Those who are willing to trudge across Lake Superior’s frozen surface are being rewarded with a stunning display of ice formations rarely seen anymore in the spectacular Apostle Ice Caves.
The ice caves were deemed accessible on foot because of the frozen surface of Lake Superior since January. More than 35,000 have hiked to see the ice formations.
Warnings from the National Park Service for Apostle Islands Sea Caves
Visitors to the caves face a number of potential hazards. Boaters should avoid sea caves when conditions are rough. Get the marine weather forecast before leaving on your trip. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) should be worn. Kayakers should not visit the caves alone. When walking along cliff tops remember that this is an eroding shoreline, and stay back from the edge.
To reach the mainland caves in winter, visitors drive to the end of Meyers Road. The Lake Superior in this vicinity is frequently covered with ice for some or all of the period from late January to mid-March. If the lake is sufficiently frozen, visitors can walk, snowshoe, or ski northeast across the ice to the cliffs. The caves begin about one mile from Meyers Beach.
Winter visitors need to be especially careful:
Do not take chances if ice conditions are unstable. Beware of cracks in the ice even on the coldest days. Carry an ice bar to test ice thickness.
Sub-zero temperatures and bitter wind chills are common. Warm clothing is a must.
Walking on ice can be extremely slippery- wear sturdy boots to prevent slipping.
Watch out for falling ice and rock in and around the cliffs and caves.
Bayfield, Wisconsin Frozen Apostle Sea Caves “Ice Caves” (StormChasingVideo.com).
Droves of people are braving the cold to hike a frozen Lake Superior to see dramatic ice caves in northern Wisconsin.