Special to the Times Vedette
As the late winter chill lingers and spring peeks around the corner, many are turning to an invigorating ritual to shake off the seasonal slump: cold-water plunging. Bracing yourself against the icy sting of a lake or ocean, feeling the rush of adrenaline, and emerging with a renewed sense of energy — it’s a practice that’s surged in popularity for good reason.
Enthusiasts swear by benefits like reduced stress, better sleep and an overall lift in quality of life, and new research suggests they might be onto something. A quick dip in frigid waters could be just the tonic to combat the late-winter blues and welcome the warmer months ahead.
Beyond the physical jolt, cold-water immersion offers a chance to connect with nature and like-minded adventurers, especially during the quieter months when lakeshores and beaches are less crowded. While some of the perks — like a burst of endorphins or a temporary drop in stress — may be short-lived, experts note that any activity encouraging people to step outside, breathe fresh air, and bond with others can work wonders for easing anxiety and lifting spirits.
To uncover the best spots for a late-winter or early-spring plunge, AMFM surveyed 3,105 cold-water enthusiasts about their favorite destinations. Springbrook Lake, Guthrie County, is the top Iowa recommendation, as voted by regular cold plungers. Springbrook Lake ranked No. 72 nationally.
From urban beaches to remote glacial lakes, the top five recommendations nationally for where to take the plunge as the seasons shift are:
No. 1. Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York
No. 2. Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park, Montana
No. 3. Lake Erie, Headlands Beach State Park, Ohio
No. 4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
No. 5. Glacial Lakes State Park, Starbuck, Minnesota
