Great River Water Park

🧊 Cold Plunge 🔥 Traditional Sauna

📍 270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN, 55104

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⭐ 4.2 (323 reviews) View on Google

What Visitors Say

What Visitors Liked

✓ sauna available✓ sauna enjoyed by family✓ excellent place for sauna✓ clean locker rooms✓ warm showers✓ affordable pricing✓ free Sundays available✓ fun water slides✓ great for young kids✓ zero-depth entry pool✓ friendly lifeguards✓ clean facilities✓ family changing rooms✓ large lap pool✓ diving board✓ plentiful lockers✓ good swimming lessons✓ attentive lifeguards✓ not too crowded

What Visitors Noted

• sauna broken• sauna still broken• cold pool water• freezing locker rooms• cold showers⚠ mixed feedback on staff⚠ mixed feedback on booking/communication• water too cold for infants• overly strict mask policy• poorly maintained locker rooms• anemic showers• slides sometimes closed• no hot tub• crowded family locker rooms• chlorine too strong• slippery icy parking

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Cold Plunge & Sauna

The sauna is a highlight for many visitors, described as amazing and one of the best parts of the swimming experience. Guests specifically note enjoying the sauna room with their families. However, the sauna has been reported as broken or still broken on multiple occasions, which has been a point of disappointment for those who value it for post-swim recovery. There is no mention of a dedicated cold plunge pool or hot tub in the available reviews.

Pricing

& Access This venue is noted for its affordable and reasonable pricing. General admission is low-cost, with special offers including free Sundays from noon to 5 PM and half-price swim days on Mondays and Wednesdays. A monthly $2 open swim event is also highlighted. The venue offers swimming lessons through the city, which are generally praised, and annual passes are available. ## Facilities & Pools Great River Water Park features a large, deep lap pool with a one-meter spring diving board, which is a favorite for many. The facility includes two larger water slides with a height requirement, a zero-depth entry wading pool and splash pad perfect for young children, and a separate pool for exiting the slides. The locker rooms are spacious with plentiful lockers, family changing rooms with private showers, and high-powered dryers. A key point of feedback is that the pool water and surrounding air temperature are frequently described as cold, chilly, or freezing, which can be uncomfortable, especially for infants and toddlers.

Staff

& Operations Lifeguards are consistently described as friendly, kind, attentive, and amazing. Specific swim instructors, Sammi and Ari, are commended for being engaging and caring teachers. The front desk staff also receives positive mentions for being nice and helpful. Some guests, however, have experienced miscommunications regarding booking, event details, and operational hours, advising others to confirm details directly, especially for parties.

What Reviewers Love

  • The sauna is a beloved amenity, highlighted as a top feature when it is functioning.
  • The facility is praised for being affordable, with free Sundays and discount days making it accessible.
  • The zero-depth entry pool and splash area are perfect for young children and toddlers.

Amenities

SaunaLap pool with diving boardTwo water slidesZero-depth entry wading pool/splash padFamily locker/changing roomsShowersLockersHigh-powered dryersConcession stand/cafeLife jackets availableSwimming lessonsOpen swim sessionsHalf-price/free swim daysLocker RoomParkingAccessibilityMusic

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the sauna currently operational?

The sauna has been broken on multiple occasions according to guest reports, so its status may vary. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm.

What is the temperature of the pools?

Many guests report that the pool water and the air temperature in the facility can be quite cold, which may require swimmers, especially young children, to wear swim shirts or limit their time in the water.

Are there discounts or free days?

Yes, the venue offers free admission on Sundays from 12-5 PM, half-price swim days on Mondays and Wednesdays, and a monthly $2 all-day open swim event.