In Search of Saunas in Michigan
Breathless and red-cheeked after an exhilarating day outside, warming up and winding down are top of mind. Now imagine the whoosh of heat as you enter a cozy wooden sauna, the sizzle of water hitting hot stones, and the soothing steam that rises up and warms you to your core.
Rooted in its Finnish heritage, the upper Midwest is known as the Sauna Belt, thanks to the copper and iron miners who arrived in the region in the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. In Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula, Finnish culture runs strong in several counties – including Ontonagon, Houghton, Copper Harbor and Marquette, and Michiganders have adopted the traditional pronunciation of "sow-nah.” (And yes, “sauna” is a verb.)
In Finland, sauna culture is believed to go back as far as 7,000 B.C. Finns consider sauna an integral practice for health and hygiene. You’ll simply relax on wooden benches to absorb the healing qualities of heat with varying amounts of steam – known as löyly – that rises from water thrown on hot stones.
Not only are saunas revered for relaxation, but they’re credited with improving circulation, boosting your immune system and enhancing mental clarity. Pair that with a plunge in a lake or a jump in the snow for a full circuit that you can cycle through multiple times for maximum benefit. Just remember to stay hydrated!
Where to sauna in the Upper Peninsula
Steam your worries away at Takka Superior in Eagle Harbor, on the edge of Lake Superior. In Finnish, “takka” means “fireplace” and the wood-fired experience is as powerful as it gets. If you’re in the Houghton area, visit Takka Portage that offers views of Portage Lake and the iconic lift bridge.
Set on the Keweenaw Bay, LaRose Wellness Retreat is a winter paradise for skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, followed by an electric sauna experience that fits up to four people.
Sauna on Kuuma is a mobile sauna service that appears at Marquette Mountain Ski Area in winter, offering both public and private sessions.
The Nordic Spa at Mount Bohemia has a variety of wellness experiences, including a Finnish sauna with a view, a Himalayan salt sauna, a eucalyptus steam cabin and a cold plunge.
Find more ways to well-being in Michigan with outdoor rejuvenation and full-service wellness retreats.