There are 3 ways to check ice cave conditions:The most up-to-date way to check on the condition of the ice caves is on our Facebook page or by calling the Ice Line. We are not able to update this webpage as frequently, but we do our best.1. The official Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Facebook page has the most frequently updated photos and conditions reports. If you want to see what it looks like, check there first.2. Ice conditions and if the mainland ice caves are open or closed can be found by calling the Ice Line at (715) 779-3397, extension 3.3. Here: The ice caves are currently closed.Please note: The frozen surface of Lake Superior from Saxine Creek to Lunch Beach is closed to the public unless the Superintendent has declared the ice caves open due to high risk for personal injury, slow emergency response time to that area, and circulation of misinformation. Bicycles are not permitted in Apostle Island National Lakeshore off of established roads, which is why they are not permitted on the ice near the caves. (See the Superintendent's Compendium for more information.)
![]() Frequently Asked Questions:The Ice Caves FAQs page has an answer to every question we can think of about the ice caves!Mainland Sea Caves Map:The map on the right shows the distances from Meyers Beach to different locations and features along the caves. Look at this closely to calculate how far you may be hiking to see the ice caves! Weather:Follow this link to the National Weather Service website to find out what the weather conditions are at the ice caves. Is it too cold to be out for at least three hours? Is it too cold for your whole family to be out? Location:The ice caves are located at the western end of the Mainland Unit of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in far northern Bayfield County. There is a parking area and stairs to the beach/ice at the end of Meyers Road. The turn-off for Meyers Road is 18 miles west of Bayfield and 4 miles east of Cornucopia along Highway 13. The GPS address is: 90500 Meyers Road. ![]() Sea Caves WatchThe Sea Caves Watch website features real-time images of conditions at the Mainland Sea Caves, and tracks wave height during the summer. During the winter, storms and spray from waves can coat the camera lens, making it impossible to see. Park staff tries to get out regularly to clear it off, but because it's located in a more remote area, it can be difficult to get to immediately. Some things to think about before you head out on the ice:Visiting the caves in winter requires at least a 2 mile hike (round trip) on the ice of Lake Superior. Travel on Lake Superior can be dangerous any time of the year. Traveling across the ice demands extra attention to personal safety. Lake ice is unpredictable, so traveling across it is never completely safe. Before heading out, visitors must understand all of the risks involved, and the physical demands required for hiking out to the caves. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore staff checks the ice and monitors the weather to determine when the Mainland Caves are accessible. NPS is not, however, able to check every day. Cold temperatures can form thick ice, but wind and waves can break up that ice in a matter of hours, and make it unstable. Low Risk ice conditions allow the area to be deemed accessible to visitors.
![]() Photo by Julie Van Stappen, NPS Critical points to assist planning for your hike:
![]() Photo by Damon Panek, NPS Follow this link for more information on the sea caves of the Apostles. |
Last updated: November 30, 2018