Sea Caves/Ice Caves

Conditions at the apostle islands mainland caves

Fall 2023: NOT APPLICABLE

The mainland ice caves in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are currently INACCESSIBLE. 

• See the latest conditions on the NPS Facebook page. 
• The ice line will have updated status starting sometime in January at 715-779-3397 ext. 3
• More information can be found on the Park Service website. 

General Info:

In general, the ice caves are usually not accessible until mid-February at the earliest and then only if conditions allow. (NOTE: even when the ice conditions are favorable, extreme weather may prevent the ability to access the caves on certain days that are not predictable.)

Visitors are also advised that the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore does not permit any vendor to charge a fee for tours of the ice caves. While other sandstone formations outside of the National Lakeshore (in the surrounding area/Chequamegon Bay) may sometimes be accessible by ice, visitors do so at their own risk.

Please be aware that the sandstone/brownstone cliffs along the shoreline outside of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are not the same as the Apostle Islands ice caves and are less dramatic since the shoreline is more protected from the crashing waves (which causes erosion and creates the more distinct formations that appear in the National Lakeshore).  

Fees

When ice caves are accessible - $5/person (16 years and older). This is only in effect when the ice caves are officially deemed accessible by the National Park Service staff. It is a "special event" fee in order to pay for the extra staff and resources required to accommodate people in an area that is not normally accessible to the public.

When ice caves are NOT accessible - there is a daily use fee to access the trail and beach - $5 per vehicle 20 feet or less; $8 per vehicle over 20 feet.

When the caves are not directly accessible, you can still hike on the mainland trail above the caves and view them from that vantage point. If you do hike that trail, be sure to wear proper footwear and potentially use poles since there are no railings and there are some steep hills.

Also, when there is solid ice on the Chequamegon Bay but not out at the actual sea caves at Meyers Beach, check with local bait shops for information on where ice fishing is occurring. There are places on the Chequamegon Bay where the ice is usually stronger and more stable where there is free public access to get out on the ice to view ice formations along the shoreline even when the mainland caves are not accessible.

Again, Please be aware that the sandstone/brownstone cliffs along the shoreline outside of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are not the same as the Apostle Islands ice caves and are less dramatic since the shoreline is more protected from the crashing waves (which causes erosion and creates the more distinct formations that appear in the National Lakeshore).  

General information about visiting the ice caves when they ARE accessible

Be prepared for a 3 hour hike (round trip) once you get to the ice. Allow extra time for parking and the walk to the stairs at the Meyers Beach access point. Dress for the weather and be prepared with proper footwear for conditions. Be sure to read the Park Service’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) before you head out. On busy weekends, there is sometimes a shuttle that runs from Cornucopia to Meyers Beach.

• See the latest conditions on the NPS Facebook page. 
• The ice line also has updated conditions at 715-779-3397 ext. 3 
• More information can be found on the Park Service website. 
• Find additional information on the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor BureauIce Cave page.

A great place to start your visit is the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center which is open 7 days/week, located near the intersection of Highway 2 and Highway 13 - a perfect starting point for your trip along the Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway.