APOSTLE ISLANDS NATIONAL LAKESHORE (AP)-- The popular ice caves in northwestern Wisconsin have closed after a brief season.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Superintendent Bob Krumenaker says the caves closed Monday night. The ice is starting to melt and the risk of falling ice formation poses safety concerns.
The caves opened to the public on Feb. 28 and were temporarily closed because of high winds and blowing snow, but reopened last week.
Krumenaker says nearly 36,000 people have visited the ice caves this season. The park system charged a $5 fee this year for visitors age 16 and older to cover the cost of additional staff.
Last winter 138,000 people visited the caves, which was the first time ice conditions allowed access to the caves in five years.