Polar Bear Plunge in Mississippi

You’ve probably seen it on television countless times: groups of people jumping into freezing cold water in the middle of winter wearing nothing more than a summer swimsuit. Brrrrrr! Why would they do this to themselves? If it’s the Polar Bear Plunge (no, not THAT Polar Bear Plunge in San Diego) you’re talking about, it’s done for charity, to support the Special Olympics. That’s right — plungers actually pay to jump into that frigid water!

CNN featured a handy article today about the country’s five most popular Polar Bear Plunges. Here they are, with some highlights:

1. Maryland: January 29, 2011

You have only one day to take the plunge in Maryland – go for it! You’ll only be cold for a few minutes Lots of other activities to keep you occupied if you’d rather stay warm.

2. Wisconsin: February 5-March 5, 2011

See, It's Not THAT Cold!

Lots of plunge events to choose from here, but I think the one in Madison is the coolest (and probably most famous). You get to walk out into the middle of the ice and leap into a huge whole cut in the ice.

3. Minnesota: January 29-March 12, 2011

One plunge not enough? How about doing it 24 times in 24 hours? You can try that out in Rochester, Minnesota. Have fun

4. New Jersey: November 27-February 26, 2011

There’s usually no ice to jump off of, just a very, very cold ocean. Makes me shiver just thinking about it!

5. Illinois: February 25-March 19, 2011

Over 10,000 people participated lat year, and they’re hoping to break that record by a lot this year. You have 18 locations to choose from, so it shouldn’t be hard to find one near you.

Happen to be in Denmark this winter? You can plunge into some chilly waters there, too!

Photos: Eagle 102.net, West Point Public Affairs