2-11-2024
The Lake Harriet and Cedar Lake ice holes are now closed and the season is officially ended. 

Ice conditions have been monitored closely during this season’s unusually warm weather and this decision was made for the safety of the community of cold immersion enthusiasts and the general public.

The polar dippers are permitted with the Minneapolis Park Board through Endurance United, a St. Paul nonprofit focused on getting people involved with a healthy outdoor lifestyle.

Cold Water immersion in Minneapolis

In the middle of winter, regular “dips” in frozen Lake Harriet and Cedar Lake have become an energizing routine for many Minneapolis locals. While it may sound uninviting, any regular dipper will be able to share several health benefits they receive from this practice. And there is an ever-increasing amount of science to back their claims. Interested in learning a little more? Here’s all you need to know…   

Minneapolis ‘Ice Hole’ Locations

The two ice holes in Minneapolis are located at Lake Harriet (known affectionately as ‘Harriet Magic Hole’ or HMH) and Cedar Lake.

Lake Harriet North Beach.
4180 E Lake Harriet Pkwy

Google maps links:
https://goo.gl/maps/ZX1HsAXq9jh6RGr3A

Cedar Lake
2630 Cedar Lake Parkway

Google maps links:
https://goo.gl/maps/haiThqi6XkLkm5DS6

Questions or concerns email the team. TeamHarrietMagicHole@gmail.com

Cold Water Immersion health benefits

‘Cold Water Immersion’ or ‘cold water therapy’ has a stellar list of physiological and psychological benefits when practiced regularly, including:

·      Enhanced immune function by increasing white blood cell count
·      Improved circulation (especially hands & feet)
·      Enhanced cardiovascular system function
·      Increased metabolic rate
·      Regulated blood sugar
·      Increased dopamine, endorphins, and norepinephrine levels
·      Decreased white adipose tissue, i.e., weight loss
·      Activated production of brown adipose tissue
·      Increased energy production via improved mitochondrial efficiency
·      Improved mood
·      Decreased anxiety
·      Increased testosterone (in men)
·      Increased growth hormone