Winter has been bearing down on much of the Northern Hemisphere. Record low temperatures and wind chills are plaguing people across the U.S. In New York City and Washington, D.C., the biggest storm in years reared its ugly head. Even here in Belgium, Mother Nature has sent some of the white stuff. We haven’t seen this much snow in years! Skiers may be happy, but winter isn’t my thing unless I can go walking in a winter wonderland. As much as I dislike snow, I love looking at it.
Ice is a different matter. Icy sidewalks, icy roads, black ice! Ugh! But sometimes ice can be magical, whether you are in the U.S. or Europe.
Wisconsin Ice Caves
If the cold snap continues in the midwestern USA, you may get a chance to see one of Wisconsin’s natural wonders: the breathtaking Apostle Island ice caves in Bayfield. It changed my feelings about ice. It may do the same for you. Never have I been so mesmerized by ice. Dramatic, crimson cliffs line Lake Superior, and ice forms dramatic pillars below. Inside the caves, breathtaking icicles and ever-changing ice formations in various shapes and sizes capture your attention.
Apostle Ice Caves
Weather conditions have to be just right for the caves to open. Just think of the expression when hell freezes over. Yep, that’s about the right temperature. Lake Superior has to be frozen with 10-12 inches of ice. The ice must be firm enough that rescue vehicles from the state National Park Service can drive out for emergency services. Think late January/February. Watch the forecast, and grab your crampons and hiking poles for a walk through an icy, winter wonderland.
You may only visit the caves when they are determined to be “low risk.” There are many factors involved. Ice along the route must be more than 10 inches thick for higher quality ice and 12 inches for lower quality ice with no weather events that could compromise safety.
Some years the caves remain closed due to unstable ice and the winds. But when they are accessible, they are spectacular, and different every year! The caves haven’t been accessible since 2015, and then it was just for two weeks. Wow! It’s nearing a decade that my favorite winter adventure hasn’t been available. Unless the cold temperatures remain, you may have to wait yet another year for a peek at this natural attraction. Will you be lucky? Only time will tell.
Chequamegon Bay
You may be a bit luckier with the ice in Chequamegon Bay where the ice forms earlier and is thicker. Check out some of the tour operators in the area like Apostle Islands Tours. You can book a tour of the caves with them for $50.
What You Need to Know
WHEN TO GO: The best time to visit the caves is from mid-February to mid-March.
WHERE TO FIND THE CAVES: The shoreline caves are part of the Apostle Islands National Park, located about 17 miles north of Bayfield, WI. Drive to Meyers Beach Road, which is well-marked from Bayfield Peninsula’s Highway 13. Set your GPS for 90500 Meyers Beach Road. The caves are northeast of the stairs at the end of Meyers Beach Road and continue for about two miles along the Mawikwe Bay shoreline.
WHERE TO PARK: Park in the main lot on Meyers Beach Road or in the overflow lot. Arrive early to ensure a parking spot, and if you can travel on a weekday, even better. Things are less congested.
ACCESS TO THE CAVES: There is a $5 access fee. You’ll need to walk about a mile each way to reach the caves.
WHAT TO WEAR: Dress warmly. Layers are best. You’ll need crampons or ice cleats on your hiking boots for good footing. I take along my hiking poles for additional stability.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Get current ice conditions from the automated Apostle Islands Ice Line at (715) 779-3397, ext. 3.
- Check the real-time sea camera to check out the Mainland Sea Caves. ,
- For information on the area, visit the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce.
- Learn more about the geography of the caves here.
Icy Alternatives
If the Apostle Islands are a blowout this year, you can always hop on a flight to Reykjavik to see Iceland’s treasures. It’s a true winter wonderland! Where else can you soak in an outdoor hot tub as you gaze out at the snow and Northern Lights and warm up in a cozy sauna? One of my most memorable travel experiences was a birthday-ending-in-zero trip to this Nordic Gem with my two besties. Iceland has 269 glaciers, so it’s not a big surprise that there are some spectacular ice caves. Watch for the upcoming story.
