Apostle Islands Ice Caves Open After 11-Year Hiatus

Climate change has shrunk ice coverage on Lake Superior, making access to the frozen spectacle anomalous.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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After an 11-year wait, the Apostle Islands ice caves in Wisconsin's Bayfield County have reopened to the public for the first time since 2015. Hundreds of visitors from across the Midwest and beyond flocked to the site, braving long shuttle bus lines to witness the stunning ice formations along the cliffs and caves. The author, a Minneapolis resident, recounts the experience of visiting the ice caves with her children, marveling at the vibrant colors and unique textures of the ice, and reflecting on the impact of climate change on this natural wonder.

Why it matters

The Apostle Islands ice caves are a unique natural attraction that have become increasingly rare due to the effects of climate change on ice coverage on Lake Superior. Their reopening after over a decade is a significant event that highlights the need to address climate change and preserve these types of natural wonders for future generations.

The details

The author arrived early at the designated parking lot in Cornucopia, Wisconsin, only to find hundreds of people already lined up to catch the shuttle buses to the access point at Myers Beach. After a long wait, they finally made it to the ice caves, which featured stunning ice formations in a range of colors and textures. The author was struck by the diversity of visitors, with license plates from several states and even Canada, all eager to witness the frozen spectacle.

  • The Apostle Islands ice caves last opened to the public in 2015.
  • The ice caves opened to the public for the first time in 11 years on February 17, 2026.

The players

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

A national park located in northern Wisconsin, known for its stunning ice caves that form along the shoreline of Lake Superior during the winter months.

National Park Service

The federal agency responsible for managing and maintaining the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, including the decision to open the ice caves to public access.

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What’s next

The National Park Service will continue to monitor the ice conditions on Lake Superior and make decisions about opening the ice caves to the public based on safety considerations. If the ice caves reopen in the future, the author provides tips for visitors, including arriving early, dressing appropriately, and being prepared for logistics like shuttle buses and park fees.

The takeaway

The reopening of the Apostle Islands ice caves after an 11-year hiatus is a bittersweet moment, as it highlights the impact of climate change on this natural wonder. While the author and other visitors were able to witness the stunning ice formations, the long-term viability of the ice caves is uncertain, underscoring the need to address the broader issue of climate change and its effects on fragile ecosystems.