At the very northern tip of Wisconsin, a chain of islands freckle Lake Superior’s south shore. The Apostle Islands provide protected coves and bays in this part of the volatile lake’s waters. Over years of withstanding waves and ice, the cliffs of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore have developed sea caves in the ever-changing sandstone.
Once you witness the power of Lake Superior, it’s easy to see how the water carved out caves in the rock. Major erosion is still taking place today, as large pieces of sandstone cliffs can shear off into the lake.
Where to Visit Sea Caves at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
The pockets, arches and tunnels created in the sandstone are collectively known as the “sea caves” of the Apostle Islands. Two of the islands have sea caves on their north shores: Devils Island and Sand Island. The island sea caves can be explored by boat (personal or with the Apostle Island Cruise Service) or kayak. Bayfield, Wisconsin has several kayak outfitters if you would like to visit with a guide (recommended for beginners).
If you would prefer to keep your feet on dry land when visiting the sea caves, you’re in luck. The mainland of the north shore on Bayfield peninsula has a stretch of very accessible sea caves. These sea caves are accessible by sea kayak, or you can hike to them on the Lakeshore Trail.
Hiking to the Apostle Islands Sea Caves via the Lakeshore Trail
To see the sea caves from a raven’s eye view, you will want to hike 2 miles along the Lakeshore Trail, starting at Meyers Beach. Meyers Beach Road is located off of Highway 13 between Cornucopia and Red Cliff, Wisconsin. There is a $5 parking fee at the trailhead (self pay).
At the trailhead, there is direct access to Lake Superior at Meyers Beach. It’s also a popular spot for launching kayaks to visit the sea caves along the mainland.
From the trailhead, the Lakeshore Trail traces the edge of Lake Superior as you head northeast along the coast. There are small sections of stairs, bridges and little boardwalks along the trail as it crosses creeks and ravines. While you gradually gain elevation over the course of the two mile hike, it isn’t steep.
The trail winds through balsam fir and birch on its way to the cliffs. Snowshoe hare, fox and black-capped chickadees all frequent the area close to the trail.
The Sea Caves Viewpoints
A little more than a mile from the trailhead, you get your first view of Lake Superior from above. This is just a sneak preview of what’s to come!
At nearly the two-mile mark, a glint of orange is visible through the trees. At the edge of a deep chasm bordered by a wooden fence, an orange life preserver lies on the ground. People do, on occasion, fall from the cliffs into Lake Superior.
If you visit on a windy day, the waves boom down into the deep crevasse below. It slices up into the main cliff, and the trail cuts across the chasm on a bridge.
From here, the trail continues on to several other vantage points above Gichi-Gami. The Keyhole and Garage come first, caves that get serious wave action on a windy day. There are no safety rails along the cliffs, which helps preserve their wild beauty. Keep in mind that the sandstone is constantly eroding–be safe!
The longest stretch of sea cave-pocketed shoreline is the Bowl, a common turnaround point for hikers on the Lakeshore Trail. The Bowl is a gorgeous vantage of caves and cliffs that curves around a cove beneath the trail. On a windy day, the waves will subsequently enter and be spit back out of the pockets along the cliff. There are benches on both ends of the Bowl.
The turnaround… or not
Most hikers make the sea caves viewpoints their turnaround spot on the Lakeshore Trail. If you go all the way to the end of the Bowl, this is a little under a 5 mile roundtrip hike.
If you haven’t had enough of the wild freshwater shoreline, the Lakeshore Trail continues for another 4 miles past the sea caves. Notable viewpoints include a rockpile with trees out in the water, and the Stack.
At mile 6, the Lakeshore Trail terminates at a campsite on the water. The full out-and-back hike would be a 12-miler.
Winter Hiking at the Apostle Islands Sea Caves
Winter is an amazing time to visit the Apostle Islands mainland sea caves. The Lakeshore Trail is open throughout the winter. Bringing micro spikes and hiking poles is very helpful for the icy trail conditions. Snowshoes can be necessary when the snow gets deep. Skiing the Lakeshore Trail is not recommended.
In the winter, the trail gets less visitation. Additionally, the ice formations that accumulate on the red sandstone cliffs add to the beauty of the Apostle Island sea caves. Even in the winter on the shores of Lake Superior, the colors of nature here are striking.
Ice Caves
Under rare circumstances in the winter, ice conditions on Lake Superior are just cooperative enough to allow for hiking on the frozen lake itself. When this happens, you can walk inside the sea caves where the interior has been coated with stalactites of sea ice.
If you get the chance to experience hiking to the ice caves, you’re so lucky! Lake Superior’s ice conditions were solid enough to open the ice caves for just one day in 2026. That was the first time in eleven years! Before the one day period in 2026, the ice caves were open for a nine-day stretch in 2015.
Camping along the Lakeshore Trail
There are three campsites along the Lakeshore Trail. The furthest, Campsite 1, is a 6-mile hike from the Meyers Beach trailhead. To reserve a campsite, go to Recreation.gov.
Hiking with Dogs on the Lakeshore Trail
Dogs are allowed on the Lakeshore Trail, as long as they are kept on a leash at all times. Once you reach the cliffs, you’ll definitely want to use caution with pets.
Food and Amenities Nearby
Bayfield, Wisconsin is the main hub town for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Bayfield is home to outdoor guide services as well as the ferry to Madeline Island, a popular spot in the Apostle Islands. There are also restaurants, coffee shops and gas stations in Bayfield. Wonderstate Coffee is my favorite fueling-up spot in town!
The mainland sea caves at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a highlight for Midwest travel. The moodiness of Lake Superior means that they look a lot different every time you visit! The wave and ice conditions, color of the water, and weather give the sea caves a different vibe every time. A truly special spot in Wisconsin!
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