According to information provided by some friends (and verified on the Web), the ice caves at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are now open and accessible.

Park rangers have reportedly cored the ice between the caves and Meyers Beach, and have found the ice thick enough to accomodate tourist traffic.

The ice caves are awesome and beautiful!  You'll need a parking permit or 2009 seasonal pass in order to bring your vehicle into the Meyers Beach lot.  You can call the Visitor Center at (715) 779-3398 x399 to verify if the lot is open for parking and to obtain price information.

Bring a camera or two and dress warmly..it can be extremely cold this time of year in the Apostle Islands!  You'll have to walk approximately a mile across the frozen beach and lake ice to reach the Mawikwe caves. 

I guarantee it's worth the trip and the effort.