Hey there.

We are incredibly lucky to witness this rare moment. The mainland ice caves at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are expected to open starting Feb. 16, 2026 for the first time in over a decade. These conditions are fragile and can change quickly, so please explore responsibly and help protect this place we all love.

Apostle Islands Ice Caves
2026 Safety Guide❄️

A loving note from a local small business owner

Parking + Access

No parking at Meyers Beach. The trailhead will be closed to vehicles.
No roadside parking on Hwy 13. This will be enforced.
Visitors must use off-site parking + county-run shuttles to reach the trailhead.
Expect fees:
- $5 per person event fee to access the caves.
- Separate fees for parking/shuttle ($10 parking, $10 shuttle).
Build in extra time. This is a full-day winter experience.
Last shuttle pick-up is 3pm

Shuttles + Planning

Plan for crowds and long waits.
Parking & Shuttle Options($10 per day):
- Cornucopia Beach Parking Lot - Shuttle Option 1
- Bell Town Hall Parking Lot - Shuttle Option 2
- Gravel Lot(30675 State Highway 13, Bayfield, WI) - Shuttle Option 3
Start early. Daily conditions may change or close unexpectedly.
Expect:
- Limited cell service
- No water or warming shelters on the lake
Check official updates before heading out:
- Ice Line: (715) 779-3398 ext. 3
- NPS alerts each morning (conditions can change fast).

Ice Conditions (The Most Important Part)

Walking to the caves requires a 2–6 mile round trip hike on Lake Superior ice.
Ice is never truly safe only relatively stable.
Real hazards include:
- Pressure cracks and shifting ice
- Standing water on top of the ice
- Open water pockets and wind-driven breakups
Wind can break thick ice quickly. Closures may happen anytime.
If conditions feel wrong, turn around. No photo is worth it.

Personal Safety Tips

Dress for exposed Great Lakes winter conditions:
- Windproof outer layers
- Insulated boots with traction
- Goggles or face protection on windy days
Bring:
- Ice cleats or traction (I will also be renting these in the Cornucopia Beach Parking Lot)
- Trekking poles
- Emergency layers + food + water
Travel with others and tell someone your plan.

Leave No Trace (From a Local Who Loves This Place)

If you take one thing from this post, let it be this...

This shoreline is sacred — culturally, ecologically, and emotionally. Please help our small community protect it.

Carry In, Carry Out

Pack out ALL trash (including fruit peels and tissues).
There are limited services and staff. Don’t rely on bins.

Respect the Resource

Do not climb on fragile ice formations.
Avoid touching icicles, they break easily and take weeks/months to form. (In this case, 12 years.
Stay off closed areas and respect all barriers.