Exciting News for Outdoor Lovers in Wisconsin
The National Park Service has shared some great news for those who enjoy the outdoors in Wisconsin.
The Apostle Islands Ice Caves will reopen on Monday, February 16th, for the first time since 2015, which is likely to attract many visitors to this breathtaking location.
Interestingly, from 2000 to 2023, the mainland ice caves were only accessible about 2% of the time.
It’s worth mentioning that most ice cave openings during this period occurred in just four years: 2004, 2008, 2009, and 2014.
These caves are located along the mainland bluffs of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on the southern shore of Lake Superior.
While it’s exciting that the ice caves are reopening, getting there will require some effort.
The hike is approximately 2-6 miles round trip across uneven lake ice, and there’s no shelter, water, or cell service along the way.
There’s a fee of $5 per person, and shuttle buses will be available every 25 minutes to help transport visitors.
What to Bring
Officials have offered some advice for those planning to visit the ice caves:
- Dress in warm, winter-appropriate clothing
- Wear warm waterproof boots equipped with traction devices
- Bring layers for warmth and windproof outerwear
- Consider trekking poles for balance
- Don’t forget snacks and water
Experts emphasize the importance of wearing waterproof boots with good grip and advise against standing under any sagging ice.
To safely reach the ice caves, certain weather conditions are necessary.
The ideal situation involves prolonged extreme cold—preferably below zero—and minimal wind, as these factors contribute to stable ice formation.
The National Park Service notes that Lake Superior needs to be at least 90% frozen for it to be safe to cross the lake to access the caves.
During 2014 and 2015, ice coverage hit about 95%, while the average is generally around 60%.
Keep in mind, strong winds across Lake Superior could potentially destabilize even thick ice.
Park rangers are keeping a close watch on the weather, which is expected to change midweek, possibly around Tuesday afternoon.
