Prairie Athletic Club

Overview

Prairie Athletic Club (PAC) is Wisconsin’s largest recreational fitness club, spanning over 250,000 square feet near Madison in Sun Prairie, WI. While primarily a comprehensive fitness and family recreation center, it prominently features infrared saunas in the men’s and women’s locker rooms as key recovery amenities. The overall atmosphere is family-friendly, energetic, and inclusive, blending high-energy workouts, aquatic fun, youth programs, and relaxation options like saunas and whirlpools. Members enjoy a resort-like experience with award-winning water parks, group classes, and sports courts, fostering a sense of community and positivity described in reviews as a “second home” where “everyone knows your name.”

Features & Amenities

• Infrared Saunas: Available in both men’s and women’s locker rooms for post-workout recovery and relaxation.
• Pools & Aquatic Areas: Six-lane lap pool, 90° warm water pool, indoor zero-depth family pool (100+ hours family swim), two whirlpools, award-winning Dolphins Cove outdoor water park with 5 slides, lazy river, zipline, rock climb, and private cabanas.
• Fitness Equipment: Over 125 pieces of cardio (treadmills, ellipticals, rowers with TVs), four lines of strength training, large free-weight room, functional training room with battle ropes and sleds.
• Sports Courts & Tracks: Six basketball/volleyball/pickleball courts, six racquetball courts, full-size indoor soccer field, 1/9-mile indoor walking/jogging track, 250-ft sprint track.
• Group Fitness Studios: 5 studios offering 100+ weekly live classes (TRX, Pilates, BodyPump, MX4) plus 100+ virtual classes; specialized areas like SOL Hot Yoga Studio and CrossFit Vultus (Platinum only).
• Locker Rooms & Recovery: Whirlpools, saunas, towel service (Platinum), recovery zone classes, pneumatic boots, assisted stretch (Platinum).
• Family & Youth Areas: PACCARE childcare (8 weeks-11 years), supervised kids’ gym, preschool (Learning Academy), youth sports.
• Dining & Extras: The Lost Court Bar & Grill, coffee shop, concessions, Tiki Bar; 24-hour Prairie Athletic24 access (select memberships).

Services

• Fitness Classes: Over 100 weekly group fitness (aqua fit, yoga, Zumba, bootcamp), aqua fitness, warm water classes (Ai Chi, Arthritis Aquatics), premium Platinum classes (hot yoga, CrossFit, Pilates Reformer, barre, masters swim).
• Personal Training: Free consultation, elite sports performance (ESP), small group training.
• Youth Programs: T-Ball, coach pitch, soccer (Little Kickers, Elite Feet), tae kwon do, supervised sports, after-school care.
• Recovery Services: Sauna access, whirlpools, spray tanning (Platinum), Fit Rewards program.
• Events: Holiday specials, family fun nights, movie nights, PAC events calendar.

Pricing

Specific sauna pricing not listed separately (included in memberships). Key options:

• Gold Cove (Most Popular): Full access including saunas, pools, classes; purchase via Year-Round Memberships. Save $50/month promotions available.
• Platinum (All-Inclusive): Adds hot yoga, CrossFit, reformer, tanning, towel service; purchase here.
• Summer/3-Month/Temporary: Seasonal access with saunas; e.g., Summer Membership.
• Senior (62+): Basic access (cardio, track); partnered with SilverSneakers.
• Military/First Responders/Medical: Discounted rates (contact for details).
• Guest Passes: Available for trials.

Detailed pricing on membership pages; tours recommended.

Location & Hours

• Location: Sun Prairie, WI (near Madison, Dane County). Exact address via tour scheduling. Reciprocal access to Harbor Athletic Club and Pinnacle Health.
• Front Desk Hours:
  • Mon-Thu: 4:30am–10:00pm
  • Fri: 4:30am–9:00pm
  • Sat: 6:00am–9:00pm
  • Sun: 6:00am–9:00pm
    Facility access varies by membership; 24-hour option at Prairie Athletic24.

Notes

• What Makes PAC Special: Largest fitness club in Wisconsin with unmatched variety—combining gym, water park, sports complex, and family programs. Infrared saunas enhance recovery alongside whirlpools and premium amenities. Highly rated for cleanliness, staff friendliness, constant improvements, and family focus (e.g., voted “Best thing for kids” for Dolphins Cove). Positive reviews highlight “everything you could want,” ideal for all ages. Unique perks like half-off guest passes to water park, member pricing on programs, and ongoing expansions set it apart as a full-lifestyle destination.