In the segment, Almanac reporter Kaomi Lee visits Minnesota saunas — including the cedar-lined saunas in Grand Marais — to show how this cultural tradition has blossomed into a thriving industry. It’s not only about heat and steam; it’s about connection, wellness, and slowing down together in a space where the rhythms of hot, cold, and rest invite presence and human connection.

Our team has continued to innovate this year—upgrading our facilities, introducing new experiences, expanding outdoor relaxation areas and attending the invite only Culture of Bathing Conference in New York.  On top of that, we recently closed on an exciting acquisition that brings us one step closer to realizing our vision for the ultimate thermal bathing experience.

Sisu and Löyly facilitates winter sauna excursions in downtown Grand Marais year-round and in Lutsen from November through April. Option A: Book a signature sauna sesh for you and your friends in Grand Marais, or join the community sauna on a Wednesday night. Option B: Hang at North Shore Winery and groove to live music while sipping locally produced vino, then bop over to the mobile sauna with up to five pals and rotate between the chill-out tent, bonfire, and super-steamy sauna. Grand Marais, Lutsen, sisuandloyly.com

“I’ve been thinking about the concept of a floating sauna since launching the flagship Sisu + Löyly sauna on the East Bay of Grand Marais in 2021,” said Katie Usem. “While saunas and floating saunas are very popular in Scandinavia - there are no public ones in the United States. I wanted to change that.” 

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — Waves crashed against Lake Superior's rocky, snow-covered shoreline. Just a few feet away, we sweated in a sauna, watching the frigid winter scene from a large picture window.

"It's magical," my mom said. "You basically are sitting right on the lake."