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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
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Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Mainland Sea Caves
Only in cold winters, when conditions are just right, can visitors 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 were not accessible on foot during the 2016-17 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.
Getting There: Visitors can access the caves from Meyers Road, 4 miles northeast of Cornucopia, Wisconsin, off Hwy. 13. From Duluth, it's a 90-minute drive. The Twin Cities and Marquette are close to four hours away.
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, and the caves themselves continue for several miles more.
Parking: If the Meyers Road lot fills up, overflow parking is along the Lake Superior side of Hwy. 13. On busy weekends, visitors may have to park more than a mile from Meyers Road.
Fee: $5 daily fee per person (ages 16 and older) when the caves are accessible. This replaces the usual $3 fee per vehicle to park at Meyers Road. $10 annual passes are available at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore headquarters in Bayfield.
Reuters Video
Video of the ice caves on 2015's opening day, February 28.