In a rare winter spectacle, thousands ventured onto the frozen expanse of Lake Superior, seeking a glimpse of the enchanting ice caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This natural wonder, revealed after more than a decade, showcases intricate formations of icicles and frozen waterfalls, transforming the red sandstone cliffs into a scene that many describe as fairy-tale-like.
Kayla Derheim, visiting from Duluth, Minnesota with her husband Bryan and their three children, was captivated by the sight. Her daughter Macey, 11, likened the icicles to “something out of a fairytale,” a sentiment echoed by her mother, who remarked, “It’s something you don’t see anywhere else.”
The Derheims’ previous visit was in 2014 when the ice caves gained massive popularity on social media, drawing approximately 138,000 visitors. The rare combination of sub-zero temperatures and calm winds has finally made the ice safe for exploration once more.
This winter, the Midwest, including Wisconsin, has experienced weather patterns that feel more reminiscent of traditional winters. While early snowstorms in November laid a deep snow cover across the state, snowfall remained below average through December and January. Despite these inconsistencies, the region endured colder-than-usual temperatures, thanks to a weak La Niña and Arctic cold spells.
Changes in Midwest Winter Tourism
Austin Hamilton, a resident of Lake Nebagamon, took advantage of the opportunity to bring his children to the ice caves, wary of their potential disappearance due to climate change. “I don’t think the ice caves are going to be here much longer,” he expressed with concern.
Lake Superior is among the fastest-warming lakes globally, a factor contributing to the erratic ice cover that challenges safe access to these natural wonders. Maximum ice coverage on the Great Lakes has decreased by 25 percent since 1973.
Amanda Latham, a climate outreach specialist, explains, “With winters becoming warmer in general, that means lake ice is forming a lot later. It’s potentially not as thick as what it used to be, or it’s taking longer for that lake ice to get thick.” This shift poses significant implications for winter tourism, including the viability of ski resorts.
Whitecap Mountains, a prominent ski resort in Wisconsin, faced severe financial difficulties after experiencing two consecutive winters with dramatically reduced snowfall. Owner Dave Dzubian shared, “Never did we think that we were going to have one year, much less two bad years in a row.” The resort’s revenue dramatically declined from $1.4 million to around $197,000 in just one season.
Meanwhile, the American Birkebeiner, North America’s largest cross-country ski race, managed to proceed by stockpiling over 1,200 dump truck loads of snow. Despite improved snow conditions this year, climate change continues to challenge the event’s sustainability. Organizers like Ben Popp are investing heavily in snowmaking infrastructure to adapt to the warming trends.
The Impact of Climate Change on Winter Activities
As winters in Wisconsin grow warmer, the window for snowmaking narrows, and natural snowfall becomes increasingly unreliable. This year, the Apostle Islands ice caves were only accessible for a single day before changing weather conditions melted the ice, highlighting the fragile nature of these winter attractions.
The story of the ice caves and the challenges faced by winter resorts underscore the broader impacts of climate change on regional economies and cherished winter traditions. As these changes continue, communities and businesses are forced to adapt, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable strategies in the face of a warming climate.
Original Story at www.wpr.org