Eastern United States
Some of the best ice caves in the eastern United States are the Ellenville Fault Ice Caves in New York's Sam's Point Dwarf Pine Ridge Preserve.
The Nature Conservancy, the property owner, describes the caves as "deep and very narrow fissures and crevasses in the Shawangunk conglomerate bedrock that retain winter ice and snow through much of the summer, resulting in a wonderfully cool microenvironment."
According to the National Park Service, the ice caves formed in fault debris from "the largest known exposed fault system in the United States." Access the caves via the Nature Conservancy's visitor center.
ENY Conservation Office
195 New Karner Road Suite 201
Albany, NY 12205
518-690-7878
nature.org
Midwestern United States
The Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve is located in Decorah, Iowa. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources claims that the ice caves on this 3-acre preserve are among the largest known ice caves in the Midwest.
The cave itself extends into the limestone bluff to 120 feet. After a typically ice-free first 10 feet, a 30-foot ice-covered slope leads further into the cave. In most years, ice remains in the cave well into summer. The caves are located east of Decorah on Ice Cave Road.
Iowa DNR
502 E. 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319-0034
515-281-5918
iowadnr.gov
Western United States
In southern Idaho, near the Wilson Butte Cave, archaeologists have uncovered seven ice caves formed from lava tubes. The caves angle deep into the ground where some of the cave's sections drop to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to the U.S. Department of Interior, the Idaho ice cave discovery represents the first documented use of ice caves as "freezers" in North America. The seven ice caves are located northeast of Twin Falls. Contact the Bureau of Land Management for exact locations.
BLM Idaho State Office
1387 S. Vinnell Way
Boise, Idaho 83709
208-373-4000
blm.gov
