Now OPEN! Thousands take in the breathtaking winter beauty of the Apostle Islands ice caves

LA POINTE (WITI) -- The Apostle Islands ice caves opened for the first time this winter this past weekend -- opening Saturday, February 28th.

Apostle Islands officials said as of 1:00 p.m. Saturday, cars were parked along Highway 13 for four miles, and as of 11:00 a.m., 2,000 people had begun the trek across the ice of Lake Superior to the ice caves.

On Sunday, March 1st, Apostle Islands officials said around 3:00 p.m., there were two-and-a-half miles of cars parked on Highway 13, with 4,200 visitors making the trek to the ice caves.

So how long will the ice caves remain open?

Officials say they'll stay open until we get significant winds that can break up the ice and blow it away. Last year, the caves closed on March 17th. It is not expected they'll remain open that long this year.

Looking to visit? There is a special recreation permit fee of $5 per person ages 16 and up. Children up to age 15 are free.