Michigan’s Eben Ice Caves – The Ultimate Guide

Eben Ice Caves had been on our bucket list for quite some time. We had a free winter weekend, so we decided to head to the small town of Eben Junction in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to explore the ice caves. It may have been a chilly 17 degrees when we ventured on this winter hike, but it was worth it. Eben Ice Caves are spectacular and if you haven’t explored them yet, you should!

For more things to do in Michigan check out these articles
Yooperlite Rocks – How to Find Michigan’s Glowing Rocks
Exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in Winter
Things to do in Michigan in Fall

Fun Facts about Eben Ice Caves?

• Eben Ice Caves is also known as Rock River Canyon Ice Caves.
• The Ice Caves are located on private property.
• Eben Ice Caves are in the Hiawatha National Forest.
• They are not what one would consider an actual cave. Instead, they are made up of vertical walls of ice. These ice walls can stand 50 ft. tall.
• Ice Climbers can climb Eben Ice Cave’s walls of ice.
• In the summer, you will only see rock formations and dense foliage. No caves.
• It is free to visit.
• The ice formations are created by water dripping over and seeping through a sandstone bedrock cliff edge.
• The sandstone & cedar trees contribute to the yellow hue of the ice caves.

Where are Eben Ice Caves & Directions?

Address – Frey Road, Deerton, MI 49822

Eben Ice Caves is located in the Rock River Canyon Wilderness Area of the Hiawatha Forest.

How to get to Eben Ice Caves from St. Ignace, Mi

• Follow Cheeseman Rd to U.S. Rte 2 W in Moran Township
• Turn right onto U.S. Rte 2 W
• Turn right onto M-77 N
• Turn left onto M-28 W
• Continue on highway M-94 West. Drive to Frey Rd in Rock River Township

How to get to Eben Ice Caves From Green Bay, WI

• Take US-141 N/US-41 N, US Hwy 41 N, M-35 N and US Hwy 41 N to M-67 N in Trenary
• Take E T Rd to Frey Rd in Rock River Township

Parking Area at Eben Ice Caves

Eben Ice Caves parking lot is pretty small and it fills fast. When we arrived at 10 am there were very few cars in the lot. When we left at 1 pm, the lot was full and there was a long line of cars parked along the icy road.

In the plowed parking lot you’ll find porta-potties, a concession stand, and a donation box. Remember, the caves are on private land. The kind owners happily provide these amenities at no cost to you, but they pay for them out of their own pocket. Please be kind to their land and donate if you can.

*Good news! They have added more parking areas!

Are there bathrooms at Eben Ice Caves?

Yes! When we went there were a few portable bathrooms in the parking lot.

Best Time to Visit Eben Ice Caves

Late December- early March is the best time to visit Eben Ice Caves. Michigan’s weather may be too mild for the season and cause the ice caves to form later or melt sooner than expected. I highly recommend checking AllTrails or Eben Ice Caves Facebook page before visiting. They’ll let you know what shape Eben Ice Caves are in.

Eben Ice Caves Trail Map

Eben Ice Caves Trail

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 2.2-mile hike
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Elevation Gain: 131 ft.
• Dog Friendly: Yes.
• Entrance Fee: FREE

From the parking lot, head east through the open field, towards the forest and you’ll arrive at the trailhead. At the beginning of the trail, you’ll find some signs about Eben Ice Caves.

Once you enter the forest, the trail markers become non-existent. We truly had no idea if we were headed in the right direction. Some parts of the trail were heavily trafficked while others weren’t. It’s important to note that there are shallow streams that cross over the trail occasionally. There was a decent amount of fresh snow that had fallen the night before we hiked, so we couldn’t see the streams. We only knew they were there when our foot went through the thin ice and into the shallow water. For this reason, I highly recommend tall, waterproof boots. I also strongly encourage ice cleats. Many parts of the trail are icy.

I wouldn’t take small children on this trail during the winter. There are a lot of steep ups, slippery hills & shallow streams.

Eben Ice Caves Tips & Tricks

• Arrive Early
  This is a very popular place. Avoid crowds by arriving early and on weekdays. Weekends bring a lot of people!
• Dress Warm
  It was only 17 degrees at the time we started our hike. I debated about whether or not I wanted to wear snow pants and I’m so glad I did. After sliding down icy hills, accidentally stepping through partially frozen streams (didn’t know they were there), and falling a few times, I wouldn’t do this hike without them. They kept me warm and dry.
• Wear Ice Cleats
  The trails get icy and the ice cleats definitely help to keep you upright. Make sure you get them for your kids too.
• Bring Water & Snacks (especially if you have kids with you)
  I brought a bag with snacks but didn’t include any drinks. We didn’t think we’d be gone as long as we were and we all got really thirsty.
• Spotty Cell Service
  Mobile devices may have spotty service. You might want to download your trail maps and directions to the caves beforehand.

What to Pack

Helpful Resources We Can’t Live Without

Accommodations- We love and swear by HiltonHonors, but when we want to stay someplace different, we use Hotels.com. You can search for deals on hotels, cabins, houses & more.

Getting There- Roadtripping with our car is how we prefer to travel. That being said, Skyscanner has great deals on flights and RVShare has deals on RV rentals.

Other Favorites-
Save money on gas- Upside
Find pit stops on your route- RoadTrippers
Deals on local food & attractions- Living Social
Explore top city attractions at a fraction of the price- CityPASS

Looking for gear? See the best deals on clothing & gear here, & best travel essentials here.
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We had the best time exploring Eben Ice Caves with our kids. We can’t recommend this natural wonder enough.

Things to Do Near Eben Ice Caves

• Scotts Falls
• Wagner Falls
• Pictured Rocks
• Abandoned Iron Ore Dock in Marquette

Michigan Ice Caves are a unique & fun outdoor activity. If you are excited about Eben Ice Caves, you may want to check out Grand Island Ice Caves nearby.

What are your thoughts? Have you been? Will you go? Do you have any additional advice to add? Let us and our readers know in the comments below.

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