If ever a place felt like it was behind a wardrobe or through a looking glass, it’s the Apostle Island Sea Caves. Spectacular from the water in the warmer months, these caves become positively surreal in winter as Lake Superior freezes over and the cave seepage forms something that looks more like the Fortress of Solitude than a part of America’s Dairyland. Come along as we show you why we think these are the most fabulous sea caves in Wisconsin!

The first thing you need to know is that the caves aren't always accessible on foot.
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It's fully dependent on the weather and if Lake Superior freezes over enough to make it safe. But when it happens, it's truly magical.
And getting there isn't easy. The easiest option is to park at a lot near Cornucopia, which will cost you a nominal fee.
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From there, it's about a 1-mile walk along the Lake Superior shoreline. The caves go on for miles from there, so how much you explore is up to you.
Park officials monitor the conditions closely to ensure the safety of everyone.
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Check the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Facebook page for the most undated conditions.

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If we're lucky enough to get a freeze over this year, you're in for one of the most spectacular, jaw-dropping and amazing sights you'll ever see.
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A whole new world is open for us to visit and see when the lake freezes and we're able to go inside and explore. So, if you're looking for a true, authentic Wisconsin adventure, this is certaintly it!
The sheer size and magnitude is sort of difficult to even process or comprehend.
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There isn't a thesaurus big enough to come up with all the different ways the Apostle Ice Caves will amaze you. They never freeze the same way, so every Wisconsin winter is a new chance to explore and learn and find new, glorious sights.
Wisconsin is truly blessed to have these caves here and everyone should try to see them at least once in their life. You'll never be the same after basking in the majesty of the frozen sea caves.
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Though it looks beautiful and like some sort of magical playground, visiting these frozen sea caves. requires a lot of caution, and visitors have to be careful.
You may want ice cleats for the bottoms of your shoes and you definitely want to take note of any and all ranger warnings. The ice above can fall and be dangerous, so being aware, listening for calving and heeding the rangers is absolutely necessary.
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Overall it looks like you wouldn't be surprised to see Superman emerge from around one of the crystalline corners. (Movies filmed in Wisconsin do exist, afterall!). But the experience is oh so worth it!

You can learn more about them by going to the National Park Service Apostle Islands website, as well as the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Facebook page.

Have you ever visited the Apostle Islands Ice Caves? If so, what was your favorite part? Would you agree that these are among the best Wisconsin caves? Do you know of any other places to go caving in Wisconsin? We’d love to read about it in the comments!

Looking for another one of a kind Wisconsin ice adventure? Check out the ice castle built by hand in Eagle River for more than 70 years!

For those who enjoy winter hiking, you can find some great trails in and around the area by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Badger State adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

More Wisconsin Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | December 12, 2023

Where can we learn about Wisconsin history?

  • Ten Chimneys in Waukesha started out as a rejuvenation retreat for many Broadway actors back in the day, and today encompasses a large main house, pool house, cottage, greenhouse, Swedish log cabin studio, and more.
  • The Wade House Historic Site in Greenbush is a 240-acre open-air museum that details the age of horse-powered transportation via a former stagecoach hotel, sawmill, carriage house, and blacksmith.
  • The Fur Trade Museum in Prairie du Chien is located in a building dating back to the early 1800s where fur trading took place in the early pioneer heydays.

Read on to learn about some the many other places where you can learn about Wisconsin history

Where can we find wineries in Wisconsin?

  • Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery and Orchard in Chippewa Falls sits right in the middle of a beautiful apple orchard.
  • The Clover Meadow Winery in Shell Lake is set amidst one of the state's oldest forests.
  • Cold Country Vines and Wines in Kewaunee features spectacular wines in a beautiful setting plus live music events.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other amazing wineries in Wisconsin.

 Where can we find the best restaurants in Wisconsin?

  • Café Hollander Hilldale in Madison serves delicious European-style food in a unique setting.
  • The Robin's Nest Café in Hayward is known for their amazing breakfast fare.
  • The Immigrant in Kohler has been rated as a AAA Four Diamond Award winning fine dining restaurant.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other delicious restaurants in Wisconsin.

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Featured Addresses
Apostle Islands Ice Cave Tours, 823 W Omaha St, Washburn, WI 54891, USA