what is watershed?

Watershed is a communal and social bathing destination and full-service spa in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We offer a six-step communal bathing ritual and a full menu of holistic spa services and integrative wellness treatments. To complement the experience, our retail area is stocked with a curated selection of body and skin products that restore natural balance, along with an adaptogen and herb section featuring products designed to support internal health.

we create watershed moments.

A watershed moment is a turning point, the exact moment that signifies change. Watershed creates a space for this transformation by making opportunities for experiences that help reset, align and heal the body and mind.

where is watershed located?

You can find Watershed in the historic Switch House building (formerly known as The Soap Factory), adjacent to the Mississippi River and Stone Arch Bridge in the St. Anthony Main neighborhood. Our beautiful location offers proximity to both the water—an essential part of the Watershed Spa experience—and many unique entertainment, dining, and specialty shops of Minneapolis’ Riverfront District.

what does a watershed membership include?

We have options for membership, including short term and annual. Our annual memberships include unlimited access to the baths during open hours, discounts on service and retail, and guest passes to bring a lucky friend of your choice! Learn more here.

can I host a private party?

Yes! Bring your community together for a private gathering at Watershed, including full access to the baths and lounge areas, and an optional guided meditation. Up to 20 guests can join. Normally, prices range from $3600 to $1800 depending on the time and day of your chosen reservation. Please email welcome@watershedspa.com for additional information.

how does a trip to watershed work? 

First and foremost: your comfort is paramount when embarking on your ritual bathing experience. There are many ways to customize a visit to Watershed, and we’re here to provide as much or as little guidance as you’d like. Reservations are currently required, and can be made via phone at 612-331-4182, text at 612-448-9186 or on our online booking system.

Bathhouse access is not included in service costs, and must be booked separately and in addition to any facials, massages, acupuncture or energy work services you enjoy at Watershed.

If you are joining us in the bathhouse, you’ll check in and be brought down to a private changing room where you’ll change into your bathing suit. Next, you’ll shower to cleanse the body, prepare the mind for the soak, and deepen the transition into your ritual. The bathing process then begins with a soak in a communal tub, an equally social and reflective experience. Additional components include a steam, sauna, and cold-plunge area. Move through these experiences in whatever order feels right to you. Relax in our artfully designed resting spaces before repeating the process, move on to spa services, explore our curated collection of clean beauty and wellness products, then head out as a refreshed, recharged human.

Silence in the bathing area is required, we ask that you speak in a low voice to ensure a reflective environment. Following your experience, you’ll be able to refresh in our locker rooms, which are fully equipped with everything you will need.

what kind of bathing suit should I wear?

Guests wear a variety of bathing suits for their experience with us, based on what they consider most comfortable. A one-piece is a great option, but bikinis are also perfectly acceptable, especially if you have a favorite one that makes you feel like a superstar! Of course, all guests are welcome to wear shorts instead. Our goal is to ensure your bathing experience is comfortable so that you can benefit from the maximum amount of healing.

what are the benefits of communal bathing?

As the first communal bath and spa destination in the Twin Cities, we believe that every human deserves healing. Being in community to experience the timeless traditions of the bathing ritual is powerful. The hot-cold components promote relaxation, detoxification, and overall physical and psychological wellness has been known for centuries (in fact—the first known bathhouse dates back to 2500 B.C.) Throughout history and across numerous traditions, communal bathing has helped individuals reset the mind and body. The physical, mental and spiritual benefits feel so very important right here, right now. We invite you to join us and experience a watershed moment.

is there a wrong way to soak?

Absolutely not! And no need to worry—first timers will be guided through the facility and briefed on the rituals of communal bathing by a staff member.

what is your cancellation policy?

When booking an appointment at Watershed, we collect credit card information to be kept on file, and require 24 hours notice if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment. If we don’t receive 24 hours of notice, you are charged the cancellation fee of the full cost of services booked.

what additional services does watershed offer?

• Massage

• Cupping

• Skincare

• Acupuncture

• Herbal and Flower Therapies

• Integrative Healing Modalities

• Vibrational Sound Healing

• More coming soon!

does watershed offer beauty products for body + life?

Yes, Watershed brought their cult favorites from the Spot Spa Retail selection and adding a curated section of body and skin products that restore natural balance. We are building our internal adaptogen and herb section to be curated to support internal health as well.

who is the health and wellness thought leader behind watershed?

Nell Rueckl pioneered the holistic spa experience and aesthetic in Minneapolis. As the founder of Spot Spas, Nell has been recognized for achieving the highest level of mastery within the Minnesota spa industry. A seasoned and sought-after practitioner, Nell began her career as a Massage Therapist, Wellness Director and Qi Qoing instructor at the renowned Horst Rechelbacher’s Aveda Destination Spa in 1996. After recognizing that the Twin Cities lacked a client-practitioner centered spa experience that provided a diverse range of massage and skin care services grounded in sound wellness principles, she opened Spot Spas in Northeast Minneapolis in 2002. As a proprietor committed to her surroundings, Nell served president of the Northeast Business Association (NEBA) in 2009, 2010 and 2012 and continues to serve on the NEBA board of directors. 

A thought leader, Nell has earned a reputation and accolades for professional integrity based upon high standards, innovative practices, creating healing spaces and building both a community and a market for spa services. Nell’s expertise, entrepreneurial savvy and an innate design sense, combined with finely tuned understanding of both cultural and commercial landscape, all support thriving enterprise rooted in both healing and inspiration.