Dunes is a region characterized by its unique natural features and diverse landscapes along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. This area, encompassing the Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park, offers a rich mosaic of habitats including shifting sand dunes, quiet woodlands, sunny prairies, and lush wetlands. The dramatic landscape, shaped by the wind and waves of Lake Michigan, provides varied terrain suitable for several outdoor sports like hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, touring cycling, and more.
…80
Routes
4.5
(193)
Average rating
1531
People visited

2
riders
34.7km
02:13
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(51)
312
riders
65.1km
03:46
90m
90m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(34)
238
riders
42.5km
02:28
60m
60m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(11)
64
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.4
(5)
35
riders
48.0km
04:08
870m
870m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(1)
25
riders
83.5km
04:23
140m
140m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
21
riders
35.0km
01:53
70m
70m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(7)
24
riders
58.1km
02:59
90m
90m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.3
(42)
239
hikers
26.3km
07:19
500m
500m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
hikers
8.81km
02:24
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
hikers
9.40km
02:33
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(3)
9
hikers
11.1km
03:01
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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19
runners
5.66km
00:35
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

26
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

14
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
runners
11.9km
01:28
250m
250m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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23
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

56
riders
52.3km
02:09
250m
250m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.0
(1)
14
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.0
(2)
10
riders
66.9km
03:00
670m
670m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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The Dunes region offers a variety of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Mountain biking, Road cycling, Touring cycling, and Jogging. More than 20 routes are available across these sports. The region has received an average rating of 4.45 out of 5 stars from users.
The Dunes region features over 50 miles (80 km) of hiking trails across 15 distinct trail systems. These trails lead through diverse ecosystems such as sand dunes, ancient forests, and wetlands. For more information, consult the Hiking around Dunes guide.
The Dunes region offers challenging hiking options, including the notable "3 Dune Challenge." This endeavor allows hikers to experience the varied terrain of the area. Trails cater to various skill levels, from beginner to expert.
The Dunes region provides rugged terrain for mountain biking. Popular locations include the Outback Trail in Portage and the Creekside Trails in Valparaiso. Imagination Glen offers 10 miles of maintained trails for all skill levels. Explore options with the MTB Trails around Dunes guide.
Road cyclists can find paved paths and scenic routes with views of Lake Michigan. Country roads and lakefront routes provide opportunities for rides through communities. The Road Cycling Routes around Dunes guide provides further details.
The Dunes region offers touring cycling opportunities on paved paths and trails that connect natural areas and neighborhoods. The 2.5-mile (4 km) Dunes-Kankakee Trail connects the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to Indiana Dunes State Park and links with the South Shore Line train and the Calumet Bike Trail. The Calumet Trail also offers a nearly 10-mile (16 km) gravel path.
The Dunes region is characterized by shifting sand dunes, quiet woodlands, sunny prairies, and lush wetlands. The landscape has been shaped by Lake Michigan, resulting in towering dunes and miles of beaches. The area is known for its significant plant and bird diversity.
There are more than 20 routes available in the Dunes region on komoot. These routes cover sports such as hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, touring cycling, and jogging. Over 3,000 visitors have explored the region using komoot.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for the Dunes region. These include Hiking around Dunes, MTB Trails around Dunes, Road Cycling Routes around Dunes, Cycling around Dunes, and Running Trails around Dunes.
For visitor information regarding the Indiana Dunes, contact Indiana Dunes Tourism. Their official website is www.indianadunes.com, and they can be reached by phone at 219-926-2255 or toll-free at 800-283-8687.
Information for Indiana Dunes National Park is available on their official website, www.nps.gov/indu. The park can also be contacted by phone at 219-395-1882 for inquiries.

