The best road cycling routes around Beverly Shores

Road cycling around Beverly Shores offers a diverse landscape. You'll find a mix of well-paved roads, some segments that may be unpaved, and quiet forested areas. The routes navigate along the Lake Michigan shoreline, through the Indiana Dunes National Park, and feature dune ridges and views of the Great Marsh, providing varied riding experiences for different ability levels.

Yes, Beverly Shores offers options for various ability levels, including easier rides. For example, the Trailblazers Bike Barn loop from Porter is an easy route, covering about 21.4 miles (34.5 km) with minimal elevation gain, making it a great choice for those new to road cycling in the area.

For longer rides, you have several excellent options. The Oak Savannah Trail – Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail loop from Dune Park is a substantial 70.0 miles (112.6 km) route. Another long-distance choice is the La Porte & Red Mill County Park loop from Michigan City, which is 51.1 miles (82.3 km) and takes riders through rural areas and scenic parks.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can enjoy spectacular views along Lakefront Drive, especially near the Lake View Beach area. The Dune Ridge Trail, accessible from Kemil Beach, offers views down into the Great Marsh. Highlights like View of Lake Michigan beach and Bally Beach provide stunning coastal vistas. You might also encounter diverse wildflowers, butterflies, and birdwatching opportunities, as the area is a stopover for migrating birds.

Yes, for those interested in unique sights, the five Century of Progress Homes, relocated from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, can be viewed along Lakefront Drive. Additionally, the Beverly Shores Depot, a Spanish Colonial Revival style building on the National Register of Historic Places, serves as a museum and art gallery, offering a glimpse into the area's history.

Many natural attractions are easily accessible. You can visit Mount Holden, explore the Cowles Bog National Natural Landmark, or enjoy the pristine Lake Michigan Beach and Sand Dunes. The area is largely surrounded by the Indiana Dunes National Park, offering extensive natural habitats.

The Lake View Beach area is a good rest stop on coastal rides and provides parking facilities. Many routes, such as the Michigan City & New Buffalo lakeside loop from Carroll Avenue, often start from locations with accessible parking, like Carroll Avenue, or from Dune Park for routes like the Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail loop.

Beverly Shores is enjoyable for road cycling across multiple seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with wildflowers in bloom or changing leaves. Summer provides warm weather for coastal rides, though it can be busier. While some routes might be accessible in winter, conditions can vary, so checking local weather and trail status is advisable.

The road cycling routes in Beverly Shores are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from the Lake Michigan shoreline to the quiet forested areas and the unique features of the Indiana Dunes National Park. The mix of well-paved roads and scenic views contributes to a highly enjoyable riding experience.

Yes, loop routes are a popular way to explore the area. The Michigan City & New Buffalo lakeside loop from Carroll Avenue is a well-known option, offering scenic views along the lakeside. Another favorite is the Chase Street Conservation Area – Oak Savannah Trail loop from Dune Park, which provides a varied ride through natural areas.

While many road cycling routes can be enjoyed by families with older children, the paved and smooth Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail, which is part of the Oak Savannah Trail – Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail loop from Dune Park, offers a relatively flat and safe environment, making it a good choice for families looking for a more relaxed ride away from heavy traffic.

The Lake View Beach area is noted as a good rest stop, providing seating and BBQ facilities. While specific cafes directly on all routes are not detailed, many routes pass through or near towns like Michigan City and La Porte, where you can find various establishments for refreshments and breaks.