Ask Mr. (Parks & Recreation) Answer Man:

(Note: Mr. Answer Person is goofing off this week.  Filling in is "Mr. Parks & Recreation Answer Man)

Kelley e-mails: What is the story/history about Ice Cave?  Why has it been left in disrepair?"

Mr. Parks & Recreation Answer Man says: "Ice Cave is the largest cave of its type in North America east of the Black Hills.  It got its name quite naturally—ice can reach a maximum thickness of 8 to 10 inches on the inside walls of the cave.

In 1973 the Decorah Parks & Recreation Board turned ownership of the cave over to the State of Iowa reserve system.  Because Ice Cave is now on state-owned land, the State of Iowa hires the U.S. Geological Service to do an inspection of the facility at least once a year.  Two years ago the inspector felt that a 10-ton rock inside the cave might come falling down at any time, so he closed the cave past a certain point beyond the entrance.

Meanwhile, the steps to Ice Cave have been feeling the effects of erosion and have crumbled in several places.  While the State of Iowa owns the property the cave is on, the Decorah Parks & Recreation Department still is responsible for the area in front of the cave.  Work will be done to repair the steps—but not until next summer because of several other more pressing parks projects."

These steps will be repaired--but not until next summer