Our Story
Besides the sand, there’s something about the Indiana Dunes that sticks with you.
Maybe it’s the way the sand sings beneath your feet as you climb a towering dune. Or the moment you crest the top and Lake Michigan stretches out in front of you like an ocean. Maybe it’s the quiet…just wind, waves, and the rustle of marram grasses.
For us, it’s all of it.
We’re Kevin and Kelly. Bike the Dunes was born from our love of this place, and a simple idea: more people should experience the Dunes the way locals do.
We’ve spent years exploring every corner of the Indiana Dunes.
Kevin works in construction by day, but whenever he can, you’ll find him out sailing on Lake Michigan or riding his bike through the dunes. Kelly manages a local restaurant, driven by her passion for hospitality and service. She also enjoys photography, focusing on the little details that often go unnoticed.
Together, we’ve always been drawn to places just beyond the obvious. The quiet thrill of spotting rare migratory birds gliding through the marshlands. The hidden beach access points. The stretches of trails where it feels like you’ve got the Dunes all to yourself.
And we started to notice something.
Most visitors weren’t seeing any of that.
How It Started
Why We Started Bike the Dunes
If you’ve ever visited the Indiana Dunes in the summer, you’ve probably experienced it… Full parking lots, long lines, crowded beaches.
Too often, people come all this way and only see one small, busy section of the park.
We knew there was a better way.
We started Bike the Dunes to help people break out of that pattern. To skip the frustration, avoid the crowds, and experience the Dunes the way we do. Not rushed. Not stuck in traffic. Just free to explore.
Because the Dunes aren’t just one destination. They’re an entire landscape waiting to be discovered.
What We Love About the Indiana Dunes
This place is special in ways that surprise people.
You’ve got miles of Lake Michigan shoreline with beaches that rival anywhere in the country. Towering sand dunes that challenge you on the way up and reward you with unforgettable views.
But what really makes the Indiana Dunes unique is its diversity.
Despite being one of the smallest national parks, it ranks in the top 5 in biodiversity. You can move from sandy shoreline to dense forest to open prairie in minutes. The Great Marsh is alive with rare birds and other wildlife. In the spring, blue lupine blooms turn parts of the landscape into something that feels almost unreal. Just beyond, places like Cowles Bog offer a glimpse into one of the most ecologically rich areas in the region, where rare and delicate orchids quietly thrive among a truly unique landscape.
But the Dunes aren’t just rich in nature; they’re layered with history. You can step back in time at the Bailly Homestead or Chellberg Farm and get a glimpse of what life was like for some of the area’s earliest settlers. Or head to the Town of Beverly Shores, where the iconic Century of Progress Homes from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair were relocated. Each one a snapshot of bold design and innovation from another era.
There’s always something new to see if you know how to get there.
Why Biking Is the Best Way to Experience the Dunes
The best way to explore the Indiana Dunes is by bike. Biking changes everything.
You’re not stuck searching for parking. You’re not limited to one access point. You’re not dealing with traffic or waiting in lines.
Instead, you move freely.
You can ride from beach to beach. Stop when something catches your eye. Take a detour down a quiet road. Park and hike the lesser-traveled trail. Discover places most visitors never even know exist.
It’s not just easier. It’s a completely different experience.
Looking Ahead: The Marquette Greenway Trail
And it’s only getting better.
The Marquette Greenway Trail is expanding, creating a continuous path that will connect some of the most incredible destinations in the region Mount Baldy, Central Beach, and beyond.
We’re excited about what that means for riders.
More access. More connection. More opportunity to experience the Dunes in a way that’s active, immersive, and unforgettable.
What Makes Bike the Dunes Different
We built Bike the Dunes to reflect how we’d want to explore ourselves.
High-quality bikes that are comfortable, reliable, and ready for a full day of riding
Local recommendations so you’re not guessing where to go. We’ll point you to the best spots
Easy access to trails and key destinations right from our location
A friendly, no-pressure experience. We’re here to help, not rush you
Convenient location near the heart of the Dunes
Affordable daily rentals so you can take your time and truly explore
This isn’t about rushing through a checklist. It’s about having the freedom to experience the Dunes your way.
The Indiana Dunes are bigger, quieter, and more beautiful than most people ever realize. We started Bike the Dunes to help you see that for yourself. So grab a bike. Head out. Take the long way. Stop often. Explore freely.
We’ll get you started. The rest is up to you.
Kevin and Kelly
#BikeTheDunes