The Heart
Behind the Heat
As dwellers of the far north, we’ve long embraced cold as a way of life. Long, snowy winters give way to mild summer days plunging into frigid Lake Superior water. Though maybe not for everyone, our climate must have felt like home for a certain wave of immigrants that settled here in the 18 and 1900s: the Finns. Today, the five northwestern-most counties of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are the only counties in the U.S. where Finns are the largest ethnic group, with over a third of us claiming Finnish heritage.
Welcome to Takka, where the spirit of tradition burns bright in the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula found at the northernmost part of Michigan. Our journey began with a vision to bring the authentic sauna experience to our community, rooted in the rich heritage that Finnish immigrants have long cherished in this region. Takka is more than just a sauna; it's a celebration of culture, a nod to the past, and a warm embrace of the timeless practice of communal wellness.
10 life-changing benefits of Sauna:
Stress Relief
Escape stress with sauna sessions, which promote relaxation and ease tension in both body and mind.
Detoxification
Sweating in the sauna helps flush out toxins from the body, promoting detoxification and cleansing of the skin.
Enhanced Recovery
Sauna sessions accelerate muscle recovery post-workout, reducing soreness and improving overall athletic performance.
Boosted Immunity
Regular sauna use strengthens the immune system, helping the body defend against infections and illnesses.
Pain Relief
Sauna heat soothes aches and pains, providing natural relief for conditions like arthritis and muscle inflammation.
Improved Circulation
Sauna heat enhances blood flow, aiding in better circulation and delivering oxygen-rich blood to muscles and organs.
Skin Rejuvenation
Sauna sessions promote healthy skin by opening pores, increasing blood flow, and stimulating collagen production.
Improved Sleep
Relaxing in the sauna before bedtime can promote deeper sleep and alleviate insomnia, leading to better overall sleep quality.
Mental Clarity
Sauna heat boosts endorphin levels, improving mood, reducing anxiety, and enhancing mental clarity and focus.
Longevity
Regular sauna use has been linked to increased longevity and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, contributing to overall longevity and well-being.
How to achieve Takka Zen
STEP ONE
SAUNA
To start, enjoy that sauna heat for 10-15 minutes. Remember that heat rises - the lower benches will be cooler.
STEP TWO
COOL DOWN
Rest your body and cool down by taking a 5-10 minute break. Enjoy the full benefits of sauna bathing by taking a cold plunge or washing with cool water.
STEP THREE
REPEAT
The best benefits of sauna come from enjoying the full cycle. After your body is cooled, hop back in and repeat for 3-4 cycles.
STEP FOUR: HYDRATE
After all that sweating its time to hydrate! Try to drink at least 1L of water after your session. This will allow you to get the full benefits of your sauna bath.
Come Sauna with Us
At Takka, we celebrate community, cherish friendships, and honor the power of connection. Our team, driven by a passion for these values, is committed to bringing the Takka spirit into your life, all while embracing nature and sustainability at our core.
Takka's roots are deeply woven into the fabric of family tradition, with our founder, Jason, and his partner, Lynn, finding inspiration in the weekly saunas of Jason's childhood. The discovery of Takka’s first property was a serendipitous moment, leading to the creation of a lakeside sanctuary. Here, we've crafted a space that not only boasts breathtaking views but also offers a tranquil retreat to the waters of Lake Superior.
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Yes, we're still in the midwest, friends.
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As a guest, you get to regulate what the session looks like as far as how long you stay in the sauna, if/when you cold plunge or cool off outdoors, and how you integrate the other components to the experience such as aromatherapy, Lӧyly (the Finnish word for sauna steam, or “spirit of the sauna”), the Sauna Guide, and rehydrating beverages. We encourage you to listen to your body, and have created the perfect space to do so.
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Always listen to your body but we recommend 10-15 minutes of hot, and a cold plunge
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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.
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At Takka Superior we have a changing room in the sauna building and outdoor access to a restroom. There are not showers available unless you are staying with us as a guest at Fresh Coast Cabins.
At Takka Portage we offer showers and restrooms onsite in a separate building.
Frequently Asked Questions
The story of Takka + Sauna
Sauna is the only Finnish word in the English dictionary. We’re here to work toward adding another – Takka. The literal translation of Takka is fireplace and we’ll look to observe that word while adding another component, bringing our community together around fire. For Finns, sauna has been a way of life for thousands of years. Going to the sauna is often a daily experience, visited straight from work to unwind. Cities like Helsinki have dozens of public saunas, and in rural areas, most homes have their own; historically, when people moved, the sauna was the first structure built.
Originating centuries ago, the sauna served as a place of relaxation, purification, and social gathering. As Finnish immigrants settled in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, they brought with them their rich sauna heritage, establishing a lasting connection between the region and this ancient wellness practice. Today, the Upper Peninsula proudly preserves and celebrates its Finnish roots, offering visitors a chance to experience the authentic warmth and rejuvenation of traditional Finnish saunas amidst the picturesque landscapes of Michigan's northern wilderness.