Polar Pool: Take Plunge in Downtown Minneapolis

An ice-cold pool will be trucked into the heart of Minnesota’s Queen City to raise money for Special Olympics athletes.

All around the world, people celebrate winter and test their mettle by jumping into frozen lakes and frigid ocean waters. The novelty and appeal have made the tradition a right-of-passage for participants, and a popular fund-raising event for charities.

This year, Polar Plunge Minnesota adds a new twist. Instead of inviting would-be plungers to a frozen lake, it brings the event and an icy pool into the heart of downtown Minneapolis to raise money for Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN).

It all happens Thursday, Feb. 9.

The idea is to make the “big dip” as accessible and fun as possible for nine-to-fivers around the city.

“This is our 20th year of the Polar Plunge, so to celebrate we’re taking it to a whole new level,” said Taylor Dale, communications manager for SOMN. “This is a great opportunity for individuals who work downtown to get out of work early… walk outside, jump in, and support Special Olympics Minnesota.”

Downtown Polar Plunge

To make the urban dunk possible, event coordinators will truck in an above-ground steel pool that’s 18-feet wide and 4-feet deep. Water from fire hydrants will fill the tank, which Dale said is between 40 and 50 degrees.

Warming tunnels will bring shivering plungers back up to temp following the charitable dunk. Two time slots are available, noon and 4:00 p.m., to give every desk jockey a chance to dip.

Daring divers need to raise at least $75 in pledges to be eligible to participate in the Plunge. Dale said SOMN hopes to raise $50,000 from over 200 participants. Currently, the event is about halfway to that goal, with around $21,000 from 125-plus entrants.

Minneapolis friends, help Special Olympics MN reach its goal and take part in the first annual downtown Polar Plunge! Event details and registration here.