You come to the Upper Peninsula for exhilarating adventures, to follow your passions and return to your lodgings bone-tired. You also are here to relax. The Finnish have the corner on how to unwind after a day of exploring — sit in a hot sauna. Luckily, you do not have to travel to the “Land of a Thousand Lakes” to rejuvenate your body and mind in an authentic Finnish bathhouse. Deep relaxation awaits in the Upper Peninsula.
Origins of Finnish Saunas | The Cultural Significance | Where to Find Finnish Saunas | How to Prepare | Other Wellness Activities | Where to Stay
Origins of Finnish Saunas
The roots of the original Finnish sauna, a heated bathhouse, date to 7000 BC. Over the centuries, many cultures have practiced various forms of heat therapy, but the Finns have woven saunas into the very fabric of their culture. So it should come as no surprise that the U.P. Finnish settlers built saunas in this wilderness to provide a place of cleansing, relaxation and even healing.
The Finnish Migration to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Here’s a quick look at the U.P.’s history to help you understand why Finnish saunas are so popular in this region. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a large wave of Finnish immigrants arrived in the U.P. to find work in the copper and iron mines. The region’s climate — with its cold, snowy winters and natural beauty — was reminiscent of Finland, making it an ideal new home for the settlers.
As the Finnish population in the U.P. grew, so did the practice of building and using saunas. Finnish families constructed their saunas on farms, by lakes or next to homes, and these structures became central to daily life. While the saunas were initially used to clean up after a hard day’s work in the mines or on the farm, they soon became gathering places for friends and family, as they had been in Finland.
The Cultural Significance of Saunas
How to Pronounce “Sauna” Like a Finn
In Finland, they pronounce “sauna” … “sow-na” … with sow rhyming with cow.
What Distinguishes Finnish Saunas from Other Forms of Heat Therapy
Finnish saunas are small, enclosed rooms heated by wood-burning stoves or electric or other modern heating systems. They produce a dry heat, much hotter than a gym or spa sauna, with temperatures upwards of 212°F (or 100°C). Most people prefer a temperature range of 170 to 190°F (77 to 88°C) that is hot enough to cause you to sweat. If you are new to sitting in a sauna or have certain health conditions, start at 150°F (66°C) and gradually raise the temperature to your tolerance level.
A distinctive feature of a traditional Finnish sauna is heating rocks on a stove or heat source until they are “glowing hot,” Tossing water onto the rocks is a practice known as löyly. It creates steam and raises the humidity in the room.
More than Just a Place to Sweat, Saunas Are a Cornerstone of Finnish Culture
To Finns, both in Finland and the Upper Peninsula, saunas are often integral to family outings, celebrations and rites of passage. Throughout history, people have used them as childbirth sites and for cleansing before ceremonies like burials.
Spending time in a sauna is about mental clarity, social connection and even spiritual renewal. In Finland, it is often said, "In the sauna, we are all equal" — a reminder that when you step inside, social hierarchies fade away. The sauna is a place of physical and emotional purification.
In the U.P., many Finnish families still treasure these “Old Country” traditions. They often enjoy time in the sauna with loved ones to share memories, ideas and conversation. Unlike other types of spa treatments or wellness routines, the sauna is something you do together. But it can also provide personal solitude and reflection.
Sauna culture in Michigan’s U.P. also preserves the Finnish practice of alternating between the sauna's heat and the cold outdoors. It is not uncommon to jump into a chilly lake or in the winter, roll in the snow. Many believe this contrast between hot and cold invigorates the body and refreshes the mind.
Benefits of the Finnish Sauna Experience
A growing body of scientific research supports the many benefits of regular sauna use, many of which Finns have intuitively known for centuries. Below are some of the most notable benefits:
1. Detoxification and Improved Circulation
The sauna’s heat induces sweating, which helps to flush out toxins from the body. Sweating is one of the body’s most natural ways to cleanse itself. The intense heat of the sauna causes blood vessels to dilate, boosting circulation and oxygen flow throughout the body. This effect supports cardiovascular health and may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
2. Stress Relief and Mental Clarity
For many people, the sauna is a sanctuary from the stresses of daily life. The combination of heat, silence and solitude creates a space for meditation and mental clarity. Studies have shown that saunas can help reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promote feelings of relaxation and well-being. In Finland and the U.P., people often consider saunas a time for quiet reflection, which assists them in relaxing and unwinding mentally.
3. Enhanced Skin Health
Sweating helps to unclog pores, leaving the skin looking fresh and rejuvenated. The increased blood flow also nourishes the skin, promoting a healthy glow. Sauna users often report having healthier, more vibrant skin.
4. Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief
Whether recovering from a workout or dealing with chronic muscle pain, saunas can give relief. The heat helps to relax tense muscles, while the improved circulation aids muscle recovery and reduces inflammation. Athletes, in particular, have long used saunas as part of their recovery routine.
5. Immune System Boost
Regular sauna use can help improve immune function by increasing white blood cell production. This can help the body fight off infections more effectively, particularly in cold weather climates like Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Where to Find Finnish Saunas in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
If you’re traveling through the Upper Peninsula, there are several places where you can experience an authentic Finnish sauna and its time-honored traditions.
1. Keweenaw Peninsula
The Keweenaw Peninsula, located at the northernmost tip of the U.P., is home to a significant Finnish population. Many private cabins and lodges in the region offer traditional saunas, and you can find public saunas at some hotels and wellness centers. Here are a few suggestions:
Takka Saunas
Takka (it means fireplace) Saunas have two locations — one along Hancock's Portage Canal and the other in Eagle Harbor. The Hancock waterfront location has three saunas and is ready for social sauna, group events, or by private reservation. Choose the Eagle Harbor location, part of Fresh Coast Cabins, with one wood-burning sauna, for couples and small groups. This sauna lets you soak up the heat while gazing at a panoramic view of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape.
Mount Bohemia Adventure Resort
This top of the Upper Peninsula resort is often called “Boho” by the locals in Lac La Belle. You will fully enjoy a Nordic spa experience in its eucalyptus steam cabin, Finnish panoramic sauna, Himalayan salt sauna, herbal sauna, outdoor hot pool and a cold pool with a Nordic waterfall.
2. Marquette
The U.P. 's largest city is also home to Sauna on Kuuma, a mobile public sauna that is an authentic, wood-burning sauna experience. In the winter, it sits at the base of the Marquette Mountain Resort, where visitors, locals, skiers and fat tire bikers can meet for one-hour community sauna sessions or arrange a private session for you or with your family or friends. It’s a great place to feel renewed and “ridiculously awesome.”
3. Ironwood
Ironwood, on the western edge of the U.P., pays tribute to its Finnish heritage along the ABR Trails. This full-service, Nordic ski touring center is on over 1,100 scenic acres of varied terrain along the Montreal River. You can rent a public Finnish wood-fired sauna at the trailhead or stay at three trailside lodging options, each with a private Finnish, wood-fired sauna for your enjoyment after skiing.
4. Hotel Sauna Experiences
Check through our hotels and resorts for those offering an infrared sauna or a steam room among its amenities. They will help you sleep well each night.
How to Prepare for Your Finnish Sauna Session
While saunas enhance relaxation, remembering these few tips will help you make the most of your time in the heat.
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First, Check with Your Doctor: Saunas have many benefits, but some health conditions and medications could put you at risk in high-temperature environments. Please consult with your physician before you make your sauna vacation plans.
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Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before and after entering the sauna to prevent dehydration.
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Shower: It’s customary to shower before entering the sauna to cleanse the body and prepare your skin for sweating.
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Start Slowly: If you’re new to saunas, start with shorter sessions of 5-10 minutes, gradually increasing your time as you become more comfortable.
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Take Breaks: Alternate between the heat in the sauna and cooling off outside or with a plunge into cold water. This will help regulate your body temperature and enhance the benefits.
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Relax: Don’t rush the experience. The sauna is about mindfulness and relaxation, so take your time and enjoy the moment.
Try These Other Wellness Activities in the U.P.
Breaking away from your home and work routines is the best thing you can do for yourself now. Head to the U.P. for a soul-refreshing dose of fresh air. Spark your creativity and discover true peace and quiet that rejuvenates your mind and body. Use these two blogs to enhance your indoor sauna getaway and you will feel outstanding when you return home.
Wellness Opportunities Abound in the U.P.
Discover where to art bathe, forest bathe, experience stress-relieving serenity or stargaze into the darkest night skies across the U.P. Follow this idea-packed guide to the best wellness trip.
Discover the Restorative Powers of Silent Travel
In a tech-driven world filled with constant stimulation, stress, and social noise, it’s no wonder that silent travel has become one of the fastest-growing vacation trends. We all long for quiet and an escape from our digital routines, and the Upper Peninsula offers an ideal gateway to tranquility, inner peace and a profound sense of being truly alive. Make your silent travel plans today.
Visit a Sauna on Your Next U.P. Vacation
Whether you’re looking to experience this tradition for the first time or are a seasoned sauna-goer, the U.P. offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the many benefits of a Finnish sauna. Planning your trip today, reserve your hotel or resort and count down the days!
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