Pictured Rocks, Eben ice caves are forming. Where to see them,

The previous week’s chilly climate — file chilly in some locations — has begun to create lovely “ice caves” in Michigan’s Higher Peninsula, drawing guests to Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore and Rock River Canyon close to Eben Junction.

“Now we have had very chilly temperatures in latest weeks, which suggests the ice formations are forming!” Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore stated in a Fb submit on December 4.

Viewing ice caves and ice formations has turn out to be a well-liked winter exercise at Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore and surrounding areas, based on the Nationwide Park Service. “Water seeping from the porous sandstone cliffs freezes into spectacular curtains and columns of white ice with blue, inexperienced or yellow hues. The ice often begins to kind in mid-December and stays till early April.”

Along with ice masking the lakeshore alongside Lake Superior, the park additionally contains quite a few cliffs and canyons the place ice kinds from the encompassing sandstone. As soon as simply accessible spot is alongside Sand Level Highway.

Essentially the most simply accessible ice formations are discovered alongside the inland cliff slope between Munising Falls and Sand Level, parallel to Sand Level Highway, the park service defined. Guests should park within the Sand Level Seaside car parking zone and stroll again 1 / 4 to half a mile.

The submit reminded guests that there isn’t any parking on Sand Level Highway.

“Stroll/hike uphill to the bottom of the slope to search out and consider the ice,” the park service stated. “There are not any designated trails, however cliffs and ice might be seen by means of the forest as you stroll alongside the highway. Individuals strolling to the formations create seen snow-covered trails over time.”

Extra: The place can you discover frozen waterfalls in Michigan this winter? Here is what it’s essential know

Pictured Rocks is only one of many locations within the Higher Peninsula the place the general public can see pure ice formations within the winter. Here is a have a look at others.

Eben Ice Caves present in Rock River Canyon Wilderness

The Eben Ice Caves are a well known winter attraction in Michigan, positioned within the Rock River Wilderness space of ​​the Hiawatha Nationwide Forest.

When the water on the cliffs begins to freeze in December, guests can see ice formations and likewise help native companies Eben connection.

The Fb web page, Eben Ice Caves, shares images from the general public and details about trekking to the winter attraction.

To achieve the positioning, journey south from Munising on M-28 to M-94. Take M-94 west previous Chatham to Eben Junction. Flip north to Eben Highway and drive roughly 1.5 miles to Frey Highway. Flip proper onto Frey Highway and drive to the top. Eben Highway and Frey Highway have yellow indicators that learn “Ice Caves, based on Pure Michigan.

Grand Island Nationwide Recreation Space

The Grand Island National Recreation Areapositioned in Lake Superior, about half a mile off the coast of Munising, and about 70 miles from Marquette.

Identified for its assortment of non-motorized trails, seashores and viewpoints, Grand Island is open within the winter to discover and respect nature.

In winter, the island’s excessive cliffs are dwelling to frozen formations, very like the Eben Ice Caves or these at Pictured Rocks, however crossing to the island isn’t really useful.

“You possibly can solely entry the island in winter by snowmobile, cross-country skis or snowshoes. It’s best to journey over the ice from Munising at your individual danger as there are not any ensures that Lake Superior is agency or secure,” warns Higher Peninsula Journey and Recreation Affiliation.

A number of the greatest and most secure views are from throughout the canal at Sand Level.

Michigan Ice Fest takes place in February

Michigan Ice Cream Festival, an annual occasion at Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore. It options workshops and areas the place guests can climb.

Michigan Ice cream party takes place the second week of February, February 11-15, 2026. Ice climbers can register for the Michigan Ice Fest website for $75.