We have always loved this area because of the Pictured Rocks adventures as well as all the summer vibes in the UP! So we decided to try and hit up this area in the winter... We almost dare to say it was better! Before you go crazy arguing check out these awesome winter adventures!
BE SURE AND GET SOME ICE SPIKES for your shoes! We highlighly recommend checking out REI's (our sister in law had some that were awesome. Pretty sure she held each of us up at least once during this trip, even though we had our spikes on:)) Here are some others we found on Amazon.
Where to stay:
We found a quaint little Airbnb and it was just perfect for the weekend. There isn't a lot close by besides Airbnb's and maybe a hotel or two. Keep in mind also that a lot of cabins are boarded up for the winter in this area so you have even less of a pick.
Where to eat:
We mostly grabbed groceries besides one night and you can see that awesome pizza place in our UP Restaurant post here.
Adventures:
We came for one adventure and that was it... the rest kinda fell into our laps and we are so thankful!
Eben Ice Caves: HIGHLIGHLY RECOMMEND GETTING GREAT SPIKES HERE!
2. Mile hike in and out. This place is so unique and beautiful. Reading about it I didn't realize how PACKED it would be. Pulling up we happen to find a good parking place but it was probably a good 1/2 mile of cars backed up on the road. There was a little food stand by the trail head and a place you can rent spikes. We headed out on the trail and a few steps in Jade already needed in the pack:) The snow does make it a bit harder of a hike. Also I would say the beginning of the hike is a bit colder because it's an open field. Once in the trees it wasn't as bad. Again, the day we went was packed so made the slippery parts a bit more difficult. Honestly, I was surprised how many did it because by the end of the hike to go up to the caves it's very steep and icey. There were many groups having a wonderful time and sliding down! It was very fun but you aren't going to get that 'no people shot' for the gram. It was very powerful to see and you can climb through the ice caves. Highly recommend having great spikes for this!
Picture Rocks Vista - Miners Castle
We had some family with us who hadn't seen the Pictured Rocks. This is the only way to see Pictured without taking the Chapel Loop Trail or a boat. Even though nothing is technically open we thought we may as well try and drive to the one vista you can see them at. As we started there were many cars in the ditch on the 1 mile gravel road. Only do this if you have four wheel drive, they do NOT plow it! Here is the location.
So thankful we made it as this was one of the most unique textures I've seen of the Pictured Rocks! There were only a few other people out there and the bathrooms are locked - so don't try :) So fun!
We're not done with this day yet!
Munising Falls -
Again, coming here in the summer is beautiful... coming here in the winter is MIND blowing! We were able to get up close and really see how powerful water can be. Such an amazing experience.
Get some rest- here comes the most amazing winter adventure ever!
Ice Curtains at Sand Point:
We almost don't want to share about this area because it was so untouched and absolutely beautiful :) But we will cuz' you need to see it! This area is known for it's ice climbers, which we did see while we were leaving! Such a cool experience! Here is a website if you want to try it out. What we loved about this area is the few people we came up on. We were at the caves 30 ish minutes before anyone else came. It was so nice to really soak in the beauty and climb around and check it out. Where to park:
Sand Point Marsh - Sand Point Road How to get there: You will park at You'll walk along the road for a while to get to the trail head. Once you do it is STRAIGHT up for about .10 of a mile. Parking is prohibited along Sand Point Road so you'll have to walk this part less than a mile. You'll also find the trails below: On your way to the above trail head you'll see a couple others. Our favorite we hit up was:
The Amphitheater: Short climb up (a bit longer and less steep then the Ice Curtains) but so unique and beautiful especially if there's a layer of snow. We enjoyed singing a little Frozen and slid around a little bit! So beautiful.
Kitch-iti-kipi Spring & Raft Ride
