Lake Superior Ice Caves Back Open After 11 Years

After an 11-year wait, one of the Midwest's most breathtaking winter phenomena is back! As of this week, the ice caves at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in northern Wisconsin are officially open for the 2026 season.

The National Park Service announced the opening on Monday, marking the first time since 2015 that conditions have been suitable for public access to these spectacular frozen formations along Lake Superior's mainland cliffs.

"Few places offer an experience like the Apostle Islands ice caves," BriAnna Weldon, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore superintendent, said in a statement to local news outlets. "The ice caves are a rare and remarkable winter phenomenon."

Weather in your inbox

Forecast Location

Sign Up

By signing up you agree to the Terms & Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe at any time.

What Are the Apostle Islands Ice Caves?

The ice caves aren't actually traditional caves at all. Rather, they're sandstone sea caves along the park's mainland cliffs near Meyers Beach that transform into a dazzling winter spectacle when Lake Superior freezes solid.

These caves are part of the park's 21-island archipelago system, though the accessible ice caves form along the mainland shoreline rather than on the islands themselves. During warmer months, kayakers paddle into these same caves to admire the sculpted sandstone. But winter transforms them into a frozen gallery accessible only by foot across Lake Superior's frozen surface.

A Rare Natural Event

The ice caves' opening is far from guaranteed each winter. Lake Superior must freeze solid enough and stay frozen long enough for safe public access, a combination that has become increasingly rare.

Just how rare? The last time the ice was safe enough for the caves to be officially opened was in 2015. Before that, the caves opened for a brief three-week window in 2014, drawing an estimated 138,000 visitors during that time. Prior to 2014, conditions hadn't been suitable since 2009.

Climate patterns affecting Lake Superior's ice coverage have made these formations less predictable. The Great Lakes have experienced declining ice coverage over recent decades due to warming temperatures, making years with sufficient ice increasingly special events.

Planning Your Visit

Visiting the ice caves requires preparation and flexibility. Here's what you need to know:

Access and Fees:

• $5 per person/day fee for ages 16 and older (under 16 free)
• Purchase passes online at Pay.gov before arrival
• No parking at Meyers Beach trailhead — shuttle service required

Getting There:

The ice caves are located along the Lake Superior shoreline near Meyers Beach, about 18 miles from Bayfield, Wisconsin, and 90 miles from Duluth, Minnesota.

Since no parking is available at the trailhead, visitors must use Bayfield County's shuttle service from designated parking areas:

• Cornucopia lots (4 miles from caves): $5 each way, cash only
• Sand River Gravel Pit (6 miles from caves): $5 each way, cash only

Shuttles run about every 25-35 minutes, though delays may occur.

The Hike:

Expect a 2- to 6-mile round-trip trek across the frozen surface of Lake Superior. The route crosses uneven lake ice with no shelter, limited cell service and exposure to harsh winter conditions.

What to Bring

Park officials emphasize the challenging nature of this winter adventure. Essential gear includes:

• Warm, waterproof boots with ice traction devices (cleats or crampons)
• Multiple warm layers and windproof outerwear
• Trekking poles for stability
• Water and high-energy snacks
• Fully charged cell phone (though service is limited)

Safety First

"We know visitors are excited about the possibility of exploring the ice caves," Superintendent Weldon told local media. "Safety is our top priority, and conditions can change quickly on Lake Superior. Please check official sources before traveling."

Ice conditions can change rapidly, and the park may close access on short notice. Before traveling, always check:

The official NPS webpage at go.nps.gov/IceCaves

The ice caves information line at (715) 779-3398 x3

Facebook updates at facebook.com/apostleislandsnps

Important safety reminders:

• Never stand beneath hanging ice formations
• Watch for cracks and pressure ridges in the ice
• Avoid crawling into small openings
• Standing water may be present even when ice is thick
• Slips and falls are common on the uneven surface