For the first time in more than a decade, visitors may soon be able to walk to the famed ice caves at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior.
If conditions remain stable, the National Park Service said access to the ice caves near Meyers Beach could open as early as Monday, February 16th. It would mark the first safe public access since 2015, when thick lake ice last allowed hikers to cross to the towering sandstone cliffs encased in ice.
A prolonged deep freeze in January froze more than half of Lake Superior, creating the rare conditions needed for the ice caves to form and become accessible:
“The ice caves are a rare and remarkable winter phenomenon. 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.” -Brianna Weldon, Superintendent of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
In the past the caves have been massive drawn massive crowds. In 2014, viral photos of the frozen formations sparked a tourism surge that generated an estimated $10 to $12 million for the Bayfield area. That year, more than 290,000 people visited the Apostle Islands, with more than half arriving in just the first three months.
Access to the caves is via the Meyers Beach trailhead, though the main parking lot there will remain closed. Visitors must park at designated off-site locations and take county-run shuttles operated by Bay Area Rural Transit. Parking is available four to six miles southwest of Meyers Beach at Bell Town Hall, Cornucopia Beach and the Sand River Gravel Pit along State Highway 13.
To confirm the access is opened tomorrow, the stay tuned on the National Park Service website and the park’s Facebook page for updates on ice conditions, or call (715) 779-3398 ext. 3 before making the trip. A $5 per person daily entrance fee is required and can be paid online. The round-trip shuttle costs $10 cash. Additional parking fees may apply. Find complete information below.
Plan Your Ice Caves Visit
Note: ice caves remain closed to visitation until 2/16/2026.
Visiting the Apostle Islands ice caves is a stunning but challenging winter adventure. Be prepared for:
- 2–6 mile round trip hike on uneven lake ice with no shelter, water, and limited cell service.
- Dress for harsh winter conditions with warm layers, waterproof boots with traction devices, and windproof outerwear.
- No on-site parking is available at Meyers Beach—plan to shuttle from off-site locations to the trailhead.
- $5 per person/day fee (ages 16+; under 16 free) paid online. No discounts or refunds. Paying before arriving is encouraged. Additional fees apply for off-site parking and shuttles operated by Bay Area Rural Transit.
- Conditions can change quickly and closures may happen anytime for safety.
About the Apostle Islands Ice Caves
The ice caves form along the mainland cliffs of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore near Meyers Beach, on the south shore of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. These caves are part of the park’s mainland unit, not on the islands themselves. Visitors access the ice caves by hiking across the frozen surface of Lake Superior from the Meyers Beach trailhead. The Meyers Beach trailhead is located at GPS coordinates 46.8834, -91.0484 (no parking at this location).
What to Bring
- Dress for cold winter conditions
- Warm, waterproof boots with traction devices
- Warm layers and windproof outerwear
- Treking poles for stability
- Water and snacks
How to Stay Safe
- Dress for harsh winter conditions
- Avoid standing under hanging ice
- Watch for cracks and pressure ridges
- Do not crawl into small openings
