Explore Ice Caves
When the icy breath of Old Man Winter freezes the edges of Lake Superior solid, you can walk out to the dramatic and colorful Mawikwe Bay ice caves carved into the crimson sandstone bluffs that run like a ragged line of dull red lipstick down the coastline.

Once the path across the lake ice is deemed accessible by park rangers, a trickle, then a solid stream of visitors flows across the ice to the caves whose sandstone surfaces are coated with thick curtains of ice.

Pillars of ice soar from the base of the cliffs to far above where waterfalls have been stopped in their tracks. Icicles as large as dinosaur teeth drape cave openings to form makeshift prison bars. In other caves, delicate icicles line the roof like a hedgehog's back.

Each cave is unique in texture, look and size. Only a dachshund could venture in some while others yawn wide and deep — more than 100 feet to where tonsils of ice line the throat. There are caves within caves, finds within finds, light upon light.

Some advice for first-timers: Wear sturdy boots and ice creepers, and bring a walking stick or ski poles. The path is uneven and ice cracks are present.

The path to the caves becomes well trodden once word gets out that access is available (upwards of 1,000 visitors on a given weekend). Dress in layers so you can shed clothing if you get too warm walking. And while it's only a mile to the first caves, you can easily walk another half mile or more as you visit each succeeding cave. A sled is also recommended if you have small children.

The ice usually forms beginning in late January and access can still be made be as late as early March. Call the Apostle Islands Ice Line at (715) 779-3397, Ext. 3, for current ice conditions at the mainland caves.

The mainland sea caves are located 18 miles west of Bayfield on Hwy. 13, or just north of Cornucopia. Take Meyer's Road and park at the beach/picnic area ($3 parking fee) and head northeast to the caves across the ice.