Bayfield Ice Caves Could Re-Open This Weekend

Apostle Island Caves Might Re-open

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore officials say the popular ice caves could be open to the public this weekend.

Lakeshore planning chief Julie Van Stappen says they’ll check the ice Wednesday, then make the call.

The ice must be locked in and thick enough on the trail out to the mainland ice caves.

High winds are in the forecast for the area this week.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Van Stappen says it’s hoped the extensive ice cover on the lake will protect the ice cave formations from breaking up.

The caves were open to the public last winter for the first time since 2009.

An estimated 138,000 people visited the caves last season.