Wisconsin’s ice caves

Posted by Bill on Thursday, March 1, 2007   |   No Comments

If you look at a map of northwest Wisconsin, you’ll see a peninsula jutting out into the western end of Lake Superior. The end of the peninsula resembles fractured glass with shards scattered around the end of the land. These shard-like pieces are the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

The National Park Service calls the Apostles “jewels of Lake Superior.” The National Lakeshore includes 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland—creating a unique wilderness retreat ideal for hiking, paddling, sailing and cruising.

The Apostles are also blessed with a number of light stations, a collection that has been noted as “… one of the nation’s finest collection of historic lighthouses.”

The Apostles have eight historic towers on six islands—more than any other NPS area. One, Raspberry Island Lighthouse, is hailed as the Showplace of the Apostles.

If you’re thinking: Hmmm, northern Wisconsin, Lake Superior, February … sounds like a summer expedition—you’re not alone. But winter explorations of this unique area—when the conditions are right—will treat you in ways that summer never could.

Let’s listen in on the National Park Service’s description: “Icy curtains cover the walls of red sandstone, frozen pillars mark where waterfalls tumbled from cliff tops and dagger-shaped icicles rise at odd angles from the roofs of sea caves. Wintertime magically transforms the shoreline of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore into a frozen fairyland.”

When (or if) ice thickens up, visitors can walk, snowshoe or ski a mile or so along the lakeshore to the entrance of the mainland sea caves. Parking for cave visitors is near Meyers, about four miles northeast of Cornucopia, WI. When conditions are right, the caves may attract hundreds of visitors a day.

Winter conditions along Lake Superior are not for wimps. If you go, dress for the occasion. According to the NPS, temperatures of -10 degrees F. are not uncommon. In addition, NPS officials recommend sturdy waterproof boots and a ski pole or walking stick as a walking aid.

Lake ice can be treacherous, and you should always be on the lookout for newly formed cracks, slushy areas and areas of thin ice. What’s more, ice conditions can change quickly and dramatically, especially on windy days.

The NPS has an Apostle Island Ice Line (715/779-3397, ext. 499), and you should call in advance of a visit to check current ice conditions. In some seasons the ice conditions won’t permit safe access to the caves.

You can write to the headquarters of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore at 415 Washington Avenue, Bayfield, WI 54814 or call 715/779-3397. To report an emergency, call 715/779-3398, ext 100.

Bayfield, WI, is the self-appointed (but rightly so) “gateway to the Apostles.” You can call the Chamber of Commerce at 715/779-3335 or their site to learn about the area, attractions and lodging options. The site also posts some great shots of the sea caves.

Bayfield is home to the highly touted Old Rittenhouse Inn which has attracted the attention of publications the likes of Gourmet and Midwest Living. Call 800/779-2129 or visit their site for details and a virtual tour.

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