Duluth’s Groundbreaking Floating Sauna is a Big Hit for Wellness Enthusiasts

Imagine stepping from a steamy Finnish sauna directly into the icy waters of Lake Superior, all while floating in Duluth’s harbor with panoramic views of the city skyline. This isn’t a scene from a Nordic wellness retreat – it’s America’s first public floating sauna, right here in Minnesota’s port city.

Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna is revolutionizing Duluth’s wellness scene by blending century-old Finnish traditions with modern innovation. In a city nicknamed the “sauna capital of North America,” they’re writing a new chapter in communal wellness with their floating sanctuary, private retreats, and social sauna experiences.

What You’ll Find at Cedar And Stone in Duluth

You’ll find three distinct experiences at Cedar and Stone in Duluth, depending on what you’re looking for: the showstopping Public Floating Sauna (America’s first public barge sauna), the intimate Private Sauna, and the community-focused Social Sauna.

The floating sauna is truly something special. Perched on a 36-foot barge in Duluth Harbor, it treats up to 10 guests to breathtaking city and lake views during 90-minute sessions. The wood-fired stoves create authentic Nordic heat, while the private back deck and seasonal rooftop area offer perfect spots for cooling down between heat sessions.

Here’s what each sauna experience includes:

• Gentle + Informed Guidance
• Harborside Natural Cold Plunge
• Herbal Teas + Ice Water
• Seasonal Aromatherapy
• Towels
• Outdoor Cold Showers
• Outdoor Lounge Areas + Bonfires

What really sets this experience apart is the harborside cold plunge. There’s nothing quite like stepping from the toasty warmth of the sauna directly into the bracing waters of Lake Superior. This natural contrast is key to experiencing the full thermic cycle – hot, cold, rest, rehydrate, repeat.

Floating, Private or Social Sauna Experience?

While any sauna and cold plunge experience you choose at Cedar and Stone will be amazing, there are various differences between the three. Here’s a quick overview that might help you pick:

Floating Sauna ($99/guest)

The floating sauna is a truly unique experience. This sauna is built on a barge right in Lake Superior, complete with outdoor areas to cool off and relax. Each floating sauna session is 90 minutes and includes an experienced guide to walk you through the sauna and cold plunge experience. This is a communal session that includes the cold plunge, herbal tea and more.

Private Sauna ($79/guest)

You can book your own small sauna with room for five guests for 75-minutes with the private sauna option. This is great for families, friends or coworkers who only want to be in the sauna with people they know. This session is also guided, and you’re coached through the art of hot, cold, rest, rehydrate, repeat.

Social Sauna ($49/guest)

This 75-minute experience includes up to 10 people and is also guided. This is more social than the private sauna experience, but you’re not utilizing the floating sauna. You’ll also have access to the cold plunge, outdoor lounge areas, and herbal tea.

Unlimited Membership ($199/guest/month)

If you live in Minnesota, you might want to consider the monthly membership option. These sessions are held in the social sauna, and include access to the cold plunge, aromatherapy, fresh towels and more.

You can explore all options here.

Cedar and Stone’s Lake Superior Cold Plunge

No sauna experience would be complete without a cold plunge. Cold plunges have numerous mental and health benefits. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, cold water immersion has been used to reduce pain, inflammation, stress, and sleep issues. During a plunge, your body experiences remarkable changes: increased blood flow to vital organs, activation of the parasympathetic nervous system for stress relief, and a boost in mood-enhancing chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.

It also promotes metabolic activity, strengthens immunity, and even burns calories by activating brown fat. With proper preparation and techniques like slow entry, focused breathing, and safety measures, embracing the cold can become a deeply rejuvenating part of your wellness routine.

If you’re new to cold plunging, Cedar and Stone has a few tips for you:

1. Wear footwear – Our feet are super sensitive to the cold, and they’ll chill fast! Wearing neoprene shoes or socks can help you stay in longer.

2. Practice your breathwork – Deep, mindful breathing before you hop in can make a huge difference. Spend a few moments focusing on full, steady breaths,.

3. Bring a friend – Whether they’re plunging with you or cheering from the sidelines, having a buddy makes the experience more fun and helps you feel safe and supported.

4. Listen to your body – Everyone’s cold plunge tolerance is different. Just because someone else stays in for 3-5 minutes doesn’t mean you need to.

Just ask anyone who’s tried it – the experience is transformative. One recent visitor admitted being nervous about the cold plunge but found the whole experience surprisingly seamless. “I was hesitant at first,” they shared, “but the mix of the warm sauna, the crisp harbor air, and the stunning views of Lake Superior created this incredible sense of peace I wasn’t expecting.”

And if you don’t want to partake in the cold plunge experience, you don’t have to! The cold plunge at Cedar and Stone varies with the temperature of Lake Superior, depending on the time of year.

Cedar and Stone Location and Amenities

Nestled between Pier B Resort and Bayfront Festival Park, Cedar and Stone has found the perfect spot to bring wellness to Duluth’s waterfront. The location offers easy access to both the harbor and downtown amenities, making it an ideal urban retreat.

You’ll find everything you need for the perfect sauna session here. Cozy changing cabins provide privacy, while outdoor decks let you catch your breath between heat sessions. The experience is elevated with thoughtful touches like aromatherapy and organic tea or all-natural electrolyte beverages to keep you hydrated. If you need a proper shower after your session, Pier B Resort’s facilities are just steps away.

What really makes the experience special are the sauna guides. These experts don’t just tend the fire – they’re your personal wellness coaches, sharing insights about proper sauna practices, helping you navigate the thermic cycle, and ensuring your session hits all the right notes.

Cultural Significance of Saunas in Duluth

If you’re wondering why Duluth has such a thriving sauna culture, you can thank the city’s rich Finnish heritage. The significant wave of Finnish immigration to the area has earned Duluth the unofficial title of “sauna capital of North America,” and it’s easy to see why. These steam-filled sanctuaries have been warming up locals for over a century.

The tradition runs deep here – we’re talking more than 100 years of community saunas bringing people together. While many of the original public saunas have faded into history, there’s an exciting revival happening right now. Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna is leading the charge, breathing new life into this cherished tradition with their modern take on the classic Finnish experience. They’re not just preserving history; they’re reimagining it for a new generation of sauna enthusiasts while staying true to those authentic Nordic roots that have defined Duluth’s wellness culture for generations.

Experience the Future of Nordic Wellness

As Duluth continues to embrace and reinvent its Finnish heritage, Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna stands as a testament to how traditional wellness practices can evolve while staying true to their roots. Their innovative floating sauna isn’t just a novel attraction – it’s a bridge between the city’s rich sauna history and its future as a modern wellness destination.

Whether you’re a seasoned sauna enthusiast or new to the practice, there’s something magical about combining the ancient ritual of sauna bathing with breathtaking harbor views. It’s more than just a sauna experience; it’s a celebration of Duluth’s cultural heritage and a glimpse into the future of urban wellness.