Tested by a Certified Industrial Hygienist using EPA-approved lab methods and confirmed:

• Zero VOC concerns -- no harmful off gassing

• Zero Carbon Monoxide concerns -- while running a real wood-fired stove
  
  Read More & Full Test Results Here

Currently, we're scheduling visits about two weeks ahead due to high demand. To make this fair, here's how scheduling works:

1. Our newsletter subscribers get first notice when new dates are released

2. Gift card holders and Saunaty regulars (3+ visits) get early access to booking - the more you visit, the earlier you can book!

3. Shortly after, we post available times on our social media

The specific date you're looking at ([random date]) isn't showing slots yet because it falls outside our current booking window. Keep an eye on our newsletter for when these dates open up!

This means the session is currently at full capacity. You can join the waitlist in case of cancellations, which do happen occasionally (usually 24+ hours before the event, as we don't offer refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours in advance). Being on the waitlist also lets us know you're interested - we may reach out via phone or text if other time slots open up that day.

Good news: we're working on expanding our sauna capacity in the next couple months! Please hang with us. We really hate turning people away!

Directions

Good news – you’re not sitting in the sauna for 100 minutes straight! The Finnish sauna cycle is all about rounds. Each round of hot, cold, and rest takes about 15-25 minutes, and you’ll go through a few of these. It’s a sequence, not a marathon. Here’s how it works:

The Finnish Sauna Cycle: Hot, Cold, and Everything In Between

1. Step One – Warm-Up in the Sauna: You step into the sauna, and suddenly, it’s warm. Like, really warm. You settle in, and it’s just you, the heat, and your thoughts. After a few minutes, you start to sweat – first just a little, then enough that you’re questioning your life choices. But this is where the magic happens. You sit there, letting the warmth work through every muscle, loosening everything up, sweating out stress, and maybe even a bad decision or two. About 15-20 minutes should do it.

2. Step Two – The Cold Plunge: Now that you’re fully warmed up, it’s time for the big chill. You’re going to step out and cool down – and, traditionally, that means diving into something cold: a lake, a snowbank, or maybe a cold shower. It’s that instant shock that jolts you awake, like nature’s alarm clock. Yes, it’s cold, but somehow, you like it. That crisp chill fires you up, wakes you up, and suddenly you’re thinking, “Why doesn’t everyone do this?” Your body’s loving it – boosting circulation and giving you that jolt only the cold can deliver.

3. Step Three – Rest and Rehydrate: After the cold plunge, take a breather. Sit down, let your pulse steady, and hydrate. This is the part where you just…chill, no pun intended. The rest is a moment to let your body reset after the hot-cold hit and to appreciate that refreshed feeling starting to sink in.

4. Rinse and Repeat (Yes, You Go Again): If you’re up for it, go back in and start the cycle again. Each round brings a new layer of relaxation, like peeling back stress with every heat-cold pass. Most people go for two or three rounds – each one leaving you more rejuvenated than the last.

5. The Final Cool Down: After you’re done with your last cycle, cool off one more time, then change into warm, dry clothes. Grab a chair next to the bonfire, rehydrate, and just sit back. This is the finish line – just you, the warmth of the fire, and that deeply relaxed feeling only a sauna can give. You’re both warm and refreshed, with a bit of that Finnish calm working its way through.

Prepare like you're going to the beach – because you are!

Essentials:

• Swimwear: Wear a modest bathing suit.

• Fragrance-Free: Please avoid wearing anything scented, including deodorant, lotion, shampoo, perfume, or strongly-scented laundry detergent.

• Water: Bring a large bottle (or two) of water or an electrolyte drink to stay hydrated.

• Towels: We recommend bringing two towels: one for use between rounds and a dry one for afterward. We’ll provide a small, scent-free towel for you to sit on to help keep the sauna clean.

Additional Tips:

• Come Ready to Sauna: If possible, arrive ready to jump right in! If you need to change, we have a changing tent available (and may add a second if it’s popular).

• Sauna Hat: These help regulate your body temperature, as your head heats up faster than your body. We have basic sauna hats available for $5, or feel free to bring your own.

• Footwear: Sandals, water shoes, or sturdy wool socks are great options for comfort (barefoot works too).

• Warm Layers & Extra Clothes: A bathrobe, poncho, cozy hoodie, or change of dry clothes is ideal, especially if you're not heading straight home – it feels great to be dry afterward, especially on those colder days.

For us humans, 15 to 20 minutes in the sauna is the sweet spot – just enough to melt away stress without turning you into a baked potato. But every day’s a bit different! Sometimes, the heat feels amazing, and other days, you’re ready to bail fast. Things like hydration, fatigue, and electrolyte levels matter – if you’re low on fluids or energy, that sauna can feel way more intense.

Pro tip: hydrate throughout the day (or even the day before) to keep your sauna game strong. And remember, it’s not a contest to stay in the longest. Research shows the benefits max out around 15-20 minutes, so hanging around past that mostly ups the risks.

If you want to go a bit longer, focus on slow breathing and grab a wool sauna hat – it’ll keep your head cool so the rest of your body can soak up the warmth. Everyone’s a little different, too; women might enjoy longer, lower-temp sessions, while men handle high heat better (though they’ll sweat like crazy!) Bottom line? Listen to your body, don’t push it, and embrace that sauna peace (saunaty—saunarauha).

Totally up to you—no pressure at all!

But if you’re curious, cold water exposure is like a secret superpower. It releases a burst of norepinephrine (up to 5x more!), lifting your mood and sharpening your focus. And don’t worry, it’s not about diving right in. Start slow—maybe just wade in and splash some water on your face and upper body. The trick is simple in theory: calm, steady breathing tells your brain, “Hey, we’re safe!”—even when it feels otherwise.

Just 11 minutes of cold exposure per week can lower inflammation and build stress resilience, helping you stay calm and clear-headed, even in everyday challenges. With every dip, your body learns to handle the cold better—it’s how we’re wired! And if you need a little courage, it helps to shout “WIM HOF!” before you take that first full plunge—after all, he’s the expert! But if it’s not for you, even a crisp morning breeze can work wonders. Trust me, you’ll go from “No way!” to “I’M A VIKING!!” in no time. That post-plunge clarity and energy? It’s the calm, focus, and balance that define the Saunaty experience—connecting body, mind, and nature in perfect harmony, and carrying that sense of peace into every part of your day.

Start your cold plunge journey before you ever step into the lake! While not mandatory, beginning your day with a cold shower primes both mind and body for successful cold water immersion. This practice enables you to maximize the benefits of your cold plunge by comfortably maintaining 1-2 minute rounds.

For beginners, we recommend the Wim Hof Method's progressive cold adaptation program. This structured 20-day challenge starts with just 15 seconds of cold exposure, adding 15 seconds weekly until you reach a full minute. This methodical approach not only energizes your morning routine but systematically builds your cold tolerance—making winter temperatures feel remarkably manageable:

https://www.wimhofmethod.com/benefits-of-cold-showers

20 Day Tracker Chart:
https://explore.wimhofmethod.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/coldshower-exercise-wimhofmethod.pdf

Here at Saunaty, we're working with a beast of a stove - 24.1 kW that can really CRANK! We aim to keep things in that sweet spot between 190°F and 200°F up top, where all the good stuff happens - you know, heart health, muscle relaxation, the works.

Our wood-fired stove creates a fascinating convection current - hot air rises through the rocks and creates distinct temperature layers (fancy folks call this thermal stratification) throughout the sauna. This is why our ceiling thermometer reads the spiciest temps, while the lower benches stay quite a bit cooler (and the floor level is pretty mild). While the Finnish tradition says "feet above the rocks," we do our best with our mobile setup - just prop those feet up when you can!

Here's a cool bit of sauna science: when you toss water on the rocks, you'll get that amazing blast of steam that makes it feel hotter instantly, but each ladle actually cools the rocks a bit. If things get too toasty (above 220°F), we can add extra water or crack the door for a few minutes - just ask the group first! Pro tip: try wearing a sauna hat. Studies show keeping your head cool (where 40% of body heat is lost) helps regulate your overall temperature.

New to sauna? Don't hesitate to ask for a lower bench spot - our regulars love the upper bench heat and are always happy to swap! 🔥

Mona Lake’s water quality has come a long way since the 1970s. Back then, high phosphorus levels led to algae blooms and murky waters, mostly due to industrial discharges and runoff from the "celery flats." Since then, things have really turned around.

With alum treatments starting in 2021, phosphorus levels have dropped dramatically—up to 99%—resulting in clearer water and a huge reduction in algae blooms. Plus, restoring the celery flats to natural wetlands has further cut down on nutrient runoff.

Today, the lake is in the best shape it’s been in decades. Rated as "good" by the EPA, it’s safe for swimming and other activities, especially in colder months when the water is typically cleaner. Cold water naturally holds more oxygen, has less bacterial growth, and stays fresh with fewer algae, making it an ideal time for a dip. To support the lake’s ongoing health, a portion of SAUNATY’s profits from our community sessions at Ross Park will be donated to these restoration efforts. Mona Lake truly reflects our community’s commitment to keeping it a healthy, vibrant spot for everyone to enjoy.

https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2022/04/from-sewage-flow-to-7-foot-clarity-the-20-year-story-of-mona-lakes-comeback.html

For safety and comfort reasons, we welcome teens 13 and older to our community sessions. For younger adventurers (12 and under), we recommend booking a private session.

While kids are naturally curious about saunas, they tend to have their own "heat tolerance timeline" (usually about 3 minutes before declaring it's "too hot!" and running for the door 😅).

We've found that private sessions work best for families, especially for first-timers. It gives kids the freedom to pop in and out without worrying about disturbing other guests. Plus, if there's snow outside, they might find making snow angels more entertaining than sitting still in the heat (we speak from experience!).

Important stuff: All children must be accompanied by their legal parent or guardian, who needs to complete our digital waiver. And of course, strict supervision is required – the wood-burning stove isn't exactly a playground feature!

Pro tip: While we love introducing younger folks to the sauna tradition, we've learned it's more of an adult activity that requires a certain level of patience and appreciation for peaceful sweating! 🌡️

Actually, this is a custom-built sauna from Urban Wing Co., based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They create "nature-inspired saunas that transform lives", specializing in both mobile and backyard saunas tailored to each client's needs. If you're considering getting your own sauna, I highly recommend reaching out to them! The owner, Darin, does fantastic work - and feel free to mention that Mike from Saunaty sent you their way. They'll take great care of you!