See Breathtaking Eben Ice Caves Guide in Michigan's Upper Peninsula Near Munising-Rock River Canyon | By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan
Eben Ice Caves are located in the Rock River Canyon Wilderness in the Hiawatha National Forest. These spectacular ice formations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula near Munising are one of the most beautiful places to visit in Michigan this winter. Chris and I absolutely love it!
The Michigan ice cave trailhead is located in Eben Junction (see our interactive map below), about 30 minutes west of Munising (22 miles) in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
How to Get There From Munising: After traveling 15 miles on M-94 westbound (follow the signs), turn right on Rock River Road. In one mile, turn left onto Munising Ave. In two miles, you will arrive in Eben Junction. Turn right onto Eben Road. In 1.5 miles, turn right onto Frey Road. The trail head is on the right in a half mile.
Upon arriving at the Eben Ice Caves trailhead, you will cross through an open field toward a wooded path.
Parking will be along Frey Road or in the parking lot at the Caves. The ice caves are on the right side before the sharp left turn in the road. Oh, and these ice caves in the Upper Peninsula are free to visit! So add it to your things to do in Michigan this winter!
Eben Ice Caves are located in the Rock River Canyon Wilderness in the Hiawatha National Forest.
The trail to Eben Ice Caves in the Upper Peninsula is about 1.8 miles round trip from the vehicle (per my walking app) and winds through tall trees. We walked all over so we might have added a bit of mileage. It's gorgeous!
The Eben Ice Caves in Michigan are open 24-7, so you can visit anytime after a great freeze.
Plan to spend about 2.5 hours there as it takes a while to walk there and back also.
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Plan on lots of snow (and ice) so dress accordingly. And by lots of snow there could be 1-2 feet or more, especially after a fresh snow.
YOU NEED THESE: These are the exact Ice Cleats that I'm wearing in the photo above (and Chris in the video). They have 19 spikes of stainless steel. Excellent climbing crampons. |
Let just say...
We constantly saw people falling on the ice. The trip out there, especially the last bit is hilly, icy and well frankly, I wouldn't do it without these ice cleats.
We highly recommend the ice cleats I'm wearing from Amazon because:
As you can see in the video, the wind can be fierce across the field. You need to protect your face or you will be miserable.
I can't survive our Michigan winters without this Neck Gaiter. I use these all winter. Soft Interior of sherpa fleece. See it in my photos and video above. |
We have some great suggestions to stay warm here: Best Pants for Cold Weather
I love to wear a cute knit hat (skull cap) that is fleece lined so it protects you from strong wind. It's gotta go over your ears too! |
The first bit through the field is flat and easy, but then it gets very hilly, icy and a bit strenuous. (See our video above.)
If you plan to carry a child...I wouldn't. It's too dangerous with the ice and hills. If you have knee problems I wouldn't recommend it either.
Due to the immense popularity of the ice caves, we recommend arriving early in the morning so you can obtain closer parking and enjoy the serenity of the caves.
We recommend contacting the Alger County Chamber of Commerce to verify if the Michigan Ice Caves are frozen if you plan to visit prior to January 1st or after March 15th. They are a great resource.
It's generally safe to say the ice will last through mid March but anything after that is questionable. It's best to contact Alger County Chamber of Commerce to verify if you plan to visit after mid March.
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Yes! There are several porta potties in the parking area but obviously not at the caves.
Since the beginning of the trail to the Eben Ice Caves is on private property, be mindful to carry out any drink containers or wrappers, etc. They also have a cute little snack stand that is open on the weekends, so it's nice to buy a snack to help pay for the porta potties they have on their land.
You can park along Frey road or in the parking lot. The trailhead is to the east.
We highly recommend staying in Munising Michigan since there are lots of things to do, restaurants and activities.
Related Story: Top Things to See and Do in Munising.
We like to stay at the AmericInn by Wyndham Wetmore Munising. We have stayed here several times, we took the photos below. They have a nice pool, breakfast and homey feeling rooms.
Plus the AmericInn is close to Wagner Falls, Munising Falls and about 30 minutes from the ice caves.
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Where are the ice caves in Michigan? Not rated yet
We want to see the ice caves but not sure how to get to them. Do you have any info on them? I appreciate it, Marge.
Answer
Hi Marge!
You will …
How long do Eben Ice Caves last? Not rated yet
Do you know how many months we can see the caves? THANKS!
Answer
Hi Rodger!
I recommend seeing the ice caves from January until the beginning …
When should I visit Eben Ice Caves? Not rated yet
When is the best time to visit the ice caves in Michigan's UP?
Answer
Hi Kelly!
I recommend seeing the ice caves from January until the beginning …