Plan your visit
Plan your Apostle Islands trip
Prepare for cold water, limited parking, and rugged trails. Proper gear and weather awareness are essential for a safe visit to the sea caves.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the Meyers Beach sea caves
90500 Meyers Beach Road, Bayfield, WI 54814
GPS 46.8834, -91.0484
Open directionsGetting there
Getting to Meyers Beach and Bayfield
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive to the Meyers Beach parking area off Highway 13, about 5 miles east of Cornucopia or 18 miles west of Bayfield. | 30 minutes from Bayfield | $5-$8 parking | Maximum vehicle length is 45 feet. No parking is available directly at the trailhead during rare winter ice cave openings; off-site shuttles are required. |
| Boat: Kayaking to the mainland sea caves launching from Meyers Beach, or taking guided tours departing from Bayfield. | Half-day to full-day | Varies by outfitter | A 16-foot sea kayak with sealed bulkheads, a wetsuit, and a PFD are strongly recommended due to cold water and sudden squalls. |
| Tour: Apostle Islands Cruise Service offers narrated scenic boat tours departing from Bayfield. | 3 hours (Grand Tour) | Varies | A safe and comfortable option for viewing the islands, lighthouses, and sea caves without kayaking. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The park is open year-round, but June through August are the best months for boating and kayaking. Water temperatures are dangerously cold in May and June, averaging in the 40s (Fahrenheit).
Winter access to the ice caves is highly variable. Safe ice conditions occurred on only 2% of days between 2000 and 2023.
What to bring
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The maximum vehicle length for the Meyers Beach parking lot is 45 feet.
Plan accordingly if you are driving a large RV.
How the day runs
Suggested itineraries based on your time and transport.
View the mainland sea caves from the cliff tops.
- Park at Meyers Beach
Pay the $5-$8 parking fee at the kiosk.
- Hike the Lakeshore Trail
Walk 2.5 miles out to the best sea cave viewpoints.
- Return hike
Head back to the parking lot, staying back from the fragile cliff edges.
See the islands and caves without physical exertion.
- Bayfield Headquarters
Stop at the visitor center for exhibits and a park passport stamp.
- Grand Tour
Board the Apostle Islands Cruise Service boat for a 3-hour narrated trip.
- Return to Bayfield
Disembark and explore the town.
Kayaking safety and gear
Lake Superior is prone to sudden squalls and freezing temperatures. If you paddle to the caves, a 16-foot sea kayak with sealed bulkheads is required for safety. Standard recreational kayaks are dangerous here.
Always wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and a wetsuit or drysuit. Carry a marine VHF radio to monitor weather changes. .
Easiest way to do it
Boat Cruise - North Shore to Death’s Door Crossing
2 h 4.8 (172)
- Restroom on board
From$52per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Where do you park for Meyers Beach?
The Meyers Beach parking area is located off Highway 13, about 18 miles west of Bayfield and 5 miles east of Cornucopia.
Can you camp at Meyers Beach?
There is no camping directly at the beach or parking lot. The Mainland Campsite requires a 6-mile hike from the parking area or access by kayak.
Are the Apostle Islands ice caves open right now?
Ice cave access is extremely rare. Safe ice conditions formed on only 2% of days between 2000 and 2023. Check the park's official updates before planning a winter trip.