"Short but sweet" might be a good descriptor.

The Apostle Islands Ice Caves will close for the season at 7 p.m. Monday, the park announced on Facebook that afternoon.

The reason: Warming temperatures and strong winds.

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During the 2013-14 winter, an estimated 138,000 visitors made the trek to Lake Superior's south shore to see the fantastic formations. They were open for weeks, during a winter when Arctic air seemingly refused to leave, and generated serious money for the local businesses.

But this winter, the opportunity to hike along the frozen waters was limited.

The ice caves opened Saturday, Feb. 28, with 6,000 people venturing out – but will be closed just nine days later.

Through Sunday night, the park says nearly 36,000 visitors had made it out.