180 feet above Lake Michigan.
The sandy terrain offers a challenge in itself, but add to that the tall climbing stairs along the trail used to protect more sensitive areas of the dunes from erosion to add an extra level of challenge. Be sure to wear a sturdy pair of hiking boots, preferably one with high ankles to keep sand out of your toes, and a pair of hiking stick if you need added stability.
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This guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!