The polar vortex has kept Lake Michigan frozen throughout the winter. In Chicago, temperatures dropped up to -30C (-23F) during the peak of the cold season, causing ice shelves to form on the lake.

The ice shelves were formed when water waves crashed over the existing piles of ice in the lake. The lake will soon return to its usual form.

Spring is bringing warmer weather throughout the region, melting the ice, and transforming the lake into a magical spectacle.

The moving water beneath the ice is pushing the ice plates to the surface. It's breaking them into attractive patterns visible from the South Haven's pier.

But as much as many people want to capture photos of this beautiful phenomenon, the US Coast Guard is warning the public to view the spectacle from afar. It's risky to walk or stand on an unstable surface.

Scroll down to check out some of the best photos of the ice shelves on Lake Michigan.