anyone check this out this year. sounds like can walk a mile across the ice this year to the ice caves. Have never been there was thinking of bringing wife and kids this weekend. any suggestions where to stay in the area?
And join 5 to 10 thousand other people. Friend posted on Facebook, had to walk 3 miles to get to the parking lot to walk the 1 mile on ice out to see the caves with The People!
Said it was worth it though… 
Wear ice creepers. A number of people have fallen on the walk to the ice caves.
Quote:
And join 5 to 10 thousand other people. Friend posted on Facebook, had to walk 3 miles to get to the parking lot to walk the 1 mile on ice out to see the caves with The People!
Said it was worth it though…
x2 for me. Wife and I went weekend before last. Was it worth it, yes.
Very long walk just to get to the entrance to the park but was cool. There is a pay shuttle to the east of the entrance a ways. Not sure how much though.
One word of caution, if you try to get lodging at the last minute you won’t find one for many miles. Guess what we tried 
Heading back to Duluth might be the best bet or booking in Ashland ahead of time.
for ideal place to stay would it be in conucopia or where exactly is it?
Quote:
Wear ice creepers. A number of people have fallen on the walk to the ice caves.
Great idea. “Ice Creepers”
A friend took his fiance up there 2-weeks ago as a surprise day trip.
In one of the Caves, somehow, he slipped and fell breaking his FEMUR (between Hip & Knee).
Had a Ice Rescue sled ride back to landing and awaiting Ambulance while his fiance got ride on sled, but then had to drive to Hospital. They stabilized him there and transferred to UofM Hospital in MPLS via Ambulance while she drove by herself.
Likely he will still have Cast on for Wedding in 6-weeks.
Doesn’t look promising for any Dancing!
Quote:
for ideal place to stay would it be in conucopia or where exactly is it?
Cornucopia is 4 miles West, Bayfield is about 14 miles East. Those would be the closest options.
Quote:
Quote:
for ideal place to stay would it be in conucopia or where exactly is it?
Cornucopia is 4 miles West, Bayfield is about 14 miles East. Those would be the closest options.
Cornucopia is TINY, TINY, TINY. Bayfield, Washburn or Ashland are your only nearby options.
As others have said, its mega crowded. If you’re not in the parking lot at dawn, expect a 2-3 mile walk to get to the parking lot and then 1-2 miles on ice.
Ice creepers and trekking poles are a great idea. Some areas of ice are snow covered and some are bare. Inside the caves are smooth as glass and twice as slippery.
Bring snacks and water. There’s no concession stands at the caves! There’s no bathrooms, either, so plan accordingly! (this is more for the ladies!)
If you can stay over on Sunday night, you’ll have fewer people come Monday morning and you’ll get better photos
A friend just came back from there this weekend. On Sunday morning she was the 3rd car in the lot at 6am. When they returned at noon, it was a nightmare of cars.
As others have said – yes, it is worth the trip, maybe “effort” is more apt. Cornucopia has very little lodging, Bayfield is usually a crap shoot for vacancies – closest town with decent available lodging will be Ashland, as well as dining choices.
Would not choose cross country skis – we thought that would get us there quicker – NOPE. Snow shoes could work. Plan for people in just about every photo you plan to shoot as the crowds have found this very cool place to visit.
I’ve also heard it’s been Mega People up there. A co-worker was commenting one of the bars was out of beer mid week due to all the people. I can’t imagine the zoo on a weekend. I assume everyone is trekking out to the Squaw Bay caves west of Bayfield. Maybe you could get out to Sand Island but Squaw Bay is more extensive. The truly impressive trip would be to get out to Devil’s Island. Not sure if it’s been safe to get out there via snow machine.
Here’s a nice photo essay showing the crowds and the caves:
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2014/02/a-frozen-walk-to-island-ice-caves/100682/
my cabin is up in Corny–if was looking to stay id stop in at the Village Inn and talk to Wade n Cheryl–great people they know all and any places to stay in area–heck stop in there and eat–great food too–and beers!! don’t forget to stop and get gas while in town too–this is helping the little town out a lot-the crowds–otherwise in winter the town is like a ghost town–and yeah other places to stay would be Washburn has a hotel down by lake and Ashland of course too-well and Bayfield but might cost ya there!! Tell em Cabin boy sent ya-they will know!!
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
