And the winners are…
25m Competitive
1st Cody Miller 12.60s
2nd Arian Zare 13.56s
3rd Seth Baetzold 14.60s
50m Competitive
1st Cody Miller 28.25s
2nd Micah Barberg 31.09s
3rd Carew Halleck 32.97s
100m Competitive
1st Casey McGrath 1m:13.76s
2nd Carew Halleck 1m:16.60s
3rd Seth Baetzold 1m:18.90s
4th Lady Merle Liivand 1m:21.53s
Thank you to all swimmers, staff, and volunteers who made the Inaugural 2025 MN Ice Swim a great success! See you all next year!!!
We were proud to host Cody Miller, Lady Merle Liivand, JB Lanza, Carew Halleck, Seth Baetzold, David Cameron, Ivan Pancic, Mike Kolsky, Mike Miller, Casey McGrath, Craig Collins, and so many talented swimmers. We will be posting more times and lots of pics and videos here and on our social media. Stay tuned!
***HOT NEWS!!! We are on the path to becoming the first IISA sanctioned swimming event in the United States! Follow the MN Ice Swim Event on Facebook to stay up to date.
Didn’t get any merch? Prove you were there!
Who
Swimmers, adventure seekers, cold water enthusiasts
What
Ice swim event consisting of 25/50/100m swims
Where and When
Lake Johanna in Arden Hills, Minnesota Saturday, February 22, 2025
Basic Requirement:
Be able to withstand sub-35 degree F water for a duration of 60 seconds.
There is currently an ice hole available at Lake Johanna in Arden Hills, Minnesota where this event will take place. You can test the waters there anytime before the swim. No attendants will be on site until the event, so be safe, have a safety second, and enter at your own risk!
Parking and Event Maps
Event Trailer Video
FAQ
Is this a competition?
Yes and no. We have a timed competitive division with prizes for the fastest 25/50 lengths. More details on this to come. We also have an amateur division, untimed.
How much does registration cost?
A processing charge is added to the prices listed for these four categories:
1. 25 Meter Competitive Freestyle $60
2. 50 Meter Competitive Freestyle $90
3. 100 Meter Competitive Freestyle $120
4. 25 Meter Amateur (untimed) $60
Any activities for non-swimmers?
We will have a hot sauna where seats can be reserved. We plan to have a food truck on site with hot food and beverages, fire rings, on-ice games TBD, a luminary walk at dusk, and more!
How deep is the water?
Not to exceed 5 feet.
How about if I just want to do a cold dip?
Got you covered! This location is where a large community has been dipping for the last five years. Near the swim lanes is our fenced-in dipping hole!
Will this be a lot of fun?
Most definitely! Our inspiration is an event that’s been going on for 10 years in Vermont. Check that out here. They are definitely having fun! There are social events at local restaurants that add to the festivities. Our vision is to start something like this here in Minnesota!
What do swimmers get?
All swimmers will receive a commemorative swim cap and a participant medal. Prizes will be awarded to winners of competitive divisions.
What about parking?
There are parking lots as well as nearby business to carpool/shuttle (volunteers to shuttle from off-site).
Any special instructions for swimmers?
All swimmers will be notified by email with detailed instructions, including details about a Zoom call for live instructions and questions. The event will start at 11AM, and swimmers will be assigned heats. This is important to know to time your arrival and prep time.
Any safety precautions being taken?
Yes. All swimmers will be screened by interview. There will be trained safety personnel present, and volunteers assisting all swimmers to and from the water. We will have a heated tent for changing and warm-up staffed with volunteers.
Will there be a building or a tent?
There will be a 20×30 heated tent on the beach designated for swimmers only as a staging and warming area. There will also be an enclosed pavilion as volunteer headquarters. For spectators, we will have fire rings for some warmth, and porta-potties, but no indoor space or tent for spectators.
Bathrooms available?
We will have porta-potties on site.
Can I bring my dog?
Discouraged but yes, as long as they are always leashed and you pick up after them (same as park rules).
Competitive vs Amateur differences?
Competitive Division: use of only swim suits above the knee and not past the shoulder, 1 silicone or latex swim cap, goggles and watch are permitted.
Amateur Division: aides such as full-body protective gear and/or approved flotation devices. Hats optional.
Is there a deadline to register?
Yes – Feb 16! However, we only have 100 slots and registration will be closed when full.
Will there be saunas?
Yes! Free for swimmers! Spectators can reserve a seat at https://saunice.net.
Register below and follow the Facebook event for updates.
Have any more questions?
Email info@mniceswim.com.
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