FAQs

 

  • 822 S. Water St. Milwaukee, WI 53204

    We are located in the parking lot of the Cooperage and Boone & Crockett, in the Harbor District.

  • Food will be available from Taco Moto and beverages will be available from Boone and Crockett.

    Our hours are different, so book a later session if you want their offerings.

    They are open:

    Thurs at 4pm

    Fri, Sat, and Sun at 3pm

  • There is a parking lot and street parking. Plan extra time as both can get very busy.

    • bathing suit/ shorts/ tank top (wear it under your clothes for quick changing)

    • 2 towels (one to sit on in the sauna, one for drying off)

    • a full water bottle (no glass) - there will be no drinking water available

    • slip-on sandals or shoes for walking outside, you must have footwear to protect your feet

    • neoprene booties are highly recommended for the cold plunge

    • Leave valuables in your car. We will have limited storage and you are responsible for your items.

  • Sessions will be held rain, snow, or shine. The harbor cold plunge may be closed due to dangerous water conditions, or extremely low temperatures. We will continue to operate with our cold shower option. Sauna sessions would only be canceled due to extreme weather.

  • We have an electric barrel sauna and a wood-fired box sauna.

    Temperatures will hover between 160 - 200°F.

    These are dry Nordic-style saunas, you will be able to pour water on the rocks to create steam.

  • We have a curtained off area for changing for one person at a time. Please arrive with your suit under your clothes.

    Most people will quickly change outside. We have hooks for hanging belongings.

  • Contrast therapy, which involves alternating between hot and cold exposure, has gained popularity for its potential benefits in recovery, pain relief, and improved circulation.

    The scientific understanding is still developing, but we know what we feel, so come try it for yourself!

    • Improves circulation

    • Optimizes athletic performance

    • Improves muscle function and recovery

    • Boosts heart health

    • Lowers blood pressure

    • Cleans skin and pores

    • Eases pain and soreness

    • Relieves stress

    • Induces deeper sleep

    • Strengthens immune system

    • Reduces chronic inflammation

    • Can reduce dementia and cognitive decline

    • Improves emotional health and mood

  • Certain health conditions are not compatible with sauna and cold exposure. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to check with your doctor:

    • asthma or other breathing conditions

    • cardiovascular issues

    • those using alcohol, stimulants, tranquilizers, or other mind-altering drugs

    • epilepsy

    • very high or very low blood pressure

    • are feeling ill

    • Those with certain nerve conditions or reduced sensation in extremities may need to avoid the cold plunge.

    • pregnancy (talk to your doctor, pregnant women have been using saunas in Finland for as long as they’ve existed)

  • Hydrate - Drink plenty of water before, during, and after. Please bring your own, we will not have drinking water.

    Eat - Eat a small meal at least 90 minutes before your session. Do not arrive stuffed or starving.

    Always sit on a towel in the sauna and wipe up any sweat or water you might leave behind.

    Heat Up - Feel your mental and physical tension release as the intense heat warms your body.

    Steam - Slowly add water to the rocks to create steam. The steam will increase the intensity of heat. It will cleanse the skin and soothe the respiratory system.

    Cool Down - Exit the sauna and take a dip in the lake, rinse off with a cold shower, or just cool off outside.

    Listen to your body! Do not push the heat or cold exposure!

    Relax - Unwind for a bit until you have cooled completely.

    Repeat - Start the process again.

  • Always remain hydrated.

    Always sit on a towel and wipe the bench when you get up.

    The upper benches will be hotter.

    Do not touch the stove!

    Add water to the rocks very slowly, being careful not to burn your hand with the steam.

    We suggest 5-15 minutes in the sauna for each round. If you begin to feel dizziness or nausea, you should exit and cool down.

  • Your hands and feet will feel very cold, so wearing neoprene scuba socks can make a significant difference. Even wool socks can help keep your feet warmer.

    When entering the water, descend slowly using the ladder. It’s okay if you only get your knees in during your first attempt—don’t worry! You can warm up and try again later.

    If you’re new to cold plunging, aim to stay in for about 15 seconds at first, gradually increasing the time as you get accustomed to the cold.

    You’ll likely experience the cold shock response, characterized by rapid, shallow breathing. This is normal and happens to everyone; it usually lessens with practice.

    Try to calm your breathing and return it to a more normal pace.

    We recommend that you keep your head and hands above water.

    Don’t push yourself too hard! Aim for 1-2 minutes in the water, and listen to your body. Exit if you start to feel uncomfortable.

    After your plunge, relax in the cool air and consider bringing a warm beverage to sip on.

  • This is a working city harbor, so some pollution is to be expected.

    We recommend keeping your head above water and showering off after.

    Here is a breakdown of the water quality. The water is tested regularly. Our location is RI-19.

    https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/47ad3f533cf1440a86dd4dd32e645003