Overview
- Remote cameras and the National Weather Service reported the Meyers Beach ice shelf broke into open water overnight, with a meteorologist saying the ice sheet is completely gone.
- The National Park Service preemptively halted access on Tuesday for public safety and confirmed Wednesday that the route is gone and the caves are closed until further notice.
- Monday’s one-day opening—the first since 2015—drew thousands of visitors, with about 2,500 adult permits processed and long waits for shuttle buses reported.
- Rangers will continue to evaluate conditions, but the park notes the prolonged subzero cold and calm winds needed for stable lake ice are unlikely to return this season.
- Officials said payments from people who could not reach the site during the closure will be honored on a future date per park guidance.