Ultimate Guide to Eben Ice Caves, Michigan (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Eben Ice Caves should be on the top of the list if you plan to visit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They are one of the top winter attractions of the state and should be seen by all winter visitors. The formation of the majestic caves begins when the temperature starts to drop from mid or late December. It is only around 30 min southeast of Marquette and deserves to be visited by every tourist.
The hike to the cave can be termed moderate. It is not too difficult, and the climb is relatively steep but not too drastic. The intriguing part is finding the right path up to the caves. It is a challenging task, but luckily all the paths are close to each other, and you won’t feel lost ever. It is about 2 miles roundtrip and should not take more than 25 min each way.
History of Eben Ice Caves
If you are in Michigan during the cold winter season, you must check out Eben Ice Caves. Located in the Upper Peninsula, the ice caves are Michigan’s best gift to its residents and visitors. The ice caves form when the melting snow runs over the edge of a small cliff and freezes, thereby forming ice caves.
You must have seen the large ice formations along the Grand Island of Munising and in parts of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore; they disappear during summer.
Similarly, in summer, you will find little or no water running over the edge when you come to Eben Ice Caves. The caves of ice form here due to a perfect combination of slow melting of snow and frigid temperatures.
It is interesting to note that Eben Ice Caves is privately owned, but it has been opened to the public by its owners. To show your gratitude, you can buy something from the snack bar present here. The owners also maintain portable toilets in the parking area, and there is no extra charge for it.
Geological Cave Formations
The Rock River Canyon Ice Caves or Eben Ice Caves are known for fantastic ice formations, especially in winter. When you are inside the ‘cave’, you will view the ice stalactites forming from the rock roof. The natural formations inside Eben Ice Caves are stunningly beautiful and well worth the effort you would make to come here.
Wildlife in Eben Ice Caves
The area is pet-friendly, and you would see lots of dogs on the trail. You will also come across insects and small animals that you usually find near ice caves. You will find various species in the forest area, such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, moose, black bears, etc.
Is Eben Ice Caves Haunted?
Eben Ice Caves are not haunted and are one of the top attractions for tourists in Michigan.
How big are Eben Ice Caves?
The entire cave area is less than 50 yards long.
Eben Ice Cave Tours
There is no tour of the caves and no official trail to the caves. The route to the ice caves begins on private land off Frey Road, and there are portable toilets available here. You need to traverse a short distance through an open field to the woods from the trailhead.
A national forest sign marks the start of the one-mile trek to the caves. The trail will slowly descend towards Silver Creek and the caves. The caves can be accessed from above or below, but both directions are steep and challenging, and ice cleats are highly recommended.
Once you arrive, you can easily spend 30 to 40 min looking around. You can slide in behind the icy stalactites if you want to click photos. You may also climb up the ice curtains and stand above the caves for a nice photo. From here, you can trail the top section of the cave back to the parking area.
Eben Ice Cave Tour Prices and Discounts
There are no tours at Eben Ice Cave, and entry is free.
Is Eben Ice Caves Cold?
The temperature in the area often falls below zero, and the wind chill hovers around -30 below. The weather and temperature range is what you usually get at Upper Peninsula, so make sure to wear warm clothes.
What to Wear?
It will be cold when you come here in winter; so, it will be a good idea to pack in lots of warm clothes and heavy jackets to beat the chill comfortably. Many tourists prefer to wear snowshoes, but we suggest that you bring them only if you are coming after a snowstorm as hiking would be challenging wearing these snowshoes.
Otherwise, you must wear ice cleats. Ice cleats will play a significant role in enhancing your experience at Eben Ice Caves.
Eben Ice Caves Hours
The cave remains open throughout the day.
What to Do at Eben Ice Cave (Beside Tours)
Eben Ice Caves are the favorite destinations for many tourists in Michigan. Located just 30 min from Marquette, this tourist attraction is a perfect day-trip option from Michigan. The Upper Peninsula has many other interests, such as the Valley Spur Cross Country Ski Trail that offers 27 miles of trails through meadows and hardwood forest. You can also visit the ice curtains at Sand Point, where the ice stands a minimum of 20 ft high along the Sand Point Road.
Best Time to Visit Eben Ice Caves
The best time to visit is from Late December to Early March. You can view the caves safely during these months because if you come before December or after March, the weather might be too mild for formations to become frozen.
How to Get to Eben Ice Caves
Eben Ice Caves is not a roadside attraction, and it was a little hard to find earlier but not anymore. When you come to M-94 in Eben junction, turn north onto Eben Road and rive for about around 2 miles to Frey Road. Take a right turn on Frey Road and drive to the end but if you see scores of cars being parked, try to find a vacant spot to park your car.
If it is a weekend, you may come across around fifty vehicles parked along the road. Both Eben Road and Frey Road have signs that say ‘Ice Caves’; so, keep your eyes peeled out for the yellow-colored signs.
Hotels Nearby
If you are looking for accommodations near Eben Ice Caves, you can try out the Village Inn Motel, which is the top-rated hotel in Alger County. Apart from this, you will come across top hotel brands in Munising and Marquette.
Visiting Eben Ice Cave
Do you need more information before visiting? Call (906) 387-3700 or write to Munising Ranger District, Box 400, Munising, MI 49862 for an information packet.
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