Ice Caves in Michigan: Where to See Them & How to Get There

The harsh winters in Michigan's Upper Peninsula create some of the most spectacular natural ice caves in the United States. 

There are two main ice caves in Michigan: 

1. Eben Ice Caves 
2. Grand Island Ice Caves 

Eben Ice Caves

Parking coordinates: 46.376495, -86.959705

Eben Caves is located within Hiawatha National Forest roughly 28 minutes southwest of Munising. The trail to the caves is a flat and easy 2.2-mile round-trip hike through the forest. 

There is one main wall of caves the makeup Eben Ice Caves, which reach between 10-20 feet high. They form consistently almost every winter, but you must be patient on timing. 

Many times, the caves do not fully form until early-mid January, so the best time to visit would be January and February. 

The snow trail can be hiked with winter boots, but if you have a pair of microspikes it will make the entire hike easier and more enjoyable. 

Grand Island Ice Caves 

Parking Coordinates: 46.453025, -86.606927

The Grand Island Ice Caves are taller and more spectacular, but also more dangerous. These Michigan ice caves rely on long, harsh winters to be safe enough to visit. 

Before you plan a trip to Munising, I would research and call Grand Island National Recreation Area to check ice conditions and if it is safe to visit. 

This is because, in order to get to the ice caves, you must either hike or snowmobile across the frozen bay from Sand Point to the eastern coast of the island. 

Once you decide to go, make sure you pack the following: 

• Thermal layer 
• Winter coat 
• Snowpants 
• Gloves 
• Winter hat 
• Hand warmers 
• Winter boots 
• Thermal socks 
• 1 Liter water 
• Snacks/lunch 
• Sunglasses 

If you want an additional adventure and have the equipment, try snowshoeing or cross country skiing across the bay. 

The most important thing is making sure the ice is safe enough to trek across. People have fallen through thin ice when trying to cross too early. Late January and February, or after an extreme cold streak, will always be the safest time go make the journey.  

If the winter has been warmer than average, the caves may never form and Lake Superior may never be safe enough to cross. 

That's okay because waiting for these ice caves is totally worth it. 

When do you DO trek safely across the bay, the Grand Island ice caves will be pretty easy to spot. 

Park your vehicle at Sand Point and begin the trek roughly .7 miles across the bay to the caves. 

Once you are there, choose where you want to go. There is no hiking path or specific area where the caves are best. Half the fun of this adventure is the freedom to explore and experience one of the coolest wonders in Michigan. 

If you are lucky, you might see some ice climbers setting routes up one of the many ice pillars. 

Ice Caves in Michigan: Which is Best?

When it comes down to it, BOTH ice caves in Michigan are worth a visit. They are also located in the same general area, which means a visit to one should be a visit to both. I personally like the Grand Island ice caves for their scale and beautiful blue/green colors that illuminate in the sun.