Eben Ice Caves Ultimate Travel Guide (2022)

Winter in the Upper Peninsula isn’t complete without a trip to the dramatic Eben Ice Caves

Eben Ice Caves
Eben Ice Caves Ice Formations

The Eben Ice Caves need to be on everyone’s list when visiting the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the Winter. Follow this guide to fully understand why they are a can’t miss stop when exploring the Upper Peninsula in the Winter!

Eben Ice Caves Travel Guide

  • What are the Ice Caves
  • Where are they?
  • Where is the trailhead?
  • How difficult is the hike?
  • What to Bring
  • Bathrooms/Amenities

What are the Eben Ice Caves?

Eben Ice Caves are amazing

The Eben Ice caves are one of Michigan’s top winter attractions that should be experienced by all Winter visitors. When the temperatures start to drop, the formation of majestic ice caves begin.

Eben Ice Caves Current Conditions (1/1/22)

Eben Ice Caves Current condtions January 1 2022
Current conditions at Eben Ice Caves (1/1/22)

Current conditions at the ice caves are impressive. As the winter gets colder we will see a lot more ice but as of now, the formations are definitely worth venturing too especially being only 30 minutes from Marquette

Eben Ice Caves
Ice Caves of Eben - 2021

Directions to Eben Ice Caves

The Eben Ice Caves are located in Eben, Michigan, about 30 minutes south east of Marquette. 

The ice caves are apart of the Hiawatha National Forest and are a must visit spot during winter. Here are the Directions from Marquette to the Ice Caves:

  • Follow Highway 41 S out of town until you hit M-94 E to Skandia
  • Follow M-94 E for 12 miles and make a left onto Eben Rd
  • Follow Eben Rd for 1.5 miles and turn right onto Frey Rd

Finding the Ice Caves Trailhead

The Eben Ice Caves trailhead starts adjacent to the parking lot. There is a giant sign that you can’t miss that will lead you right onto the trail.

eben ice caves trailhead winter
Eben Ice Caves Trailhead

Hiking to the Ice Caves - Length, Time, Difficulty

Eben Ice Caves Hike

The hike to the caves is moderate. The beginning part of the trail is flat through open farm fields and eventually slopes down as you meander through a gorgeous forest of sprawling trees. You will eventually find your way to a river that isn’t clearly marked but stay right. Once you see a trail shortly after follow it up to the caves. The climb is somewhat steep but nothing drastic.

The hardest part of the hike is finding the right path up to the caves. Although it’s not very challenging, you can easily get of track if there’s snowfall or no prior footprints up the path. Luckily the paths are all pretty close and if you do miss them you won’t be lost long.

 The Eben Ive Caves hike should take you about 25 minutes each way and is around 2 miles roundtrip. If you need trail map for the Eben Ice Caves, head over to alltrails

If you feel like you are lost or going off trail don’t worry because there are different ways to get to the caves. 

There is also a path that takes you ABOVE the caves if you are interested in taking in the perspective from above. That trail is about at the halfway mark and if you aren’t looking for it/fresh snow fall, you will most likely pass it by.

What do I need to bring with me?

You definitely should bring some type of winter traction device for your boots. Whether it be yaktrax, crampons, or micro spikes, you will be glad you brought them. 

If you’re going to go inside the caves (as EVERYONE SHOULD) you will need them to enjoy and not slip on your face

Top UP Winter Experiences: 🥶 Best Ice Climbing in Munising

Eben Junction Area Info

  • Bathrooms are available in the parking lot of the ice Caves! They consist of a line of Porta Potties in the parking lot.
  • Food is available from the trailer that sells various fast food options and drinks. Hot Dogs, hot cocoa, and things of that nature.
  • You can also rent ice cleats at the trailer in the parking lot
  • The parking lot will get busy and has overflow parking on the road you came in on.
  • The New Moon Bar is just down the road and is a popular watering hole for visitors to the area.
  • Hotels near the Ice Caves are non existent. The best option is to get a hotel in Marquette or Munising!

Best Things to do Near the Ice Caves

These Ice caves are now one of my favorite winter destinations in Michigan. Only being 30 minutes from Marquette, make this Upper Peninsula tourist destination an easy Michigan Day trip. For more things to do near these amazing Michigan Ice Caves, check out my guides below!

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🪨 Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Winter

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