Eben Ice Caves: Complete Guide to Michigan’s Frozen Waterfalls
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Eben Ice Caves: Complete Guide to Michigan’s Frozen Waterfalls
Why Visit the Eben Ice Caves
Imagine walking behind a frozen waterfall. Icicles 30-40 feet long. Ice curtains glowing gold from the sandstone behind them. And it’s completely free.
The Eben Ice Caves (officially called the Rock River Canyon Ice Caves) form every winter in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula when snowmelt seeps through sandstone cliffs and freezes into massive ice formations. It’s one of those places that doesn’t look real until you’re standing in front of it.
Located in the Hiawatha National Forest near the tiny crossroads of Eben Junction — about 20 miles southwest of Munising — these caves have become one of the UP’s most popular winter attractions.
How the Eben Ice Caves Form
There’s no waterfall here in summer — just a sandstone cliff. But when temperatures drop, the slow seep of water through the rock freezes layer by layer, building ice curtains, columns, and cave-like formations. The sandstone minerals give the ice a yellowish or golden tint in places, which makes for incredible photos.
The formations are different every year depending on snowfall and temperatures.
The Hike to the Eben Ice Caves
The trail is about 2 miles roundtrip (roughly 0.75 miles each way). Plan for 30-45 minutes each direction depending on conditions and how many photos you stop for.
What to expect:
- The first stretch is flat and easy, crossing a farmer’s field
- Then you enter the woods where it gets hillier with some ups and downs
- You’ll reach the caves and can explore the ice formations
When you’re ready to leave, you have two options:
- Turn around and head back the way you came (easier)
- Continue up the steep trail at the far end of the cave and loop back on the upper trail (harder, but a different view)
Either way works — the steep climb is optional, not required to see the caves.
Important: The trailhead and parking area are on private land. The Rondeau family allows public access for free — donations are appreciated to help maintain the parking lot and porta-potties.
How to Get to the Eben Ice Caves
Set your GPS before you leave — cell service is spotty to nonexistent out here.
From M-94 in Eben Junction:
- Turn north onto Eben Road
- Drive about 1.5 miles to Frey Road
- Turn right on Frey Road and follow it to the end
Look for yellow “Ice Caves” signs on both roads. On busy weekends, you may need to park along the road.
From Munising: About 20 miles, roughly 30 minutes
From Marquette: About 30 miles, roughly 40 minutes
Best Time to Visit the Eben Ice Caves
Best months: January through early March when the ice is fully formed. December can work if it’s been cold enough. By late March/April, things start melting.
Best time of day: Early morning for fewer people and better light for photos.
How long to plan: 1.5-2 hours total including the hike and time to explore the caves.
What to Wear and Bring
This is non-negotiable: bring ice cleats. Yaktrax, crampons, microspikes — whatever you have. The trail and caves are icy and people without traction slip constantly.
Also bring:
- Warm, waterproof boots
- Layers (you’ll warm up hiking, then cool down standing at the caves)
- A scarf or neck gaiter — the farmer’s field at the start of the trail is wide open and wind can hit hard
- Gloves you can operate your phone camera in
- Water Bottle – with strap
- Cash for donations
Leave at home: Snowshoes (unless there’s been a major fresh snowfall — usually the trail is packed down)
Visitor Information
- Cost: FREE (donations appreciated)
- Parking: Free lot at the trailhead, plus roadside parking on busy days
- Restrooms: Porta-potties at the trailhead (free, maintained by the landowners)
- Concession stand: May be open on weekends — bring your own cleats and snacks just in case
- Pets: Allowed on leash
- Cell service: Extremely limited — download directions before you go
- Mechanized equipment: Snowmobiles not allowed on the trail
While You’re in the Area
The Eben Ice Caves are in prime UP winter territory. If you’re making the drive, consider adding:
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore — Ice formations along the cliffs are spectacular in winter
- Kitch-iti-kipi — Michigan’s largest spring, open year-round
- Snowmobiling — The UP has hundreds of miles of groomed trails
- Tahquamenon Falls — Partially frozen falls make for great winter photos
Hungry? Don’t leave the UP without trying a pasty. Check out our guide to UP Foods.
Lodging: Munising (about 20 miles) is your closest option for hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.
FAQ
Can I visit the Eben Ice Caves in summer?
You can hike the trail, but there’s no ice — just a sandstone cliff. The caves only form in winter when temperatures stay below freezing. If you’re in the area during warmer months, the Rock River Canyon is still a nice walk through the woods, just don’t expect the frozen formations.
Are the Eben Ice Caves actually caves?
Not technically. They’re ice formations that hang from a sandstone cliff overhang, creating cave-like spaces you can walk into and behind. Moderate. The trail has some steep sections and is slippery without cleats. Most reasonably fit people can do it, but it’s not stroller or wheelchair accessible.
Is the hike hard?
Moderate. The trail has some steep sections and is slippery without cleats. Most reasonably fit people can do it, but it’s not stroller or wheelchair accessible.
Do I really need ice cleats?
Yes. You’ll see people slipping and sliding the whole way without them. Don’t be that person.
Share Your Experience
Have you visited the Eben Ice Caves? Drop your photos and tips in the comments!
Road Trip Owl Picks
Disclaimer: While we strive for accuracy, trail conditions, parking availability, and access may change — especially depending on weather and snowfall. The trailhead and parking are on private land; continued public access depends on visitors respecting the property. Always check current conditions before you go. Names of locations mentioned are property of their respective owners. Content on this page is for informational purposes only. We recommend checking with local sources for the most up-to-date information.
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