Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
232 reviews
Excellent
207
Very good
20
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
0
janice b
Taylor, MI138 contributions
Jun 2021
The weather was absolutely beautiful, not a cloud in the sky. We chose to do the 3 hour boat tour since we were only on a day trip from the Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Park in Michigan. It was lovely! A relaxing , beautiful tour. It was great to be on the water, watching the scenery go by. I would like to go back and spend more time there. I would do more research on tours and kayaking. Bay field was a cute town and I could definitely spend more time exploring.
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Esther A
Fair Grove, MO8 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
we walked the trail at the Meyers trailhead and although it is 3 miles roundtrip and is not "easy" walking the forest trail in July, the view at the end is worth the walk. The kayaks below entering the ice caves is a beautiful sight too.
The park management intends to keep the trails as natural as possible so there are few benches, no facilities, and the path is steep in places.
The park management intends to keep the trails as natural as possible so there are few benches, no facilities, and the path is steep in places.
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carson
Neenah, WI157 contributions
Aug 2020
We hiked the lakeshore trail in the summer, beautiful views. I did not think it was a terrible hike, the first 0.7 miles is on a built wooden boardwalk, after that you walk about 1.25 miles mostly through a trial and a lot of up and down, rocks and steps and short, steep grades. Not bad for most but something to consider for very young kids or if you have walking issues. The views are definitely worth it though if you can make it and there are some stops looking directly over cliffs into caves.
Written September 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carole O
5 contributions
Jul 2021
We hiked ten miles through the well maintained paths of this forest. Scenic overlooks provided breathtaking views of caves below. Crowds were minimal and Lake Superior, the perfect pristine backdrop. Only suggestion to future visitors would be to book kayaking reservations s ahead of time. Kayaking would afford a closer vantage of the caves.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PrairiePaddler
Wisconsin382 contributions
Jun 2020
Outstanding, definitely one of the better narrated scenic cruises we've experienced. Our 2-1/2 hour Grand Tour was conducted by a lifetime local resident who grew up on the water and had a wealth of information to share. The ice caves on Devil's Island alone are worth the trip.
Written June 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim R
5 contributions
Jun 2022
Very comfortable boat; nice and helpful crew. Information supplied by the captain was very informative and brought the islands to life. Highpoint was the tunnel rock formations on Devil's Island. Thanks for the great trip.
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vtxriders
Missouri488 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
This was a great hike. Lots of ups and downs but not difficult. Not necessarily for beginners either, unless you are in good shape. Definitely not kid oriented, although we did see some with toddlers in tow.
Do go past the first overview for additional beautiful views. It’s o my another .4 miles.
Do go past the first overview for additional beautiful views. It’s o my another .4 miles.
Written September 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne S
Lake Saint Louis, MO65 contributions
Jul 2023
We hiked along beach at Meyers Road upon arriving in area. The beach was quite clean and provides a water station, information, and is a launch area for kayaks. We could see the sea caves in the distance, but didn't hike up close. Pretty views.
Written July 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isi66
Bayfield, WI25 contributions
Feb 2018
We live in Bayfield, the neighboring town to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves. Due to that fact, we have been to the caves both by water in our boat, and by ice in the winter. It is impossible to predict which year the ice caves will appear. It is also impossible to know what month. It could be anytime from late January until March. The Park Service lets people know when they are open, since they monitor the safety of the caves. Sign up for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Facebook. They will keep you in the know. If you have a chance to visit the caves in any season--it is worthwhile.
In summer, especially on a somewhat calm day, it is very exciting to boat by, noticing all the amazing formations with their unique colors. Ponder: How many years did it take????? What kind of weather was necessary to move the water and cut away these caves? What will they be like in 30 more years???? These caves are well worth a visit--at least once!!!
In winter, the experience is enhanced by not just rock formations, but by ice formations--every year is different!!! It does require some physical effort, however. You must walk on the ice (with ice gripping boots) and possibly a pole, for about a mile before you get to them. Then, "saunter" around to see how different they all are.
In summer, especially on a somewhat calm day, it is very exciting to boat by, noticing all the amazing formations with their unique colors. Ponder: How many years did it take????? What kind of weather was necessary to move the water and cut away these caves? What will they be like in 30 more years???? These caves are well worth a visit--at least once!!!
In winter, the experience is enhanced by not just rock formations, but by ice formations--every year is different!!! It does require some physical effort, however. You must walk on the ice (with ice gripping boots) and possibly a pole, for about a mile before you get to them. Then, "saunter" around to see how different they all are.
Written June 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beverly A
1 contribution
Aug 2018 • Solo
I worked at the Chateau in the 80s. Was able to give some guests tours. Cleaned. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Bayfield and this house and its history. I'm in Oregon now and just read the book Daughters of the Lake, by Wendy Webb and knew as soon as I began to read it what house and town she was writing about. It gave me chills. I'm thrilled too. I'm 87 now and not traveling like I used to, but I would give a pot of gold to revisit Bayfield. Spent 2 summers there. Husband worked on Apostle Island Cruise tour boat. The LAKE does have a magical hold/spell once you've been there. I recommend a trip to Duluth and Bayfield Lake Superior to anyone who will listen. Better than a trip to Hawaii !!
Written July 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are going to Apostle Islands in June. Can you tell me the best way to explore the sea caves? Also, is there a protected are to kayak where you're not kayaking really far to be able to sea the caves that way as well?
Written April 10, 2021
Would you recommend the half or full day kayak tours? New to kayaking but fit couple. Wanting to experience the sea caves.
Written August 17, 2020
I'd suggest half-day, depending on wind conditions it will likely be arduous paddling through wind and currents. Alternatively, pack a nice picnic lunch (can pick up something in Bayfield) and plan to spend a little time on one of the islands before paddling back. Be sure to check with the rangers for recommendations for your first time out.
Written August 18, 2020
Hi there, when is the best time to go to Apostle island? We are thinking to go there in September, is it still warm enough for kayaking? Is 8 y.o. kid be allowed to kayak on that lake?
Thank you,
Luba
Written August 16, 2019
The water is at its warmest in late August/Early September. That said, its still not very warm. I cant help with an answer on the child, though I believe they would be.
Written August 17, 2019
What is the name of the boat company you too the cruise on? There are several listed and all have different reviews. Thanks!
Written July 29, 2019
Apostle islands cruises. We took the grand tour. Great informational fun tour. Very nice ride
Written July 30, 2019
Can you bike the national shoreline?
Written January 30, 2019
I brought my bike up to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore last summer and was not impressed with the biking options. I did not see any shoreline bike trails.
Written January 30, 2019
Is the water ever warm enough to swim in this area? We're looking at a last minute trip this weekend and would really enjoy swimming in the area lakes....if we wouldn't freeze. Thanks
Written August 27, 2018
It is cool about 65-70 degrees during the summer. If it is a warm day its very refreshing!
Written August 28, 2018
What was the name of your tour company?
Written August 12, 2018
Bayfield kayak and we did the full sea caves tour
Written August 13, 2018
We took the evening tour that takes you around the farthest point.
Written August 25, 2018
My assumption is that the ice caves or ice road will not be "ready" the week after Christmas. Do boats tours still run around the Apostle Islands? Is Madeline Island accessible by boat? If so, is anything on the island open? We get cold where I live and snow on occasion. But not serious cold or snow and I want to see WINTER!
Thank you
Written September 19, 2016
There is no way of knowing when the Ice Caves will be open. I believe the WI Dept. of Natural Resources or Parks post it when they are. Even if you can drive or if there is no ice boat to Madeline Island after Christmas almost everything is shut down. The same in Bayfield. Love this area, however I would not go there unless you want to just go for hikes, snow shoeing or skiing. But if you want to do that, the Irownwood, MI and Hurely WI are better areas for X country skiing/downhill and snow shoeing.
Written September 20, 2016
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