The best road cycling routes around Michigan City

The New Buffalo and Warren Dunes Loop offers road cyclists a captivating tour through Southwest Michigan's varied landscapes. You'll pedal along the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline, passing the iconic New Buffalo Lighthouse, before heading inland through lush forests and alongside the impressive Warren Dunes. This route provides a dynamic experience, blending coastal vistas with serene woodland stretches, making it one of the more scenic cycling routes near Lake Michigan.

Rated as moderate, this 50.3-mile (81.0 km) ride involves about 840 feet (256 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 4 hours and 10 minutes. It's best suited for cyclists with good fitness looking for a substantial day on well-paved roads. To make the most of your ride, plan to visit during pleasant weather conditions, perhaps in the spring or fall, to enjoy comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery.

This loop is a highlight among the cycling routes in New Buffalo Michigan, connecting you to a region rich in outdoor activities. It's part of a broader network that includes the

The Michigan City & New Buffalo lakeside loop from Carroll Avenue offers a delightful road cycling experience, weaving together stunning Lake Michigan views with the quaint charm of coastal towns. You'll pedal along mostly well-paved surfaces, enjoying the gentle undulations of the terrain as you pass iconic landmarks like the New Buffalo Lighthouse and Lake View Beach. This moderate 44.4-mile (71.5 km) route, with its 589 feet (180 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic option for a leisurely yet engaging ride, typically completed in about 3 hours and 6 minutes.

To begin your adventure, head to Carroll Avenue in Michigan City, which serves as a convenient access point for this scenic loop. The route is known for its easy-to-ride conditions, making it accessible for many cyclists. While specific parking information isn't detailed, starting from Carroll Avenue is straightforward. Consider planning your ride during the warmer seasons to best enjoy the lakeside scenery and the amenities available in Michigan City and New Buffalo.

This area is a true gem for cyclists, forming part of the broader "Backroads Bikeway" network that explores the diverse landscapes of Berrien County. You'll find a rich variety of scenery, from the expansive Lake Michigan shoreline to glimpses of sand dunes and forests. The ongoing development of the Marquette Greenway, a multi-use trail connecting New Buffalo to South Chicago, further enhances the cycling infrastructure, promising even more opportunities for exploration in this beautiful region.

This challenging road cycling route, the Kingsbury Wildlife Area & Michigan coast loop from New Buffalo, offers a fantastic journey from the shores of Lake Michigan to the heart of a diverse wildlife area. You'll pedal past the New Buffalo Lighthouse, through charming farmland, and into the expansive Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area, where grasslands, crop fields, and marsh areas provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The route is primarily on well-paved surfaces, but be prepared for potential gravel sections on some secondary roads, adding to the adventure.

Planning your ride means ensuring you have the fitness for a difficult 75.2-mile (121.0 km) loop with 1185 feet (361 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 9 minutes. Parking is readily available in the New Buffalo area, a popular starting point for cyclists. Remember that within the Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area, you must stick to paved and gravel roads open to vehicles, as off-road and mountain bike trails are off-limits.

This route is a standout for its unique blend of coastal scenery and inland natural beauty, offering a dynamic experience that few other rides in the region can match. It allows you to explore the natural environment of glacial ravines and forested dunes alongside the agricultural charm of Southern Michigan, making it a rewarding choice for advanced road cyclists seeking varied landscapes and wildlife observation.

The La Porte & Red Mill County Park loop from Michigan City offers a comprehensive road cycling tour through diverse landscapes, from rural agricultural settings to vibrant parkland. You'll pedal past serene wetlands, enjoy views of blooming wildflowers, and encounter the distinctive Pinhook Bog, a unique natural monument. The route provides a rich tapestry of scenery, showcasing LaPorte County's natural beauty.

This moderate 51.1-mile (82.3 km) cycling loop, with 995 feet (303 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 43 minutes to complete. Red Mill County Park is a popular starting point, offering convenient parking. Spring and fall are often recommended as the best times to ride, thanks to pleasant temperatures and the area's vibrant natural displays.

While primarily a road cycling route, be aware that some sections, particularly within Red Mill County Park, may include unpaved segments that transition from gravel to dirt, sand, and grass, with potential for standing water after rain. This cycling loop is an excellent choice for riders with a good level of fitness looking for a substantial and scenic day out in the Michigan City area.

The Mount Baldy – Lake View Beach loop from Beverly Shores offers a fantastic road cycling experience, winding through the diverse landscapes of Indiana Dunes National Park. You'll enjoy frequent views of Lake Michigan and get to admire the impressive Mount Baldy, a 126-foot shifting sand dune, from the road. The route also passes through wooded areas and might even offer glimpses of the historic Century of Progress Homes, making for a varied and engaging ride.

This moderate 31.1-mile (50.0 km) loop, with a gentle 353 feet (108 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete. Lake View Beach in Beverly Shores is a great place to start, offering parking and amenities for a convenient break. The trail is mostly well-paved, making it suitable for road bikes, though some sections might be unpaved.

Recognized as one of the best road cycling routes in Indiana Dunes National Park, this loop stands out for its combination of natural beauty and smooth riding surfaces. It's a popular choice for local cyclists, providing a unique opportunity to explore the distinctive dune environment and lakeside scenery without venturing onto sandy hiking trails.