Participation is free. Please complete one registration form per household.
The Challenge begins July 1st and concludes on July 31st.
Registration will open on June 19th. Click HERE to register on/after June 19th.
Get out and explore what Michiana has to offer! During the month of July, Chikaming Open Lands is proud to partner with local organizations to feature 15 hiking trails located throughout Michiana. Hike the featured trails during July, take photos along the way, and earn prizes! See full list of trails and location details below!
CLICK HERE FOR CLUES TO EACH SELFIE STATION LOCATION! (COMING SOON)
While you're hiking, keep an eye out for our "selfie stations" (they look like giant picture frames)! View a description of the selfie station locations HERE. Snap a picture in the selfie station and tag us on Facebook or Instagram by typing @chikamingopenlands in the caption. Don't have social media? You can email us the selfies at col@chikamingopenlands.org. COL must receive selfie station pictures for participants to claim prizes. Frames will be out from July 1 to July 31.
*If your social media account is set to private, we will not be able to see your selfies. Please send us your pictures through PM (personal message) or email us your selfies.
Hike any 10 of the 15 featured trails to complete the #10Trail Challenge. Those who complete the challenge will receive a 2025 #10Trail Challenge sticker and be entered into a raffle to win the following prizes:
- gift card to Villwocks Outdoor Living
- gift card to Burn 'em Brewing
- gift card and merch for SideYard
- gift certificate to Third Coast Paddling
Any child (17 and under) who completes the #10Trail Challenge will receive a free ice cream certificate to Scoops Ice Cream in Bridgman.
Want to take the challenge even further? Take it to the extreme, the #Extreme15! All who complete the #Extreme15 will be eligible for the #10trail Challenge prizes, as well as entered to a special drawing to win:
- $100 gift card to Wanderlust Outfitters
- Outdoor Gear Pack featuring items from Wanderlust Outfitters ($500 value)
NEW THIS YEAR: Join other #10trail Challenge participants at Petite Acres for a fun evening as we celebrate the #10Trail Challenge's 9th year! There will be kid-friendly activities, an educational talk on hiking preparedness given by Wanderlust Outfitters, community organizations that support the challenge each year, and other local vendors!
View additional details about each trail, including addresses, parking, trail maps, as well as a description of where to find the selfie station by clicking HERE.
Want to spice up your hike? Do a weekend theme! Those who participate in a weekend theme are entered into a special drawing for the COL Swag Pack!
JULY 1-5: STARS & STRIPES - Wear your red, white and blue with pride on the trails this weekend as we celebrate 250 years of independence!
JULY 10-12: TAILS & TRAILS - Explore the trails with our furry four-legged friends! Don't have one of your own? Take a shelter pet out for a day on an adventure!
JULY 17-19: BETTER TOGETHER - Specially selected by Petite Acres, this weekend celebrates friendship, connection, and time spent celebrating all of life's great adventures together. Grab your favorite people and hit the trails for a weekend focused on shared adventures and making memories together. Bring along kazoos, party hats, friendship bracelets, and anything else that helps you celebrate your crew along the way!
JULY 24-26: BEYOND THE REEF - Inspired by Disney’s Moana, this island-themed adventure weekend invites guests to explore beyond the reef with wear your best Hawaiian shirts, leis, sunglasses, and wayfinding/explorer gear!
