The ice is formed by waves and spray from Lake Michigan freezing in cold air temperature conditions. Notice it goes all the way to the top of the lighthouse. Dave Walker said an onlooker watching him from the pier said he was crazy to go out onto the ice boulders to get this picture. A beautiful winter day in the city. The ice appears to be solid, but is really made of chunks washed together.
Every winter people disappear, presumably from walking on the ice and falling through.
Nobody who knows the Lake goes onto Lake Michigan ice. Lake Ice floating in the Channel . During cold winters, iceberg-like landscapes form as the spray from the waves freezes along the shore. The South Haven Catwalk was repaired by donations from its citizens and friends of the City. You can imagine the wear and tear it goes through each winter.