Thing to Do

1966 Hiking Challenge

1966 Hiking Challenge Banner
Ranger-led hike along the Mount Baldy Summit trail.

Photo by Paul Kemiel, NPS Volunteer (Logo - NPS Collection)

Looking to explore more of the national park and really see what makes Indiana Dunes so special? If so, here is the adventure for you. The 1966 Hiking Challenge is comprised of 19 hikes that cover 66 miles of trail in the park, celebrating the park’s founding in 1966. We will offer 19 weekly ranger led hikes every Saturday at 8:00 am starting on May 13 and culminating at the Outdoor Adventure Festival on September 16. The hikes will range in length from 1 to 7 miles and take place in every area of the national park. Those that complete the series will earn a free 1966 Hiking Challenge sticker. Don’t worry if you cannot make all 19 ranger-led hikes. A check-off sheet will be available at the Visitor Center, or the the Paul H. Douglas Center, to complete the hikes on your own.
Details
Trail lengths and hiking duration will vary from week to week. Each estimated trail time will be posted weekly.
The 19 hikes will range in length from 1.1 to 7.1 miles and take place in different areas of the national park. Those that complete the series will earn a free hiking medallion and water bottle. Don’t worry if you cannot make all 19 ranger-led hikes. A check-off sheet will be available at the visitor center to complete the hikes on your own.
All ages are welcome, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian
All pets must be on a leash (6' or shorter).
Indiana Dunes National Park has an entrance fee of $25 per car for a 1–7-day pass. A national park annual pass is also available for $45. For more information, visit our Fees & Passes page.
We will offer 19 weekly ranger-led hikes starting in May and culminating at the Outdoor Adventure Festival the weekend of September 16. Each hike will be at a different location, please check the hike list or calendar of events for the meeting locations. 
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
All hikes start at 8am and vary in length. 
Accessibility Information
Very few of these trails are accessible. If you need accessible information about the trail please visit our accessibility page or call our visitor center 219 395-1882.

Indiana Dunes National Park

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1966 Hiking Challenge Trails

Select dated trails to view hike details.
For questions, call the Visitor Center at (219) 395-1882, or the Douglas Center at (219) 395-1824.
Remember, safety is of upmost importance in any situation. Please visit our trail safety page to be ready and informed.

Total length: 3.3 mi 
Difficulty level: Easy 
Trailhead location: Heron Rookery East Parking Lot
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Total length: 4.0 mi 
Difficulty level: Easy 
Trailhead location: Great Marsh South Parking Lot
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Total length: 3.0 mi 
Difficulty level: Moderate
Trailhead location: Pinhook Bog Parking Lot
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*Must attend a ranger-led hike 

Total length: 3.4 mi
Difficulty level: Moderate
Trailhead location: Paul Douglas Center Parking Lot 
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Total length: 2.9 mi
Difficulty level: Moderate
Trailhead location: Tolleston Dunes Parking Lot
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Total length: 2.0 mi
Difficulty level: Moderate
Trailhead location: Mount Baldy Parking Lot
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*Must attend a ranger-led hike for this closed area.

Total length: 3.6 mi
Difficulty level: Easy
Trailhead location: Indiana Dunes Visitor Center Parking Lot
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Total length: 7.1 mi
Difficulty level: Moderate
Trailhead location: Glenwood Dunes Parking Lot 
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Total length: 4.6 mi
Difficulty level: Easy
Trailhead location: Visitor Center Parking Lot
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** $2 per person State Park walk-in fee required. 

Total length: 3.5 mi
Difficulty level: Easy
Trailhead location: Paul Douglas Center Parking Lot 
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Total length: 1.5 mi
Difficulty level: Easy
Trailhead location: Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk Parking Lot
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Total length: 3.5 mi
Difficulty level: Moderate
Trailhead location: West Beach Parking Lot
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Total length: 5.3 mi
Difficulty level: Easy
Trailhead location: Paul Douglas Center Parking Lot 
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Total length: 2.2 mi
Difficulty level: Easy
Trailhead location: Robinson Lake Parking Lot  
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Total length: 4.4 mi
Difficulty level: Easy
Trailhead location: Calumet Dunes Parking Lot (USGS Office)  
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Total length: 4.7 mi
Difficulty level: Rugged
Trailhead location: Cowles Bog North Gravel Parking Lot   
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Total length: 4.0 mi
Difficulty level: Moderate
Trailhead location: Chellberg Farm Parking Lot   
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Total length: 3.8 mi
Difficulty level: Moderate
Trailhead location: Kemil Beach Parking Lot   
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Total length: 1.1 mi
Difficulty level: Easy
Trailhead location: Chellberg Farm Parking Lot    
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Get inspired by watching this quick video introducing the 1966 Hiking Challenge!

Open Transcript

Transcript

Narrator: “Escape the ordinary and embark on an incredible journey through Indiana Dunes National Park.”

[Cut to Ranger standing near a trailhead]

Ranger: “Are you up for a challenge? Join us for an unforgettable adventure!”

[Montage of differing trail scenes]

Narrator: “Introducing our weekly hiking challenge series!”

[Cut to visitors happily hiking together]

Narrator: “Over 19 weeks, we’ll explore 19 unique trails, each showcasing a different area of the park.”

[1966 logo appears]

Narrator: “That’s 66 miles, symbolizing the year Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was established in 1966.”

[Cut to ranger leading group of hikers, pointing to an interesting feature]

Ranger: “As your guide, we’ll unveil hidden gems, share fascinating stories, and connect you with the natural wonders that make this place so special.”

[Montage of happy hikers enjoying the experience]

Narrator(voice-over): “Join us each week as we unlock the beauty of the dunes; from tranquil forests to sun-kissed beaches.”

[Closing shot: Group of hikers reaching a stopping point, top of a hill, etc.]

Narrator: “Are you ready for an adventure like no other? Take the challenge and let nature inspire you.”

[NPS Logo appears]

Narrator: “Indiana Dunes National Park- where each step is a discovery.”

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Duration:
1 minute, 6 seconds

Are you up for the challenge? The 1966 Hiking Challenge is comprised of 19 hikes that cover 66 miles of trail in the park, celebrating the park’s founding in 1966.

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Last updated: September 20, 2023