1966 Hiking Challenge

Q: Do I have to complete all 19 hikes?

No. The medallion and water bottle go to those who finish the series, but a check-off sheet lets you hike independently at your pace—ranger-led or solo. Pick weeks and hikes that fit your schedule.

Q: Is it safe to hike alone?

Ranger-led Saturdays (8 AM) are supervised. For independent check-off hikes, go with a partner. Cell service is spotty—always tell someone your planned route and expected return time.

Q: What should I definitely bring?

Bring 2–3 liters of water minimum, sunscreen (reapply every hour), a hat, sunglasses, sturdy boots with ankle support, and trekking poles for dune climbs. Snacks and electrolytes are critical—sand exertion burns serious fuel.

Q: Are these hikes muddy or wet?

Sand drains quickly, but early May and late September can be muddy after rain. Wear waterproof boots and gaiters if rain is forecast. Most of the May–September season is dry.

Q: Can kids do the challenge?

Yes—all ages welcome with adult supervision. Younger kids do best on shorter hikes (1–2 miles). Bring abundant water, frequent breaks, and sun protection (hats, sunscreen, sunglasses mandatory).

Q: When and where do I get my medallion?

Completion medallions and water bottles are awarded at the final Outdoor Adventure Festival on September 14. Early finishers can claim theirs then. Check nps.gov/indu for event details.

Overview

About This Trail

The 1966 Hiking Challenge is a 19-week, ranger-led program covering 66 miles across Indiana Dunes National Park, with individual hikes ranging 1.1 to 7.1 miles through different park ecosystems. Difficulty spans from easy loops to moderately strenuous dune climbs; ranger guidance makes it accessible to varied fitness levels. Participants explore lake shorelines, wetlands, forests, and historic structures. Complete all 19 hikes to earn a free medallion and water bottle.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Variable (Easy to Moderate-Strenuous)

Trail Highlights

Comprehensive tour of the entire Indiana Dunes ecosystem. Ranger-led education on dune geology, ecology, and park history. Summit overlooks with 360-degree park views. Completion rewards (free medallion and water bottle) at the final Outdoor Adventure Festival on September 14.

Insider Tips

• Arrive 20 minutes before 8 AM to meet your ranger and get that week's hike details. • Check the park website Thursday before your Saturday hike to confirm trailhead and parking specifics. • Don't wait until peak summer—early May and September hikes have lower crowds and cooler temperatures. • Pace the 19 hikes across weeks or complete multiple on your own schedule using the check-off sheet available at the Visitor Center. • Trekking poles reduce dune exertion by 25–30%; they're game-changers on sand. • Pick up your free medallion and water bottle at the final Outdoor Adventure Festival (September 14).

Best Season to Hike

Late Spring through Early Fall (May 11–September 14). Peak season June–August when crowds are highest and weather most stable.

Hiking Tips

Carry 2–3 liters of water minimum—sand hiking depletes hydration fast.
Wear sturdy, broken-in boots with ankle support; loose sand shifts underfoot.
Apply sunscreen liberally every hour; glare off sand intensifies UV exposure.
Bring trekking poles to reduce dune exertion and joint strain.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Eat carbs and electrolytes before and during hikes; sand terrain burns serious fuel.
Tell someone your planned hike and return time.

Family Info

All ages welcome with adult supervision. Minors must stay with a parent or guardian at all times. Shorter hikes (1–2 miles) suit young children best. Bring abundant water, frequent breaks, and high-SPF sunscreen. Sun protection is non-negotiable for kids: hats, sunglasses, and shade breaks every 20–30 minutes.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 66 miles

Duration: 1 to 5 hours depending on weekly hike length and pace. Shorter hikes (1–3 miles) typically 1–2 hours; longer hikes (5–7 miles) take 3–5 hours.

Difficulty: Variable (Easy to Moderate-Strenuous)

Route Type: Varies by weekly hike

Surface: Mostly sand and compacted earth with some boardwalk sections. Terrain varies weekly—some areas are harder-packed, others are loose sand requiring more effort.

Getting There

Trailhead: Multiple locations throughout Indiana Dunes National Park. Specific trailheads change weekly. Check the park website or call 219-395-1882 for each week's meeting location.

Requirements

Permit Required

No permit required for the challenge. Park entrance fee is mandatory: $25 per private vehicle (7-day pass) or $45 annual National Parks pass.

Fees: $25 per private vehicle for 7-day park access. Annual National Parks pass ($45) also valid. Entrance fee required.

Shuttle Available

No shuttle required. Meet the ranger at the designated trailhead. Parking and specific logistics vary by weekly hike location.

Trail Rules

Dogs: Yes, on leash only. All pets must be on a leash 6 feet or shorter. Verify specific weekly hike accessibility for large dogs on sandy terrain.

Trail Markers: Ranger-led hikes include real-time guidance. Some trails have blazes or cairns; others rely on well-worn paths and ranger direction. Carry a park map as backup navigation.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Carry all water you need. No reliable potable water sources exist on trails. Some hikes approach Lake Michigan and wetlands, but untreated water is not safe to drink.

Shade: Mixed. Open sand dunes provide full sun exposure; forest sections offer shade. Summer peak sun is intense on dunes. Bring hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen hourly.

Cell Service: Unreliable. Assume no cellular signal in dune areas. Hike with a fully charged phone and inform someone of your planned route and expected return time.

Hazards:

Sand dunes are energy-draining; even 1–2 mile hikes feel strenuous due to unstable footing. Loose sand shifts underfoot—worn or flat-soled boots slip easily. Full sun on open dunes is brutal; heat exhaustion is real if under-hydrated. Very few trails accommodate mobility challenges or accessibility needs. Elevation changes vary significantly between weekly hikes.

Emergency: Indiana Dunes Visitor Center: 219-395-1882. Emergency: 911.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to High. Ranger-led Saturday morning format attracts consistent weekly participation, especially peak summer (June–August).

Peak Times: July–August Saturdays, especially 8–10 AM. June and September attract fewer participants due to lower regional tourism.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Very few trails are wheelchair accessible or barrier-free. Most trails feature uneven sand terrain with significant elevation changes. Visit nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm or call 219-395-1882 for accessible alternatives.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Paul H. Douglas Center: Water, restrooms, check-off sheets, and park information. Visitor Center (same amenities). Nearest town services in Valparaiso, Michigan City, and Porter (10–20 minutes by car).

FAQs

Can I do this if I'm not super fit?

Yes. Hikes range from easy (1.1 miles) to challenging (7.1 miles). Start with the shorter weeks and pace yourself across all 19. Ranger guidance makes it accessible—most hikes are 1–3 miles.

Do I have to complete all 19 hikes?

Is it safe to hike alone?

What should I definitely bring?

Are these hikes muddy or wet?

Can kids do the challenge?

When and where do I get my medallion?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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