Exploring the Winter Wonderland and Ice Caves of Apostle Islands Wisconsin!

Jan 7, 2024

If you’re looking for a unique and memorable vacation this winter, we’ve got the perfect place for you to explore. As far as winter wonderlands go, there’s simply no better than Apostle Islands Ice Caves in Wisconsin as a seasonal stop! The islands are always a popular destination for summer, but we daresay winter makes them even more special. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a smartphone shooter, a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a casual tourist, you’ll find nothing short of sheer beauty at this destination. When the temperatures drop, the lake freezes over and the snow glistens on the surface, the caves overflow with the most magnificent icicles and ice formations, turning the Islands and caves into one of Wisconsin’s most breathtaking and magnificent landmarks.

What to Do at Apostle Islands in Winter

With 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland coast, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is an ever popular warm weather destination, but that’s not all it has to offer! In fact, during the winter the area transforms into a magical kingdom of ice caves, glowing lighthouses, and quiet coastal towns to explore, dine, and enjoy!

Outdoor excursions in the area include snowmobiling, winter hikes, and snowshoeing.

The Apostle Island region and Bayfield County are home to more than 600 miles of snowmobile trails and incredible winter landscapes. With that many trails to choose from, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself whether ti’s your first time or your hundredth time on a snowmobile.

As for hiking, seasoned enthusiasts will want to don best winter boots and explore the challenging 10 mile snowy hike around Lakeside Trail, which offers unparalleled views of the glistening ice and snowscapes as well as ample opportunity for wildlife viewing. You’ll explore woodland areas, snowy beaches and shoreline, and breathtaking cliffside views. It also offers a unique perspective on the ice caves from above!

The bravest of the brave who don’t fear the frigid temps of Lake Superior in winter may even dare to try some late winter season surfing if they’re up for the challenge. If the lake is frozen solid, extreme enthusiasts may alternatively wish to check out some of the campsite options on Madeline Island for a winter weather campout.

For the slightly less adventurous but those who don’t mind sitting in the cold, an intermediate activity to partake in would be Ice Watching from the shoreline. Tourists to the area report seeing amazing natural ice formations such as stacks, ice shelves, sparkling icicles, ice sheets, and more! Sometimes, you may even feel or observe the water moving beneath your feet in the areas where it’s thick enough and safe to walk across. Ice Fishing at the Apostle Islands is another lower stress local favorite activity to get in touch with nature and add a little excitement!

History buffs will enjoy taking in some of the local lighthouses in the area with some of them opening for limited winter time hours for up close tours. Otherwise, they make wonderful backdrop scenery during your local walking, hiking, and snowmobiling tours.

But by and large, the best thing to experience in the area would be a tour of the Ice Caves of Apostle Islands. With the ever changing natural landscape and the dynamics of winter weather changing by the hour, the caves are never the same twice, even from one day to the next! These incredible tours are only accessible by hiking across the thick frozen ice of Lake Superior, which is an adventure in and of itself with more than one mile of trekking across the spectacular surface to the caves across crystal clear, glass-like icy surface. Late January and into February is the prime time to visit the caves, as the ice begins to start showing signs of thaw in March. But in prime season, weather permitting, you can book any number of guided tours to various sections of the Ice Caves (sleds are encouraged if you’re bringing little ones who may be a little fatigued by the trek or the cold) Note: Be sure to check the weather reports before you set out, as this touring option requires optimal weather conditions to access by foot. The Ice caves are not always possible to visit every year as a result of changing weather patterns.