Yes, please. We're still in the Midwest, friends! Swimsuits are required at a minimum.

Although enjoying a sauna experience 'au naturel' can enhance its therapeutic benefits, it’s not always practical or comfortable, especially in public settings.

That’s why selecting suitable sauna attire is essential—not only for your comfort but also to respect cultural norms.

We recommend wearing a swimsuit, but if you’re not comfortable wearing in a swimsuit in public, don’t panic!

Here are some other options for sauna wear:

• Cotton, wool, or linen clothes

• A breathable, loose-fitting dress or skirt 

• A light t-shirt or tank top and shorts

• Cotton kaftan or kimono

• Linen blend spa gown

Things to AVOID wearing:

• Swimsuits with metal fasteners (they get HOT!)

• Synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester - these tend to retain moisture and heat, resulting in overheating. They also hold odors!

• Makeup (blocks your pores)

• Strong perfumes

• Jewelry (we have lockable lockers on-site to protect your valuables)

As a guest, you get to regulate what the session looks like:

• How long you stay in the sauna

• If/when you cold plunge or cool off outdoors

• How you integrate the other components to the experience.

How Long: We recommend 10-15 minutes of hot, followed by a cold plunge or cool-off outside. But the sauna doors are always open for you to come and go as it feels right for you.

Cold Plunge and Cool Off: A cold plunge is a powerful addition to the sauna experience, enhancing its health benefits through a hot-cold cycle. After the heat of the sauna raises your core temperature, a quick dip in cold water rapidly cools the body, triggering a rush of endorphins and reducing inflammation. This cycle of hot and cold promotes circulation, boosts the immune system, and creates a rejuvenating experience. Repeating the hot-cold cycle amplifies these effects, leaving you feeling energized and refreshed.

• Cold plunging is completely optional.

• Takka Superior has access to cold plunge Finnish bucket showers and (for the brave!) the amazing Lake Superior.

• Takka Portage has a waterwall*, featuring two rainfall showers and two Finnish bucket showers. *Subject to seasonal availability.

• In the winter, it’s a popular practice in Nordic and other cold-climate regions to simply roll in the snow! ❄️

Other Sauna Variables:

• Aromatherapy - your sauna guide can add a natural and subtle scent to your steam by using essential oils

• Amount of lӧyly - the Finnish word for sauna steam, or “spirit of the sauna.” When you pour water on the hot rocks of the sauna stove, steam releases into the enclosed space.

• Talking with your Sauna Guide - our Sauna Guides are here to help with every step of your sauna experience. From health benefits and cultural significance, we encourage you to ask away! Not feeling chatty? No problem either.

• Use of rehydrating beverages - As your body sweats, it needs replenishment. We have complimentary electrolyte beverages available to our guests to help them rehydrate.

We encourage you to listen to your body, and have created the perfect space to do so.

Always listen to your body, but we recommend 10-15 minutes of hot and then a cold plunge.

The ideal sauna duration really depends on your experience, comfort, and the temperature of the sauna. Generally:

• Beginners may want to start with 5–10 minutes and gradually increase their time as they get accustomed to the heat.

• More experienced users typically stay between 15–20 minutes per session, which is often enough to enjoy the therapeutic effects without overstaying.

Many sauna enthusiasts also incorporate multiple rounds of 10–15 minutes each, with cooling breaks in between, especially if they’re following a hot-cold cycle with a cold plunge or snow roll.

Listen to your body—if you feel dizzy or overheated, it's best to step out, hydrate, and cool down.

Yes, we are able to offer magical events and group sessions. Reach out with your party size and desired dates and we'll see if we can put together a special event just for you!

At Takka Superior we have a changing room in the sauna building and outdoor access to a restroom. There are no showers available, unless you are staying as a guest at Fresh Coast Cabins where you'd be able to access the shower in your cabin.

At Takka Portage, showers and restrooms are available in a separate building, just a short walk across the parking area and up a set of stairs.

Changing rooms with lockers are also available in our check-in area, providing a comfortable space to prepare and store your belongings.

Our saunas are cleaned between every session. We do this to ensure each guest can fully enjoy a fresh, tranquil environment. Cleanliness and care are at the heart of the Takka experience, allowing our spaces to be a reliable retreat where everyone feels welcome and relaxed.

• Takka Portage: Open Thursday through Monday, from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM.

• Takka Superior: Open daily, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

NOTE: You must reserve your sauna in advance, but walk-ins are sometimes available (see next FAQ!). Please call ‪(906) 262-0249‬ to inquire!

Whether you’re starting your morning with calm or winding down in the evening, our hours are designed to offer flexibility and relaxation to fit your schedule.

Yes, we do accept walk-ins at Takka Portage depending on space availability. If we have an open spot in our social sauna area, we’re happy to book you in real-time for the next available time slot.

However, we strongly recommend making a reservation in advance to ensure we have room for you. This way, you can be certain of a space and fully enjoy the Takka experience without waiting.

Walk-ins at Takka Superior are generally reserved for guests staying on-site at Fresh Coast Cabins. If you’re not staying with us but would like to see if there’s availability, we recommend calling ahead at (906) 262-0249 to discuss options. We’ll do our best to accommodate you on a case-by-case basis!

Cancellations made with at least 24 hours’ notice will receive a full refund. This allows us to open up the space for other guests and ensures you have flexibility in your plans.

Please reach out if you need assistance with rescheduling or cancellations—we’re here to help!