Apostle Islands Mainland Ice Caves

Snow and ice transform a popular summer kayaking destination to a stunning winterscape only accessible by hiking on the frozen lake. The Apostle Island National Lakeshore is a popular attraction, but when these mainland caves become filled with cascading icicles it's really something to behold. Your arctic adventure begins at the parking area for Meyers Beach. From there, a 1.1-mile walk on frozen Lake Superior brings you to the red sandstone cliffs and caves adorned with frozen waterfalls. The caves and cliffs extend along the lakeshore for another 2 miles. Each of the caves is filled with its own brilliant display of icicles that change on a daily basis. Be mindful of falling ice and do not break icicles off the cliffs. This can be dangerous and cause injury to yourself or others around. The ice along the lake can be uneven, so sturdy footwear and ice cleats are recommended. The winds can pick up quickly on the lake, so be sure to bundle up and wear layers to adjust as needed.

The ice caves are typically only assessable for a short season, and the parking area at Meyers Beach fills quickly. Parking on the road is an option, but be careful of other drivers. Shuttles are usually setup from Cornucopia and Red Cliff. Check with the Bayfield Chamber for current shuttle options and ice conditions.