Exploring the outside world has really become my thing over the years. Adventures in the Rockies, Palo Duro, the Smoky Mountains, South Dakota, Pictured Rocks and many others, including all across our great state of Iowa. This time my wife and I headed east to Indiana to take on a certain "sandy" challenge, which is located in one of the newest National Parks in Indiana. It just so happens to be the closest one to Eastern Iowa at around 5 hours away (depending on where you start).

Credit: Ashley Ehlers Tom drake hanging out in front of the national park entrance.
Credit: Ashley Ehlers
Tom Drake hanging out in front of the national park entrance.
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That's the 3 Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park to be precise. It's an exciting and unique adventure for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors! I know I said that this is part of the National Park, and that is semi-correct, as the entire national park surrounds the State Park (where the 3 Dune Challenge is) and continues along the Lake Michigan shoreline of Indiana. That being said, there is a small fee to enter the state park. Once there, this popular hike takes you up and over the three tallest sand dunes in the park: Mount Jackson, Mount Holden, and Mount Tom.

Credit: Tom Drake
Credit: Tom Drake
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Here's a fun look at what you can expect!

What is the 3 Dune Challenge?

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Mount Jackson kicks things off with a steep climb to 176 feet. It might seem a bit daunting at first, but once you start the ascent, the views begin to reward your efforts. The sand underfoot makes the hike a bit more challenging, but that's the point, and all part of the fun.

Credit: Tom Drake Mt. Jackosn is comprised of 32 million cubic feet of sand.
Credit: Tom Drake
Mt. Jackosn is comprised of 32 million cubic feet of sand.
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Next up is Mount Holden, standing tall at 184 feet. This dune is a bit of a workout with its steep incline and shifting sand, but reaching the top feels like a real accomplishment. It's a perfect spot to take a breather and soak in the surrounding landscape. You can also split from the trail here and head straight down another sandy embankment to Lake Michigan.

Credit: Tom Drake Mt. Holden is comprised of 53 million cubic feet of sand.
Credit: Tom Drake
Mt. Holden is comprised of 53 million cubic feet of sand.
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The final stretch brings you to Mount Tom, the highest of the three dunes at 192 feet. The climb might be tough, but the reward is worth it.

Credit: Tom Drake Mt. Tom is comprised of 56 million cubic feet of sand.
Credit: Tom Drake
Mt. Tom is comprised of 56 million cubic feet of sand.
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All I can say about the Mt. Tom Dune is stairs...

Credit: Tom Drake Lots of stairs.
Credit: Tom Drake
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...lots of stairs.

Credit: Tom Drake
Credit: Tom Drake
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From the top, you can catch a glimpse of the Chicago skyline on a clear day, which is around 40 miles away across Lake Michigan. The view is breathtaking and adds a touch of magic to the experience.

Credit: Tom Drake Here's that Chicago view from Mt. Tom.
Credit: Tom Drake
Here's that Chicago view from Mt. Tom.
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It's More Than Just a Hike

The 3 Dune Challenge isn't just about the height—it's also about the terrain. The entire trail is sandy, making every step feel like a mini-adventure. The loose sand can be tough on the legs, but it also makes the experience uniquely fun and memorable. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the natural beauty of the dunes and get a bit of a workout in the process.

Credit: Tom Drake It so hard to tell from the pictures but these dunes are steep. Hiking in sand is a challenging experience: 2 steps forward while sliding one step back in most cases.
Credit: Tom Drake
It so hard to tell from the pictures but these dunes are steep. Hiking in sand is a challenging experience: 2 steps forward while sliding one step back in most cases.
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Don’t forget to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and maybe even a pair of walking sticks to help with balance. The dunes can get quite hot, and there's not much shade along the way, so being prepared is key to enjoying the challenge.

Credit: Tom Drake Despite it being mostly sand, flowers and insect abound.
Credit: Tom Drake
Despite it being mostly sand, flowers and insect abound.
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A Fun Finish and Another Adventure Completed

After conquering the dunes, you can head to the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to pick up a free 3 Dune Challenge sticker and sign the logbook, marking your achievement. I grabbed a shirt to mark the occasion as well. It's a great way to remember the day and share your experience with other hikers and challenge takers.

Credit: Tom Drake We had to get off the main trail to visit Lake Michigan.
Credit: Tom Drake
We had to get off the main trail to visit Lake Michigan.
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Honest opinion, whether you're looking for a fun family outing or a challenging solo hike, the 3 Dune Challenge offers a bit of everything. It's a beautiful, sandy adventure with a side of stunning views and a dash of lakeside fun. Speaking of lakeside fun, Lake Michigan was beautiful when we were there, but the waves were way to crazy that day to swim.

Credit: Tom Drake I believe those industrial towers are part of Gary, Indiana.
Credit: Tom Drake
Those industrial towers are part of Gary, Indiana.
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Either way, standing on the beach, the cool breeze off Lake Michigan on your face, and the Chicago skyline twinkling in the distance. It's a day well spent, and another amazing place checked off my list.

Credit: Tom Drake Challenge completed!
Credit: Tom Drake
Challenge completed!
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Check out my other adventures and go exploring!

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