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1966 Hiking Challenge - Indiana Dunes National Park

1966 Hiking Challenge Banner
Hiking

1966 Hiking Challenge

Indiana Dunes National Park
1-5 Hours
Spring · Summer · Fall
Pets: Yes
Fees: Yes

Visitor Dashboard

Current Alerts

13 active alerts
View current park alerts

Access Requirements

Unknown
View official access requirements

Weather forecast

55°F 13°C · Mostly Sunny
Weather alerts active

Best Time to Visit

Spring · Summer · Fall
Based on official activity seasons

More Things To Do

Indiana Dunes National Park
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Current park status

13 active alerts
Park Closure

Partial Trail Closures on Bailly / Chellberg Trail

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Portions of Bailly / Chellberg Trail (with stairs) will be closed through October (10/30/26), to allow completion of boardwalk replacement project.
Caution

Road Blocked to West Beach

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The main road navigating to West Beach is now blocked due to construction at the railroad crossing near the intersection of North County Rd and Route 12 until September 19. Please use the alternative route to West Beach as described on the park's status page.
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Park Closure

Closure - Heron Rookery Trail

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Closed. The trail is undergoing tree removal and rerouting due to riverbank collapse. It is expected to reopen in the fall, after mosquito activity decreases.
Park Closure

Partial Closure - Upland Trail

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The middle boardwalk was lost due to a tree strike, making the full loop inaccessible. At this time, there is no timeline for replacement.
Park Closure

Closure - Tolleston Dunes Trail

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Closed. Chainsaw crews are actively working to clear the trail, with a projected reopening in the next 1-2 weeks.
Information

Other Park Conditions and Updates

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For more information on storm related repairs and other park conditions like beach and hiking safety visit our park status page.
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Park Closure

Closure - Hobart Woodland Trail

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Closed. The Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, and no reopening date is available. However, the paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open.
Park Closure

Partial Trail Closure - Dunewood Trace

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Partially open. Persistent flooding west of the campground currently limits access to the entire trail. Hikers may not always be able to traverse the full length.
Caution

Water Safety Alert

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After recent storms, E. coli levels are likely to reach above safe swimming standards. Entering the water after heavy rainfall is never recommended. Know before you go and always check our Beach Safety page before heading to park beaches.
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Park Closure

Temporary Closure - Douglas Center

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The Paul H Douglas Center is closed until Wednesday 8/19, and all public programs are cancelled until further notice. Several parts of the park are inaccessible due to the weather event from August 11th. It is not advisable to go in the lake after a heavy rain. Use extreme caution when visiting as most locations have no power and are out of service.
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Park Closure

Visitor Center - Temporary Closure

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Attention: The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center building will be closed but will have outdoor limited staffing and restrooms available August 10, 11, and 12, due to construction efforts. Expect long lines and waiting outdoors. Visitors are encouraged to visit other locations throughout the park to purchase park passes. Passes, Jr Ranger books, badges and other activities are available at the Paul H Douglas Center for Environmental Education.
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Park Closure

Partial Closures to Little Calumet River Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail

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Marquette Greenway construction will require closing sections of the Glenwood Dunes Trail (April–December 2026) and Little Calumet River / Mnoké Prairie Trail (May–December 2026). Closure dates may shift as work progresses. Please follow all posted closures and check the park website or NPS App for updates.
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Caution

Partial Trail Closure at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk

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Closed portion of Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail along Burns Waterway due to unsafe conditions from erosional damage. This trail portion will remain closed while funding is sought for repair work. Pier access remains open on either side of closure.

About this activity

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 11 and culminating at the Outdoor Adventure Festival on September 14.

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 late April through August. 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.

NPS app users: For specific dates and trail locations, visit the Indiana Dunes National Park website.

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.

Activity details

Location
Indiana Dunes National Park - 19 Trails
Duration
1-5 Hours
Age
18
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of day
Not available
Pets
Yes
Fees
Yes
Accessibility

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Access requirement information

Not available

No additional access requirement details are available from the provider.

Official website

Official access information supplied by the provider for this activity. Requirements and availability may change, so always verify the latest details on the official website.
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Weather forecast

Check the weather forecast before planning this activity.
Weather alerts active
Frost Advisory
Today
55°F13°C
Mostly Sunny
S 10 mph16 km/h Rain: 12%
Tonight
37°F3°C
Mostly Clear
SSW 8 mph12 km/h
Sunday
61°F16°C
Sunny
SSW 13 mph20 km/h
Sunday Night
44°F7°C
Clear
S 8 mph12 km/h
Monday
67°F19°C
Sunny
S 3 mph4 km/h
Monday Night
47°F8°C
Mostly Clear
ESE 3 mph4 km/h
Forecast data provided by the National Weather Service.
Last updated: Oct 17, 2026 at 5:51 AM
Official forecast
Forecasts can change and local conditions may vary. Check official weather alerts and park guidance before your visit.

More weather details

Today
55°F13°C
Mostly Sunny

Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. South wind 5 to 15 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

S 10 mph16 km/h Rain: 12%
Tonight
37°F3°C
Mostly Clear

Mostly clear. Low around 37, with temperatures rising to around 39 overnight. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

SSW 8 mph12 km/h
Sunday
61°F16°C
Sunny

Sunny, with a high near 61. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

SSW 13 mph20 km/h
Sunday Night
44°F7°C
Clear

Clear, with a low around 44. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

S 8 mph12 km/h
Monday
67°F19°C
Sunny

Sunny, with a high near 67. South wind 0 to 5 mph.

S 3 mph4 km/h
Monday Night
47°F8°C
Mostly Clear

Mostly clear, with a low around 47.

ESE 3 mph4 km/h
Tuesday
67°F19°C
Sunny

Sunny, with a high near 67.

E 3 mph4 km/h
Tuesday Night
50°F10°C
Mostly Clear

Mostly clear, with a low around 50.

ESE 3 mph4 km/h
Wednesday
69°F21°C
Sunny

Sunny, with a high near 69.

SE 3 mph4 km/h
Wednesday Night
52°F11°C
Mostly Clear

Mostly clear, with a low around 52.

SE 3 mph4 km/h Rain: 2%
Thursday
71°F22°C
Sunny

Sunny, with a high near 71.

0 mph0 km/h Rain: 4%
Thursday Night
54°F12°C
Mostly Clear

Mostly clear, with a low around 54.

E 3 mph4 km/h Rain: 1%
Friday
72°F22°C
Mostly Sunny

Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.

ESE 5 mph8 km/h Rain: 2%
Friday Night
54°F12°C
Mostly Clear

Mostly clear, with a low around 54.

ESE 5 mph8 km/h Rain: 1%

Weather alerts

Frost Advisory

Frost Advisory issued October 17 at 2:22AM CDT until October 18 at 8:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

* WHAT...Low temperatures in the low to mid 30s will result in frost formation. * WHERE...In Illinois, Livingston, Ford, Iroquois, Eastern Will, and Kankakee Counties. In Indiana, Benton, Jasper, Lake IN, Newton, and Porter Counties. * WHEN...From 3 AM CDT to 8 AM CDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

Disclaimer

Check the weather forecast before planning this activity.

Weather, wind, precipitation and temperature can vary by location and time. Prepare appropriate clothing and equipment and check official alerts and park guidance.

Forecasts can change and local conditions may vary. Check official weather alerts and park guidance before your visit.

Location and map

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