Plunger dressed as a Mexican wrestler feeling heroic after jumping into the cold waters of Lake Superior. Photo by Finlee Matejcek

Duluth locals braved the cold of Lake Superior on Saturday, Feb. 15 to take part in the annual Polar Plunge. The event resulted in 679 brave souls jumping into the lake. Park Point has hosted the Duluth Plunge for 23 years, raising close to 3 million dollars for Special Olympics Minnesota. This year, locals brought in nearly $150,000.

Plungers mid-jump, bracing themselves for the cold. Photo by Finlee Matejcek

“Jumping in the water was pretty fun, a little chilly, but you gotta do what you gotta do,” plunger Logan Adler said.

Adler is a member of UMD’s chapter of Phi Kappa Psi, which has raised over $800 for the cause.

“We’re really out here supporting the special olympics, all the guys that need it, you know, they grew up with a harder life than we did so whatever I can do to help them (Special Olympic athletes) out in any way possible I will,” Adler said.

Friends and family of the jumpers recording and cheering on their loved ones. Photo by Finlee Matejcek

The event kicks off with a costume contest on the other side of the bridge. Some groups take this very seriously, coming as superheroes and princesses. Some opted for the onesie pajama look. Participants are then bussed over to Park Point to jump in Superior Bay which was 33.4 degrees fahrenheit. The expressions on the plunger's faces as they come out of the water say it all.

Jumper emerging from the lake into freezing temperatures. Photo by Finlee Matejcek

There was an array of reasons that jumpers participated. Plunger Shannon Borgeson was dressed as a fairy godmother and viewed the event as a bonding moment with her 10-year-old goddaughter.

“It’s a good cause and it was fun and it definitely woke me up this afternoon,” Borgeson said.

Team of superheroes getting ready to jump. Photo by Finlee Matejcek

Greek life at UMD has made a large impact, raising over $20,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota. These donations provide athletes with medals, meals, medical examinations, equipment and training sessions. The impact can be as large as sending an athlete to the Special Olympics USA.

Solo plunger dressed as a chef jumping into Lake Superior. Photo by Finlee Matejcek

“We're putting in the work this year, it's been awesome,” Phi Sigma Sigma President Helen Schilling said.

Their organization has brought in over $3,000 and had 15 girls jump this year. This time around, Schilling was there to support her sisters but she has jumped in the past.

“It's tough but it's definitely a really good adrenaline rush and you feel really good afterwards,” Schilling said, recalling the experience.

Want to help make a difference? Start planning your costume for next year's Polar Plunge!

Duluth Community Comes Together to Support Special Olympics Minnesota