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KYLE KROHN
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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Mainland Sea Caves
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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Mainland Sea Caves
When Old Man Winter and Mother Nature get together, they can create amazing things. When conditions are just right, visitors can tread across frozen Lake Superior to explore the Apostle Islands mainland sea caves and the dazzling ice formations that adorn the red sandstone cliffs: waterfalls frozen in place, entire cliff faces encased in inches of ice and everywhere icicles glistening in the sun.
NOTE: The caves have not been accessible on foot since the 2015 winter.
Good to Know
Before You Go: Call the Ice Line for the latest conditions, 715-779-3397 ext. 3., and check the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore website.
The trek across the ice can be difficult. We recommend sturdy boots, ice cleats and ski poles for stability. If a noteworthy amount of snow falls just before your visit, try snowshoes for easier hiking. Be prepared – with proper clothing, water and snacks – for several hours outside.
KYLE KROHN
Getting There: From Duluth, it's a 90-minute drive. The Twin Cities and Marquette are close to four hours away.
Take the mandatory shuttle from Bayfield or Cornucopia. Visitors will take the stairs down to Meyers Beach and follow the shoreline north to the caves. It's a 1.1-mile hike from the parking lot, one way.
Fee: $5 daily fee per person (ages 16 and older) when the caves are accessible.