![It's been 5 years since the ice has frozen along the south shore of Lake Superior, creating access to the wonders of the Ice Caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Over the weekend over 8,000 people made the pilgrimage, a mile walk along the frozen shore, to witness and photograph the crystal wonders of the caves. ] BRIAN PETERSON ï brianp@startribune.com Cornucopia, WI 02/02/2014 ORG XMIT: MIN1402030841040619](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/JVEIUV3HP7MJDPYSSUZERB5SVA.jpg?&w=1080)
You'll need to stifle thoughts for the time being about a winter trip to the ice cave formations at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Lake Superior ice conditions near the area in northwestern Wisconsin are unsafe, according to posts this week on the national lakeshore's Facebook page, and the caves are closed. The region is experiencing a string of days with temperatures above freezing. The temperature needs to be a steady 15 degrees or lower for ice buildup, according to meteorologists.
"Ice fishermen outside the [Little Sand Bay] marina reported poor-quality ice, which is likely the conditions at the caves. It's highly dangerous out there now and very unstable," the post stated.
Knowing the huge interest in the natural phenomenon near Bayfield, Wis., the post warned people that lake ice is unpredictable and conditions are unsafe. "The ice is definitely moving out there." The post included a satellite image of the area showing a swath of open water.
The ice caves drew more than 138,000 people in 2014.
Click here for updates on the national lakeshore Facebook page. Or call the Ice Line at 1-715-779-3397, ext. 3.
