45 minutes in the salt cave is equivalent to a three-day beach vacation!
If the gloomy weather lately has you feeling in the dumps, you might want to check out the Galos Caves under the Jolly Inn Banquet Hall in Irving Park. These salt-iodine caves are rumored to have numerous health benefits for ailments like arthritis, skin problems, respiratory diseases, and more. Whether these claims are true or not, the Galos Caves are a relaxing way to de-stress in the winter months.
The first of their kind in the US, Galos Caves were first brought to Chicago in 2000 and are meant to mimic the natural salt mines of Kraków. While Chicago’s caves are artificially filled with salt-iodine salt, the owners say they still have the same healing properties as those in Eastern Europe.
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When you enter the caves, you’re given clean white socks to wear and asked not to speak during your 45-minute session. The floor of the caves is covered in salt pebbles which feel like salt on the beach underneath your feet. Kids play with provided sandbox toys under huge, faux stalactites lit up with soothing pastel lights. Soothing beach sounds lull you away to tropical islands while you lounge in beach chairs.
Whether it’s the supposed health benefits or just the relaxing environment Galos Caves provides, you’re bound to leave refreshed and ready for the rest of winter. 45 sessions cost $15 per adult, $10 for seniors and students, and $8 for children 4-12 years old. Children under 3 get in free and family tickets allow two adults and one child to get in for $30. The caves also offer session packages of $70 for five sessions or $135 for ten. Sessions start every hour starting at 10 a.m. with the last session at 7 p.m.
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Hours: Every day 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Address: Under the Jolly Inn Restaurant Building, 6501 W Irving Park Rd. Chicago, IL
Telephone: 773-283-7701, 773-283-7761
Email info@galoscaves.com for more information or visit galoscaves.com.
Feature photo: @sodie_pop_