These Midwestern Ice Caves Opened This Week for the First Time Since 2015

"Shouldered by sandstone cliffs, these caves in Bayfield, Wisconsin, form when water-and, notably, waves-that would normally flow through the sandstone freezes instead, birthing icicles, columns, and curtains. During the winter of 2015, the caves attracted just shy of 40,000 tourists within a nine-day period, the Associated Press reported at the time."

"'Quality, locked-in ice that can withstand emergency vehicles and large crowds is essential before opening the area for visitation,' a Travel Wisconsin spokesperson said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure ahead of the storm. 'Those conditions are extremely rare and have come together on less than 2% of days since 2000.' Visitors who headed to see the phenomenon had to undergo a 2- to 6-mile-long round-trip hike with uneven ice."

The Apostle Islands ice caves along Lake Superior's south shore opened briefly to visitors after an uncommon combination of extremely frigid temperatures, calm winds, and stable ice allowed safe access. Sandstone cliffs create caves where frozen water and waves build icicles, columns, and curtains. The caves previously drew nearly 40,000 visitors during a nine-day span in 2015. Lake Superior's depth and size make such locked-in ice rare. A powerful winter storm broke up the ice shelf in under 16 hours, ending access. Visitors faced a 2- to 6-mile round-trip hike over uneven ice and were advised to use poles and sturdy boots.

Read at Travel + Leisure