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Apostle Islands Ice Caves

Visiting the Apostle Islands ice caves is a stunning but challenging winter adventure. Be ready for a 2–6 mile round trip hike on uneven lake ice with no shelter, water, and limited cell service. Dress for harsh, wet winter conditions. No on-site parking is available at Meyers Beach—visitors must shuttle from off-site locations to the trailhead. A $5 per person/day fee (ages 16+; under 16 free) must be paid online. No discounts or refunds. Additional fees apply for off-site parking and shuttles. Conditions can change quickly. Closures may happen anytime for safety. Always check official updates before you travel: go.nps.gov/IceCaves, call the ice line at (715) 779-3398 x3, or visit facebook.com/apostleislandsnps.

Ice Caves Visitor Access Background
The last time conditions allowed access to the ice caves within the National Lakeshore was for a nine-day period in 2015. Since 2000, most ice cave visitor events have occurred in just four outlier years: 2004, 2008, 2009, and 2014. Why has access been so rare? Environmental conditions must align perfectly to meet minimum thresholds for safety. Quality, locked-in ice that can withstand emergency vehicles and large crowds is essential before opening the area for visitation. Those conditions are extremely rare and have come together on less than 2% of days since 2000.

What are the Ice Caves?
Spectacular formations along the sandstone cliffs of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Waves and water seeping through the sandstone freeze into curtains, columns, and icicles. Access requires walking across frozen Lake Superior from Meyers Beach.

Where are the ice caves located?
The ice caves form along the mainland cliffs of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore near Meyers Beach, on the south shore of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. These caves are part of the park’s mainland unit, not on the islands themselves. Visitors access the ice caves by hiking across the frozen surface of Lake Superior from the Meyers Beach trailhead.

GPS Coordinates:
Meyers Beach ice caves trailhead: 46.8834, -91.0484 (no parking at location)

Distances to Nearby Cities:
Cornucopia, WI: ~4 miles southwest

  • Bayfield, WI: ~18 miles east
  • Ashland, WI: ~38 miles southeast
  • Duluth, MN: ~90 miles west
  • Minneapolis, MN: ~230 miles southwest
  • Madison, WI: ~330 miles south
  • Chicago, IL: ~450 miles south
  • Paris, France: ~4,049 miles east

How can I stay informed about ice caves conditions?
For accurate and up-to-date information, always use official sources:

Where can I park?
There is no parking at Meyers Beach ice caves trailhead or on nearby Hwy 13. Vehicles parked on closed roadways may be towed. Visitors must use county-managed shuttles (Bay Area Rural Transit) and off-site parking lots which are not operated by the National Park Service. Expect delays and congestion. Shuttle and parking fees apply. First shuttle drop off at Meyers Beach is at 8:30am. Last shuttle drop off at 3:00pm. Last shuttle pickup is at 5:30pm. Shuttles will run approximately every 25-35 minutes. Congestion and delays are possible. $5 each way, $10 round trip, cash only.

Cornucopia Lots (4 miles southwest of ice caves):

  • 22620 Ash St, Cornucopia, WI 54827 (GPS: 46.85294, -91.10106)
  • 22670 Siskiwit Bay Pkwy, Cornucopia, WI 54827 (GPS: 46.85875, -91.09975)

Sand River Gravel Lot (6 miles east of ice caves):

  • 30675 State Highway 13, Bayfield, WI 54814 (GPS: 46.89324, -90.93237)

How far is the hike?
From the Meyers Beach shuttle drop-off: 2–6 miles round trip, depending on how far you explore.

Is the ice safe?
Ice is never completely safe. Conditions change quickly with wind and temperature. Slips and falls are common—wear boot traction devices. Avoid stepping into cracks or crawling into small openings.

What should I bring?
Warm, waterproof boots with traction devices or microspikes

  • Layered, windproof clothing
  • Water and snacks

Are there facilities at the caves?
No shelter, water, or toilets at the caves. Porta-potties are available at Meyers Beach shuttle drop-off.

Is there a fee?
Yes, fees help cover visitor services and safety operations.

  • Ice Caves Event: $5 per person/day (ages 16+; under 16 free). Visitors are encouraged to pay online before arriving: https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/1442411180
  • Shuttle: $5 each way ($10 round trip), cash only (Bay Area Rural Transit). Not charged by NPS.
  • Parking: Separate fees at Cornucopia (QR code) and Sand River Gravel Pit (cash only). Not charged by NPS.

Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are allowed on a 6-ft leash, but not recommended due to harsh conditions.

Are tours available?
No authorized tours of the ice caves. Visiting the ice caves is self-guided.

Is there cell service?
Very limited at the caves and Meyers Beach trailhead.

Can I snowmobile to the ice caves?
Snowmobiles are not allowed within ¼ mile from the shoreline of the National Lakeshore.

What other activities are prohibited?
No drones allowed in the National Lakeshore.

Are the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore visitor centers open?
No. The National Park Service visitor centers in Bayfield and Little Sand Bay are closed for the season.

How do I stay safe?

  • Dress for harsh, wet winter conditions 
  • Avoid standing under hanging ice
  • Watch for cracks and pressure ridges
  • Leave immediately if ice feels unstable
  • Do not crawl into small openings

Click here for information on the Sea Caves