Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
ICE CAVES along Lake Superior near Bayfield, Wis., can take many spectacular shapes.
BAYFIELD, Wis. - Ice has formed with enough thickness along the Apostle Islands Ice Caves to allow viewing along the mainland unit of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
If conditions remain the same or improve, the Ice Caves will open on Saturday.
The Ice Caves feature some of the most spectacular cliffs and sea caves found in the Great Lakes.
Features differ every year, as does the route to view them.
"This year there is very little snow and a lot of glare ice, making the route exceptionally slippery. Ice cleats will be a necessity this year and ski poles are highly recommended," said Julie Van Stappen, of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
"Ice conditions can change rapidly, so it is important to keep safety in mind at all times," she pointed out.
High wind speeds, such as those forecast for the near future, can be a factor that can quickly change conditions and cause decreased visibility.
"Beware of ice falling from the cliffs.
"Because of such slippery conditions, bringing your pet is not recommended, however if you do, pets must be on a leash and under control at all times and pet owners must properly dispose of pet excrement in trash receptacles. Finally, don't forget a camera to take home a tangible reminder of this spectacular landscape," Van Stappen said.
The sea caves can be reached from the end of Meyers Road, 18 miles west of Bayfield, off Wisconsin 13. There is a $5 per person day fee for those 16 and older to visit the caves, regardless of access point or method.
There is also be an annual pass available for $10 per person. The annual pass is only available at park headquarters in Bayfield (415 Washington Ave.) during the Ice Caves event.
For up-to-date information, visit the park's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/apostleislandsnationallakeshore or call the 24-hour Apostle Islands Ice Line at 715-779-3397, extension 3. Information can also be found on the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (www.nps.gov/apis), Bayfield County Tourism (www.icecaves.org), and Bayfield Chamber of Commerce (www.bayfield.org) websites.
