Winter Hiking to Eben Ice Caves

In this chilly winter season, what can help you keep yourself warm? Yes, a winter hike to the frosty Rock River Canyon Ice Caves, popularly known as the Eben Ice Caves. Eben Ice Caves near Marquette are the perfect location to explore in the winters. It is a small cliff covered with the melted snow that gets frozen at the edges, giving it the beauteous ice-cave like look.

These Ice caves are outside Marquette County and 31.5 miles from the Superior Stay Hotel. It took us not more than 40 minutes to reach the trailhead located on the Eben Junction, Frey road via US-41 S and M-94 E.

Get Directions to Eben Ice Caves

To get to the caves, we had to get through a farmer’s field and hardly a mile-long trail. The hike included the private property too, where all the visitors and we parked our vehicles. It also had several portable toilets. Both of the services were provided by the landowners free of charge.

If you like their generous gesture and need to thank them, you can donate in the red donation box placed nearby.

Moving on, you’ll find the trail map. Then we reached the woods where the actual hike starts. The trail to the caves wasn’t marked well, but we took a picture of the map earlier, so we were on the right track. As it was our first time visiting the caves, we found the trail a bit exhausting, but the views make it worth the while.

On the way to the Ice caves, you’ll notice a downed tree and the Footbridge; they were also marked on the trail map. But they were mentioned there as a mere landmark so that you know you’re on the right path.

What to wear/carry for the hike

It’s important to note that heavy fabrics won’t necessarily make you feel warm. So let’s discuss how to cover yourself efficiently from head-to-toe so that you can relish this distant wilderness with appropriate clothing.

Wear waterproof jackets and bottoms

Waterproof jackets and bottoms are the number one insulator. Make sure to layer them up as they are windproof and breathable and avoid wetness from the snow.

Use Ice Cleats

It’s always a good idea to use ice cleats when going to such a place, the descent is icy and slippery, and it’s dangerous to explore the caves with slick rubber boots. Also, You’ll have to bring your Ice Cleats as they are not available anywhere on-site.

Carry hiking poles

Take hiking/walking poles for a better hiking experience, they’ll help you climb the steep areas easily.

Carry water and energy bars

As the trail is a bit exhausting, it’s better to carry some energy bars; so that when you reach, you are fully boosted up to explore the beauteous Ice caves.

When to visit the Eben Ice Caves?

Eben Ice caves are mostly visited after December when covered with thick snow sheets. It has no opening/closing time, so you can go there anytime you want. But as we went in the daylight and could experience the ice caves’ insides and get the excellent forest view from in between the ice drapes, we would suggest you go around 11 in the morning to get the best shots. The caves are so strong that you can even climb them to get a panoramic view of the area. Just be careful with the ice as it’s very slippery without the ice cleats, and there are no medical facilities available.

Check the FAQ section for quick answers to your questions regarding our Eben Ice Caves visit. If your question is not covered here, you can contact us; we’ll be more than happy to further share our experience.

Experience Shared By AJ (Superior Stay Hotel General Manager)

FAQs about the Eben Ice caves