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Bayfield Sea & Ice Caves
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Meyers Beach

bayfield wisconsin ice caves

A popular Bayfield, Wisconsin winter attraction is touring the Lake Superior Bayfield Ice Caves of the Bayfield Peninsula. In the spring, summer and fall we've taken the hiking trail from the Apostle Islands Meyers Beach parking lot to the top of the caves and have caught some impressive views of the caves.

During these three seasons, however, the best view of the caves is from the water . . . which is one of the prime reasons Bayfield is a popular kayaking center.

But winter makes the sea caves accessible to anyone willing to walk a little over a mile on the frozen beach and lake ice. It is fantastic, a really neat experience.

 



Click on little pictures for a larger view

The Bayfield Sea Caves become Lake Superior Ice Caves

Bayfield sea and ice caves
In winter, the Bayfield Peninsula Sea Caves are transformed
into Ice Caves
> > >

ice sea caves apostle islands national lakeshore


< < < Jo inspects the south end of a deep crevace we have previously viewed from up above via the Sea Cave hiking trail.

Bayfield sea and ice caves

The Caves also include lots of interesting icicle formations > > >

sea ice caves apostle islands national lakeshore


< < < In places the ice was crystal clear. Jo was afraid to walk on it even though it was quite thick.

Bayfield sea and ice caves

This Sea Cave would make a terrific concert hall! Your voice reverberates with enthusiasm and you could hear a pin drop in it. > > >

sea ice caves apostle islands national lakeshore


< < < Another picturesque view of the bluffs that contain the caves.


Bayfield, WI ice caves


It took several shots to get the right view through
this archway. The tiny figure in the background gives you an idea of the size of this cave > > >

ice and sea caves apostle islands national lakeshore


< < < A beautiful day out on the lake. If it were summer, a lawn chair, umbrella, and a nearby beer and brat stand would nicely complement the ambience!

Bayfield sea and ice caves


Being able to get up close to the ice caves, you can see many interesting formations
> > >

 

Ice Cave Lake Superior


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red triangleCurrent Access Conditions to the Bayfield Ice Caves

Access to the Bayfield Ice Caves vary from season to season. In 2009 as of Feb 1, the over-the-wate route to the Ice Caves was open and the ice safe enough to walk on. As of Feb 8, 2011 the lake ice trail had yet to be declared safe. So conditions vary from winter to winter. Up to the minute details can be had by phoning (715) 779-3398 x3

Also you can check recent Bayfield Ice Cave conditions on Bayfield's Winter Recreation Report page

Understand that the government agency will bend over backwards to ensure that if they certify the ice is safe, it IS safe. To learn if in fact people are walking on the ice now perhaps contact Jayne Norton at Ehlers General Store in Cornucopia for local info info@ehlerstore.com

When you go, bring some beverages and bars with you because the hike to the caves, then touring the caves themselves, and hiking back can easily take a couple of hours.

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red triangleBayfield Apostle Island Sled Dog Race

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red triangleSpring Summer Fall Apostle Islands Meyers Beach Sea Caves Hiking Trail

red triangleBayfield, Wisconsin Travel Directory

 

More links to Bayfield, Ashland, Apostle Islands Area Places to visit, Interesting things to see and do see:

arrowBayfield WI Travel Directory

arrowBayfield Area Places to See and Things to Do

 

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