I was perhaps one of the few people who did not make it out to the Apostle Island Ice Caves last winter.  Although I had planned on an excursion, a visit didn't pan out for me.  However, record numbers of people took advantage of the extra-cold temperatures last winter that helped create an ideal situation for the sight-seeing - something that had not been possible for almost five years!

Many have wondered what this winter would bring.  And while the Winter of 2014-2015 started out a little cold (before the calendar even turned to the season of winter), recent warmer-than-usual temperatures have left some doubt as to the opportunities that might present themselves.

Officials with the National Park Service aren't ruling out the opening of the Ice Caves this winter.  Julie Van Strappen - chief of planning and resource management for the lakeshore told the St. Paul Pioneer Press:

 In years that the ice does get locked in along the caves, it typically does so in early February.  It's too early for park service officials to start measuring the thickness of the ice, and they should have a better idea in January of whether or not the caves will open to the public again this winter.

Many people probably assumed that a decision would be closer to being locked down due to the early opening last winter.  The extra-cold winter allowed almost 140,000 people the chance to see the sights after they opened in January.

That high traffic count is what will probably result in some changes the next time the Ice Caves open up.  A proposal to charge visitors and regulate their access has been floated - but hasn't passed yet.

To learn more about the Apostle Island Ice Caves potential 2014-2015 opening, click here.

 

 

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