How do you pronounce SAUNA?
Like SOW NAH.
Is it a dry or wet sauna?
Our sauna starts as a dry heat from the fire. As you pour water onto the rocks, light steam is produced. Typically the sauna temperature will be between 160-200 degrees Fahrenheit. POUR ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS OF WATER ON THE ROCKS AT A TIME AND STAND BACK! YOU CAN BURN YOURSELF FROM THE HOT STEAM!
What the heck is a Wabash (WAH BASH) and why would I want one?
Some people like to add extra water when they’re almost ready to exit the sauna for an invigorating, intense steam bath before walking out and cooling down. Please ask others sharing the sauna if it’s ok first and remember to stand back from steam and water so as to not get burned.
How long do I stay in the sauna?
The authentic practice, as taught to us, is typically 3 rounds of approximately 12-15 minutes each. EVERY BODY IS DIFFERENT! Please consult with your Primary Care Physician before using the sauna. Listen to your body and leave the hot room whenever you feel light headed, over-heated or just in need of fresh air. In between rounds of intense sauna heat, cool off by stepping outside, getting in the cold plunge, splashing water on your face and/or drinking lots of water. Cooling off periods should last approximately 5 minutes before re-entering the sauna heat.
What do I wear in the sauna?
Clothing is required in our community sauna. Appropriate attire includes swimsuits, tank tops and/or athletic shorts. Anything works as long as you’re comfortable and the clothing can get wet. PLEASE WEAR CLOTHING THAT IS FREE OF CHLORINE! If clothing has been worn in swimming pool or jacuzzi, the chlorine on the material can off-gas in the heat and may lead to illness due to unsafe air quality inside of sauna.
How hot does it get in the sauna?
Temperatures inside the sauna are usually 160-200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer a less intense heat in the sauna, create a lower temperature by using less wood in fire and/or don’t add water to the hot rocks.
What can we do if sauna gets too hot?
Open the door! The door to the sauna opens into the changing room but you can open both doors to get fresh outside air in and hot sauna out at any time if necessary. Please just ask the others you are sharing the experience with before doing so. If you are the only one over-heating, please step outside and cool yourself down before re-entering.
Community Sauna FAQ’s
What do we need to bring with us to enjoy sauna on the Manistee River?
You’ll want to bring plenty of drinking water, a towel, and maybe a change of clothes. If you’re interested in enjoying the river with fishing or a float, please bring necessary equipment. Hiking, snowshoeing, and bicycling is allowed on property and surrounding areas. You’ll need to bring your shoes and/or bike. Please keep in mind our location is aprox 50 minute drive from Traverse City. We are a 30 minute drive from Kalkaska or Fife Lake. PLEASE BRING ANYTHING YOU MAY NEED SUCH AS MEDICATIONS, WATER, APPROPRIATE DRY CLOTHING, SHOES, FOOD, ETC.
Who will be in the sauna with me?
If you did not privately rent out the sauna, there will most likely be others enjoying sauna alongside you. Community sauna can be an amazing shared experience and include pleasant social interaction and connection. It’s important to respect others’ preferences for privacy and quiet. A great experience for everyone, similar to the Finnish Sauna culture, is what we’re striving for everyone to embrace.
If I don’t want to community sauna and want a private session is that possible?
Yes! Cost to book out entire sauna on site = $270 for 90 minutes. Please call to Inquire
Is there a bathroom?
Yes, there is a Porta potty.
Is there a place to change clothes on-site?
Yes. There is a changing room on the sauna.
Can we stay overnight on the property to extend the experience?
Yes! We have a modern, clean RV 5th wheel on-site that sleeps four. It is equipped with shower, Queen bed, pull-out couch and kitchen. You could also bring your own RV or tents and camp. We have one site available for rent with water and electric. Dumping available on-site. Please arrange sleeping and stay-over accommodations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 231.253.1353 for booking.
What do we need to bring to stay and fish the Manistee River?
You’re welcome to stay on the property or enjoy the surrounding areas leaving your vehicle parked for no longer than 90 minutes after your booked sauna session. If you’d like to fish, you’ll need a valid fishing license as well as any fishing equipment you’ll need. If you’d like to fish longer than only 90 minutes, ask about camping on-site.
What do we need to bring to kayak, canoe or tube the Manistee River?
You’re welcome to stay on the property or enjoy the surrounding areas leaving your vehicle parked for no longer than 90 minutes after your booked sauna session. If you’d like to go for a float down the river, you’ll need to bring your kayak, canoe or tubes. Life jackets or vests are not provided. We can show you routes that will vary from 1-3 hours and help you park in the best spot to come out of the river directly near your vehicle. If you’d like to enjoy the property longer than only 90 minutes, ask about camping on-site.
Mobile Sauna Rental FAQ’s
Can we book the sauna for an event like a wellness retreat where an attendant stays with the sauna and leads for education and safety?
YES. Call or email to inquire.
Can we book the sauna for longer then 3 nights?
YES. Call or email to inquire.
Can we book the sauna for 1 night?
YES. Unlike our competitors we WILL allow for only ONE night rentals.