Happy 2026, Milwaukee! Go jump in the lake!
Yes, since time immemorial, hearty Milwaukeeans have celebrated New Year’s Day by taking part in the Polar Bear Plunge—a.k.a. heading down to Bradford Beach and splashing around in the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. And even though New Year’s Day 2026 was snowy and cold (about 14 Fahrenheit, with a stiff wind), hundreds upon hundreds of folks kept the tradition alive.
So without further ado, here’s a quick video of today’s action…
…followed by some photos. And again: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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