Ice sculptures on the beach? Yes, and these are not made by ice carvers but by Mother Nature herself. In the winter when the ice begins to coat the lakes, it shifts with the wind. As it blows up on the shore and freezes again, sculptures and caves form. And they are gorgeous.

A walk on the beach in the winter after the ice has settled in is a glorious experience. You can walk on the beach and on the ice. Bring your camera to preserve these special winter memories.

On some days in February and March, the parking lots at the beaches can be as busy as a day in July. Everyone is walking on the beach or is out on the ice. On the inland lakes, the ice season can last three months. On Lake Michigan, it can be a few weeks or in some unlucky winters, not at all.

So put on your walking shoes, hats and gloves and hit the beach--in the winter!

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