1. Apostle Islands Ice Caves, Wisconsin

The sea caves along Apostle Islands National Lakeshore freeze into gorgeous ice caves and are accessible when Lake Superior’s shoreline freezes. (Getty Images)

Mother Nature is full of surprises every changing season. Check out these amazing phenomena you can only see during the winter months, from the arrival of elephant seals to the northern lights.

(MORE: This Winter's Top Winter Travel Destinations)

1. Apostle Islands Ice Caves, Wisconsin

The sea caves were carved and formed over several centuries by waves, freezing and thawing over seasons. And every winter, these stunning places become accessible when Lake Superior's shoreline freezes, allowing visitors to walk on the ice right into their caverns. In addition, according to the National Park Service, by February, inside and along the walls of the caves, making for a beautiful (and ever-changing) sight. with the National Park Service before visiting the caves to make sure conditions are safe.

2.Aurea Borealis (Northern Lights), Scandinavia, Canada & Alaska

Known also as the Northern Lights, the is an incredible light show that can be seen in the in such arctic places as Scandinavia, Canada and Alaska. The red, yellow, green, blue, and violet lights are and collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. Winter is the best time to see the lights due to the long periods of darkness and .

3. Monkeys Gather in Hot Springs, Japan

Every a (also known as "") gather in the warm springs of to escape the cold weather. The monkeys have been coming to these hot springs since 1963. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to see the animals playing and lounging in the warm water up close. The between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

4. Wintering Bald Eagles, Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, Alaska

The is home to several natural salmon runs, including the 'alluvial fan reservoir.' The water in this large reservoir remains between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit above surrounding water temperatures, and this warmer water percolates into the Chilkat River, keeping it from freezing over in the winter. This attracts bald eagles to the area from October through February.

5. Snow Monsters, Hakkoda Mountains, Japan

Beginning in December and lasting through February every year, wind blows cloud and fog against trees in the Hakkoda Mountains and freezes, becoming an uneven granular coating of opaque ice called '.' The rime completely coats the trees, creating a jagged surface on the trees' windward sides and a smooth surface on the leeward sides, transforming them into " Visitors to the area should be careful when approaching these snow monsters because circular depressions form around the trees because of the wind, and , according to the Japan Times.

6. Elephant Seal Pups, Año Nuevo State Park, California

Located on the southern coast of San Mateo County, is home to the largest mainland . During these winter months, bulls can be seen fighting on the beach and female seals can be spotted giving birth to pups. Between Dec. 15 and March 31, the Natural Preserve to before the adults head back out to sea.

7. Johnston Canyon Frozen Waterfalls, Banff National Park, Canada

Every winter, Johnston Canyon becomes home to a number of beautiful frozen waterfalls. Visitors can take in these views via the , which leads past the lower fall, through , and to the stunning upper icefalls. The canyon is also a for experienced climbers during these cold months.

8. Bisons, Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park, is less crowded in winter, offering visitors views of steaming geyser basins and wildlife. During these cold months, bison are often seen making their way through the snow to warm themselves near geyser basins. There are between , according to the National Park Service. As park roads are closed to the interior of the park, the only way to visit Old Faithful and other attractions in the winter is by guided snowcoach or snowmobile.

9. Snowy Owls, Canada and Northern United States

Every year, some Northern American will migrate to southern Canada and the northern half of the contiguous United States and . Some banded snowy owls will return to the same wintering site year after year, and, according to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the birds can be , even engaging in combat with other owls to protect their space. One this winter is in Rhode Island.

10. Snowy Forests, Riisitunturi National Park, Finland

Established in 1982 and spanning 30 square miles, Finland’s is , where spruce trees are covered with frozen snow and ice deposits that give them a stark, otherworldly look. The park covers a mountainous, swampy area and features a series of frozen lakes and trails that are .