The Eben Ice Caves

I made an expedition over to Eben to see the famed iced caves located in that region of the UP. We did have a little trouble finding the place and ended up in Trenary (which was pretty cool because we ended up getting a free tour of the toast factory, a U.P favorite). Just park on the side of the road. It was a little bit of a hike once we found the trailhead, which really isn't a trailhead but a private field that the owner allows non-motorized traffic to cross in order to get to the area where the trail begins in the woods. I think the total hiking distance to see the cave is around a mile and a half round trip from the road. Once you make it to the woods just follow the beaten path until you see the ice caves. Watch your step, the trail for this hike does get a little treacherous with some really steep areas. I would definitely recommend snow shoes but they are not really required.

The Eben ice caves are pretty cool. You can walk under and around them. If you take a close look at the front of the wall of the caves you can see how they are being formed. They are being formed out of thousands of icicles from the water of the Rock River. The area is really nice and a good day trip to experience some of what the Hiawatha National Forest has to offer. It is quite the sight. Bring a camera. Seeing the ice caves is a really enjoyable hike and worth the drive out to Eben.

Directions from Marquette: Take US 41 South (16 miles) to a left at M 94 East. Take M94 (12 - 14 miles) till you see the blinking light in Eben and go left (North). That road will be straight for awhile and curve twice after the second curve is the field that you have to cross to get the the trailhead. If you get lost just ask around in Eben, everyone is friendly and they will guide you to it.

~splash