BAYFIELD, Wis. — Thousands of visitors flocked to the Apostle Islands ice caves on Lake Superior Monday, marking the first time since 2015 that these stunning natural formations have been accessible to the public.
The Bayfield, Wisconsin Chamber and Visitors Bureau shared photos of the spectacular ice formations that draw visitors from across the region.
Executive Director Carol Fahrenkrog said officials have not yet decided whether the caves will remain open Tuesday, as safety conditions must be continuously evaluated.
Watch: Apostle Islands ice caves open for first time since 2015, drawing thousands of visitors
A new shuttle system has been implemented this year to manage the crowds. Fahrenkrog advises visitors to be patient with the transportation changes and suggests arriving either early in the morning or around midday to avoid peak congestion.
When the formations were last accessible in 2015, Fahrenkrog said 10,000 people visited on a single Saturday.
The rare opening depends on specific weather conditions that create safe ice formations thick enough to support foot traffic while maintaining the cave structures that make the site so remarkable.
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