Breathtaking Eben Ice Caves Guide in Michigan's Upper Peninsula Near Munising-Rock River Canyon | Map, Location, Pictures, Trailhead, Hotels-Lodging, Parking, Things to Do This Winter
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!
- These Michigan ice caves are also called Rock River Canyon Ice Caves.
Where are the Ice Caves in Michigan? Trailhead Map | How to Get to Eben Ice Caves
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 Map and Trailhead
- How to use the Eben Ice Caves Map:
- Click on the plus and minus in the left corner to zoom in or out.
- Click on the icons for more info and addresses.
- Click on the map to drag and move it to view surrounding areas.
- Click the small white rectangle in the upper left of the map to see a menu. To hide the menu, click the rectangle in the header.
- Click on the "square" icon in the upper right side to expand the map for better viewing. This will open a new tab in your browser.
Eben Ice Caves are located in the Rock River Canyon Wilderness in the Hiawatha National Forest.
How Far is the Walk to Eben Ice Caves in the Upper Peninsula?
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!
When Are the Eben Ice Caves Open?
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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What To Wear at Eben Ice Caves in Michigan: Top 4 Must-Have's
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.
1. Ice Cleats
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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:
- Super easy to put on and off
- They actually stay on and don't slip as you walk
- Cheap
- They are lightweight
- Come in a cute pouch for storage
2. Neck Gaiter
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.
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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. |
3. Warm Pants!
We have some great suggestions to stay warm here: Best Pants for Cold Weather
4. A Warm Hat!
|
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! |
Is It an Easy Walk to Eben Ice Caves?
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.
When Should I Visit the Eben Ice Caves?
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.
- Not to mention obtaining better photos without the crowds. We were there at 10:00 a.m.
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.
- Generally, it is a good time to visit from mid-January through mid March. We were there January 24th.
How Long do Eben Ice Caves Last?
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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Things To Do Near Eben Ice Caves in the Upper Peninsula
- Our Munising Michigan Guide, Top Things to See and Do in Munising is jam packed with things to do near Eben Ice Caves.
- Oh, and go see several Incredible Frozen Waterfalls that are all close to Munising and the Michigan ice caves!!
Are There Bathrooms at Eben Ice Caves?
Yes! There are several porta potties in the parking area but obviously not at the caves.
Trail to Eben Ice Caves is on Private Property
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.
Where to Park at Eben Ice Caves
You can park along Frey road or in the parking lot. The trailhead is to the east.
Hotels Near Eben Ice Caves
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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What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
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 …
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