With cold weather firmly in place across the Upper Peninsula, massive ice formations are growing at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and in the Rock River Canyon Wilderness Area, attracting thousands of visitors to enjoy the spectacle.
Viewing ice “caves” and ice formations has become a popular winter activity at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the surrounding area, the National Park Service said earlier this winter.
“Water seeping out of the porous sandstone cliffs freezes into spectacular curtains and columns of white ice tinged with blue, green, or yellow hues. The ice generally begins to form by mid-December and remains until early April,’ the NPS said.
In addition to ice covering the face of the lakeshore along Lake Superior, the park also includes numerous cliffs and canyons where ice forms from the surrounding sandstone.
One easily accessible spot near Munising is off Sand Point Road. The most easily-accessed ice formations are found along the inland cliff escarpment between Munising Falls and Sand Point, parallel to Sand Point Road. Visitors should park at the Sand Point Beach parking lot and walk back on the road a quarter to a half mile where black-and-white signs point the way to such ice formations as No Boundaries, Amphitheater, Curtains, Dryer Hose and several others.
“Walk/hike uphill to the base of the escarpment to find and view the ice,” the park service said. “There are no designated trails, but cliffs and ice can be seen through the forest as you walk along the road. People walking up to the formations create visible snow-packed trails over time.”
Munising Falls, also in the immediate area, also freezes over and provides icy views.
Pictured Rocks is only one of many places in the Upper Peninsula where the public can see natural ice formations during the winter. Here’s a look at others.
Eben Ice Caves in Rock River Canyon Wilderness
The Eben ice caves are a well-known winter attraction in Michigan located in the Rock River Canyon Wilderness Area of the Hiawatha National Forest.
When water from the cliffs starts to freeze in December, visitors can see ice formations and also support the local businesses in Eben Junction.
The Facebook page, Eben Ice Caves, shares photos from the public and information about trekking to the winter attraction.
To reach the site, from Munising travel south on M-28 to M-94. Take M-94 west past Chatham to Eben Junction. Turn north onto Eben Road and drive about 1.5 miles to Frey Road. Turn right on Frey Road and drive to the end where you’ll find a volunteer-maintained parking lot and restrooms.
To get to the canyon, you’ll walk a winding trail through the forest and then down the side of the canyon where you eventually find the ice-covered canyon face.
Are the ice caves easy to get to?
Generally, yes, but the footing can be treacherous without proper gear.
Hikers should wear cleats on their boots to grip icy spots and steep trails. There are a variety of brands and types of spiked shoes and removable cleats you can use.
“Injuries have occurred as a result of slips and falls. Good traction aids also protect natural resources — past visitors have uprooted vegetation and damaged soils due to poor footing,” the National Park Service said.
Michigan Ice Fest takes place in February
Michigan Ice Fest, an annual event in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It features workshops and sites for visitors to climb.
Michigan Ice Fest takes place the second week in February, from Feb. 11-15, 2026. Ice climbers can register on the Michigan Ice Fest website for $75.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Planning to visit Eben ice caves, Pictured Rocks? What to know
Reporting by Jalen Williams and Dan Basso, USA TODAY NETWORK / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
