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Ultimate Guide to Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve, Iowa (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

Ultimate Guide to Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve, Iowa (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

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Edgewood in Iowa is home to one of the hidden treasures in the state – the Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve. It is a perfect weekend getaway in the summer where you can see an ice cave, a gigantic rock that resembles a steamboat and enjoy the cool fresh-water springs. 

Ice Caves at Bixby State Preserve Cover Image
Photo Credit: Atlas Obscura

The ice cave is the main attraction at Bixby State Preserve. At one point in time, the ice cave had loads of ice. But, today, the total amount of ice available underground is not known. One can only see the ice from the entrance and experience a cool mist near the opening, which is a welcome relief from the scorching heat of the summer. 

History of Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve

R.J. Bixby bought the land that has State Preserve in 1887-88. He was a local man of Edgewood renowned for his business and teaching. He had initially bought the land to build a summer cabin for his family, but he never knew that he had purchased a piece of land with a great scientific phenomenon. 

Around 1920 or 1930, Bixby sold the park to the state. However, the locals never whether the park was sold out of financial hardship or not. The Ice Cave was discovered by a Civil War veteran, Captain Little. He had leased the right to mine lead in the park from Bixby. Some lead miners dug into the hillside and enlarged a crack in the limestone.

The exact date of this event or the names of the miners are not yet known to us. Many locals claimed to have seen mining tools, an ore cart, and even rails for the cart in the back of the cave, almost 80 ft into the hill. 

The mining effort was soon abandoned as too much ice had formed in the cave. A newspaper report from the 1930s had reported that it was tones of ice inside the cave. There is a story that many residents of Edgewood came to the caves to collect ice so that they could make ice creams. Some even came here to cool their beers! 

Geologists have confirmed that ice caves are formed when cold air seeps into the underground cracks in the winter and chills the bedrock. Then the water from the rainfall or melting snow freezes when it comes in contact with the cold rock. It is often seen that air that seeps through the cracks frequently blows out of the mouth of the ice caves, thereby creating a microclimate inside the cave.

The cool environment is perfect for many species of plants and animals, as in the case of the ice cave at Bixby State Preserve. Such cold air seeps are technically known as algific slopes by biologists. 

The 1970s was an important period for the park as the park received national attention due to the discovery of the Pleistocene snail. Many scientists thought that the snail was extinct for thousands of years, but in 1978, the park was the only known site for these endangered snails. During this time, the park was transferred from a State Park to Clayton County Conservation, and now it serves as a State Preserve. 

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Geological Cave Formations

The geological wonders of the park make this place an absolute beauty. The ice cave within the park is a phenomenon as the cave’s microclimate has helped preserve rare flora and fauna. As you take a hike after exploring the cave, you will come across a large rock that looks like a steamboat. Hence, the rock has been named Steamboat Rock. 

Wildlife in Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve

pleistocene snail

A small population of Iowa Pleistocene snails is present in and near the ice cave. It is an Ice Age era species that has managed to survive due to microclimate in the ice cave. The snails are an endangered species, and they are so tiny that it is hard to spot them. The dull-colored snails are about a quarter of an inch in diameter. They lay their eggs on leaf litter. 

Is Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve Haunted?

Bixby State Preserve is a quiet nature preserve frequented by several visitors every year. The Ice Cave is a unique attraction that makes this place special, and it is not haunted. 

How Big is Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve?

Bixby State Preserve is spread over 184 acres, and the length of the ice cave is estimated to be 80 ft in length. 

Ice Caves at Bixby State Preserve
Photo Credit: Atlas Obscura

Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve Tours

If you ever come down to Bixby State Preserve, you cannot miss the cold breeze that will almost send chills down your spine! You may feel that you have just stepped into a giant cooler! The ice cave is only a few hundred yards away from the park’s main entrance and just over the small stream where you can indulge in some trout fishing. The ice cave in the park attracts many visitors throughout the year.

Some people say that the passage in the cave extends up to 80 ft, but the actual length is hard to determine, and it is also unclear whether anything was ever mined here. The subterranean part is now behind a metal barrier and is made off-limits to all budding explorers. 

Tour Prices and Discounts

Bixby State Preserve and Ice Cave are free attractions for all. 

Is Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve Cold?

During winter, the cave is warm and remains free from ice. But in summer, the temperature never crosses 26 degrees F. There is always a cloud of vapor and a chill sensation near the opening, and nobody is sure how much ice is there underground. 

What to Wear?

One can wear anything that he/she is comfortable in, but a pair of hiking shoes is a must. 

Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve Hours

Bixby State Preserve is open from 6:00 in the morning to 10:00 in the evening.

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What to Do at Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve (Beside Tours)

Are you wondering what to do after a session of cave exploration? Well, you can take a hike along the trails. When you walk along the bluffs covered with different kinds of green life, you will come across a rock that looks like a steamboat. It is known as the Steamboat Rock for its unique shape, and you will soon come across the Castle Rock Cave.

When you climb on top of Castle Rock, you will get a panoramic view of the valley. Apart from the cave and the hiking trail, there is also a trout stream where you can fish and a small picnic area. 

Best Time to Visit

The Ice Cave can be visited any time of the year. So, you can come here at your convenience. 

How to Get to Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve

Bixby State Preserve is around two miles north of the small town of Edgewood. A gravel road accesses it, but it is not well-maintained in winter. People can access the Preserve any time of the day, but one should try to cross Bear Creek when the water level is high. 

If you want to visit the ice cave, you must park near the picnic area. You need to walk in an easterly direction on a dirt trail for about 200 ft and cross the creek when the water is low. There are stairs cut into the hillside for reaching the cave entrance, and you need to follow the stairs. One needs to stay on the trail at all times so that the fragile flora and fauna are not damaged. 

Provide a safe bat habitat
Provide a safe bat habitat!

Hotels Nearby

Camping is not allowed at Bixby State Preserve. Thankfully, there are some top hotels near Bixby State Preserve, such as Elkader Jailhouse Inn and The Red Brick Inn. 

Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve Fun Facts

  • Bixby State Preserve is among the few places in the world to have algific talus slopes. 
  • The only road to the State Preserve is closed on both the north and south side of the Preserve. 
  • There are no restrooms in the park due to vandalism. 
  • Although not confirmed, there has been a report of a death in Bixby State Park many years ago. 
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Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve Details 

  • Length: The Bixby State Preserve is spread over 184 acres, but the exact length of the ice cave is not known. However, it is speculated that the cave extends up to 80 ft. 
  • Time Recommended: 2 to 3 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Kid-friendly: Yes
  • Dog-friendly: Yes
  • Fees: Free
  • Hours: 6 am to 10 pm

Visiting Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve

Do you need more information before visiting? Call (563) 928-7036 or email Bixby State Preserve for an information packet. 

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