BAYFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Apostle Islands ice caves officially opened on Monday, Feb. 16, for the first time since 2015 if current ice conditions remain stable.

The ice caves form along sandstone cliffs of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore near Meyers Beach on Lake Superior's south shore. Waves and water seeping through the sandstone freeze into curtains, columns and icicles.

Access requires walking across frozen Lake Superior from Meyers Beach.

Conditions allowing access to the ice caves are extremely rare, occurring on less than 2% of days since 2000, according to park officials. Quality ice that can withstand emergency vehicles and large crowds is essential before opening.

Visitors should prepare for a 2- to 6-mile round trip hike on uneven lake ice with no shelter, water or cell service.

An ice caves event fee of $5 per person per day applies to visitors 16 and older. Shuttle service costs $5 each way and parking fees are separate.

For more information and updates about day-to-day closures, click here or call (715) 779-3398 ext. 3.