The Apostle Island Ice Caves, which haven't been open in a decade, were open to the public yesterday. Unfortunately, after a frantic open day, an incoming weather system has caused the National Park Service to close access to the caves until after the storm, and lake ice conditions can be reassessed.

Thousands Show Up To Take In The Ice Caves

Thousands of people made the drive to Northern Wisconsin yesterday on news that the Apostle Island Ice Caves would be open and accessible. The large numbers of visitors put stress on the transportation system that was busing explorers from parking lots to the starting point of a trek that could be between 2 and 6 miles of walking on the lake ice.

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Weather Forcing The Closure

An email from the Acting Director of Natural Resource Stewardship at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore stated the reasoning for the closure of the popular destination starting today.

"With the strong winter weather system  impacting the region tomorrow, and with today’s heavy crowds and transportation congestion, the ice caves will be closed starting Tuesday, February 17, 2026 to ensure public safety during the winter storm.

The caves may remain closed for several days while park staff evaluates ice conditions after the storm.

For visitors that paid the NPS Ice Cave Fee but couldn’t get out to the caves, their purchase will be honored for a future date."

Will The Caves Open Back Up After The Storm?

It remains to be seen if the National Park Service, which oversees the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Park, will allow visitors back out onto the lake after the incoming winter storm.

The NPS has asked those interested in visiting to check the conditions on their website, here. 

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