The Indiana Dunes are a short drive away, yet feel like a world away. The Indiana Dunes are a short drive away, yet feel like a world away.

If you’ve been wanting to enjoy a beach getaway before the summer is over, now is the perfect time to head to the Indiana Dunes and its 15 miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan.

Watch people make their creations, or make one yourself. Watch people make their creations, or make one yourself.

One of the best times to visit is during the Sand Sculpture Contest, which is Saturday, July 11 at Indiana Dunes State Park. People arrive as early as 7 a.m. to begin building castles, giant dragons and other creations. The official registration starts at 9 a.m. and the judging starts at 11:30 a.m. People are encouraged to join in the fun, or just watch to see what others create.

Sun, sand and fun at Indiana Dunes State Park along Lake Michigan in Chesterton. Sun, sand and fun at Indiana Dunes State Park along Lake Michigan in Chesterton.

There are other great events in upcoming weeks at the dunes.

The state park is also home to The 3 Dune Challenge, which can be done any day of the year. To complete The 3 Dune Challenge, a person must tackle a special 1.5-mile course at Indiana Dunes State Park, climbing Mount Jackson (elevation 176 feet), Mount Holden (184 feet), and Mount Tom (192 feet). These are the three highest dunes in all of Indiana Dunes State Park.

Some parts of the trail feature 40-degree slopes, making each step that much more challenging. In the sandy vertical climbs, it’s common to take two steps forward and slide one step back. To learn more about The 3 Dune Challenge, which can be done any day of the year, click here.

Indiana Dunes Country is also a great place for those who want to relax and enjoy a nationally-renowned arboretum with a huge railway garden, a bison farm with tours, and charming downtowns with boutique shopping, antique stores, art galleries and great restaurants.

Click here or call 800-283-8687 for more information.

Do you have what it takes to climb the three highest sand dunes at Indiana Dunes State Park? Take The 3 Dune Challenge. Do you have what it takes to climb the three highest sand dunes at Indiana Dunes State Park? Take The 3 Dune Challenge.