Mendota Polar Plunge Scheduled to Benefit Special Olympics Illinois

MENDOTA – The 2026 Mendota Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Illinois will be held Saturday, February 28, at Lake Mendota, with registration starting at 9:30 a.m. inside the Mendota Civic Center and the plunge scheduled for noon. Participants must raise a minimum of $100 to take part and will receive an official hoodie, with additional incentive prizes available. The 2025 Polar Plunges raised more than $2 million to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes, and organizers are encouraging the community to register and help support the 2026 event.