Apostle Islands ice caves open for first time in 11 years, then close after one day

CORNICOPIA, Wis. — The Apostle Islands ice caves were open for the first time in over a decade to the public and people came from across the region to get the experience first hand.

“We woke up early at 6 a.m., got our snacks, got our snow pants, got our coffee,” Jackie Hanson, visitor from St. Paul said. 

Located along the South shore of Lake Superior, when conditions are just right, ice formations cover the sandstone cliffs of the Apostle Islands. The last time the ice caves were open to foot traffic was 2015. Making the opening especially rare for visitors.

“Such a rare occurrence that you know you got to do it when you’re able to do it, you know. And the joy of living up in this area too,” Judy Gmach, visitor from Beaver Bay said. 

 “We’ve always heard lots of stories about how incredible they are and we had to see it,” Tom Gmach, visitor from Beaver Bay said. 

Getting to the mainland caves is an adventure in itself, from getting a ride to Meyers Beach to the walk on the icy shoreline. 

“We ended up hitchhiking a ride here, because we barely got on the last shuttle. So we paid somebody 20 bucks, and hopefully they’ll enjoy some Pizza Luce in Duluth with our 20 bucks,” Hanson said. 

First time visitors said it was all worth it. 

“Absolutely, and stood in line for two hours, and that was worth it,” Tom Gmach said. 

“It’s beautiful. It’s gorgeous. Unbelievable. Yeah, actually, when we were kind of far away, we’re like, oh, they’re a little smaller than we thought they were. Then we got up close, we’re like, yeah, just kidding. No, they’re beautiful. Nope, they’re as great as the picture show,” Hanson said. 

Depending on how far you go and how many caves you check out, it’s about a two to six-mile round trip. 

So, visitors were decked out in ice cleats and trekking poles to ensure a safe trip. 

“I’m a native Virginian. So walking on lakes isn’t, you know, a normal thing. So it’s really cool. This is only his second time walking on water,” J.J. Clemens, visitor from St. Paul said. 

After such a long wait the opportunity was short-lived. After being open for one day, the caves are now closed after the ice was broken up during the winter storm. 

“It’s a little surreal, seeing like there’s so many people out here, but it feels so special to be out here for the first time in 11 years and experience it with everybody,” Clemens said. 

“I always really like just the idea of being somewhere that I know not very many people have the opportunity to be. So that’s pretty cool,” Hanson said.