A Floating Hot Tub on the Mississippi Is Now a Real Thing
Minneapolis just added one of its most unusual riverfront attractions yet. Minnesota Hot Tub Boats launched at Boom Island Park at the end of May, offering 90 minute cruises on the Mississippi River in heated Spacruzzi boats that hold up to six people. Founded by Minneapolis resident Matt Witt, the business has been drawing steady bookings since its opening weekend, with its very first day selling out completely.
The concept is simple: your group boards a Spacruzzi boat, which keeps the water between 100 and 104 degrees, and you steer it yourself using a basic tiller. The route runs between the Nicollet Island Railroad Bridge and the Broadway Avenue Bridge, putting the full downtown Minneapolis skyline on display from the water.
What You Need to Know Before You Book
There are a few requirements. At least one person in the group must be 21 or older and hold a valid Minnesota boating license or a Boating Rental Safety Certificate, which can be earned by passing the Minnesota boater exam online.
Children under 13 are not permitted on the boats, and anyone between 13 and 17 must wear a provided life jacket. Food is not allowed on board, but coolers are welcome.
Cruises are available Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 9 p.m. Pricing starts at $300 and fluctuates based on demand. Witt currently operates two boats and has said he's exploring expansion.
Why This Matters for the Minneapolis Riverfront
This kind of attraction adds to the broader revitalization of the Minneapolis riverfront, an area that has seen renewed attention from residents and businesses in recent years.
Witt chose Boom Island Park for its existing amenities and has partnered with Cory Parkos of Minneapolis Water Taxi, which shares dock space at the same location. Both operators have expressed interest in collaborating to bring more energy to the riverfront.
For homeowners and buyers in northeast Minneapolis and surrounding neighborhoods, continued riverfront development and activity can support property values and neighborhood desirability. Attractions that bring consistent foot traffic and positive attention to a corridor tend to reinforce the appeal of nearby residential areas over time.
How to Book
Minnesota Hot Tub Boats operate out of Boom Island Park in Minneapolis. Visit the Minnesota Hot Tub Boats website to reserve a cruise. Witt plans to run the boats from March through November, pausing only for lightning or temperatures below 20 degrees.
Thinking about buying or selling in the Twin Cities? Let's talk. Text Darin Bjerknes at 612-702-5126 or DM on Instagram @darintheminnesotan.
