USPS Grand Island Ice Cave Express Stamp – Limited Edition

Bring home the magic of winter with the Grand Island Ice Cave Express Mail Stamp, a stunning piece from the American Landmarks Series. This special stamp was made to highlight one of nature’s coolest winter sights in the U.S.

The Grand Island Ice Caves stamp was created to celebrate the stunning ice caves that appear each winter along the cliffs of Grand Island in Lake Superior. Formed by freezing water that seeps through the rocks, these icy wonders don’t last long, but when they do, they offer an unforgettable view of nature at its most magical.

This  Grand Island Ice Caves stamp features artwork by Dan Cosgrove, who’s been creating designs for years. It captures the view from inside one of Grand Island’s ice caves, looking out at Lake Superior during sunset. The golden sunlight shining through the cold, blue ice creates a stunning contrast. It’s a quiet, peaceful moment that really shows how beautiful the place is.

No national ceremony was held for this release.

The stamp was first released in Munising, Michigan, a small town close to the ice caves and the entrance to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

The American Landmarks Series began in 2008 and includes high-value stamps that highlight famous places across the U.S. Each stamp features colorful artwork by Dan Cosgrove, taking you on a visual trip through some of the country’s most beautiful spots—from tall mountains to frozen lakeshores.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula turns into something magical in the winter. As temperatures drop, water seeps through the cliffs and freezes into giant icicles and thick walls of ice. These icy shapes completely transform the shoreline of Grand Island.

Getting there takes some effort. You have to walk over a frozen stretch of Lake Superior, and that’s only possible when the ice is solid and safe. But if the timing’s right, the view is incredible, some of the ice formations are as tall as an eight-story building.

Because of the ever-changing freeze-thaw cycle, every visit offers a unique experience. Entry into the caves depends on timing and luck. But for those who make it inside, the icy blue walls and stillness leave a lifelong impression, one this stamp captures beautifully.