For the first time in more than a decade, visitors can access the ice caves within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior.
The National Park Service opened access to the popular winter attraction near Meyers Beach on Monday (Feb. 16). Visitors haven’t been able to safely hike across the frozen lake to view the icy cliffs since 2015.
Extreme cold snaps in January caused more than half of Lake Superior to freeze, allowing access to the caves as long as ice remains stable.
From our 2014 archives: Winter gives access to dramatic ice caves along Lake Superior
BriAnna Weldon, the lakeshore’s superintendent, said in a statement that few places offer an experience like the Apostle Islands ice caves.
“The ice caves are a rare and remarkable winter phenomenon,” Weldon said. “We know visitors are excited about the possibility of exploring the ice caves. Safety is our top priority, and conditions can change quickly on Lake Superior. Please check official sources before traveling.”
Park officials are closely monitoring a winter storm that’s expected to hit Tuesday afternoon with potential for high winds that could break up even thick ice. If conditions deteriorate, officials may close access to the ice caves.
In 2014, the ice caves created an estimated $10 to $12 million economic boon to the Bayfield area after people descended on the region when photos of ice formations on sandstone cliffs near Meyers Beach went viral on social media. The Apostle Islands drew in more than 290,000 visitors from across the world in 2014, of which more than half flocked to the park during the first three months.
Visitors should prepare to hike more than two miles round-trip on the frozen lake. They can access the ice caves from the trailhead at Meyers Beach. The parking lot there is closed. Park officials said those seeking to view the ice caves must use off-site parking lots and county-run shuttles provided by Bay Area Rural Transit.
People can use parking lots four to six miles southwest of Meyers Beach at the Bell Town Hall and Cornucopia Beach, as well as the Sand River Gravel Pit on state highway 13. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation said parking on the shoulder of the highway near Meyers Beach is prohibited while the ice caves remain open.
While recent days have been unseasonably warm, park officials advise people to dress for harsh winter weather and wear warm, waterproof boots with sufficient traction. Visitors should consider dressing in layers or using trekking poles, as well as bring water and snacks.
While recent days have been unseasonably warm, park officials advise people to dress for harsh winter weather and wear warm, waterproof boots with sufficient traction. Visitors should consider dressing in layers or using trekking poles, as well as bring water and snacks.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore charges a $5 daily fee to each person who visits the ice caves, which can be paid online at pay.gov. People must pay in cash for the $10 round-trip shuttle service to and from the icy spectacle. Separate fees for parking may also apply.
People can monitor the National Park Service website at nps.gov and Facebook page at facebook.com/apostleislandsnps for updates on conditions or call 715-779-3398 ext. 3.
This story was written by Wisconsin Public Radio, one of the partner news agencies of the Forum Communications Company.
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