Minnesotans embrace saunas during frigid temperatures for warmth and community
- Ed and Colleen Kranz operated a mobile sauna in Eagan, Minnesota, as temperatures dropped to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Participants engaged in traditional sauna practices, cycling between heat and cold, often using a frozen lake for a cold plunge.
- The revival of sauna culture emphasizes community connection and cultural traditions, especially in light of recent societal isolation.
In Eagan, Minnesota, as temperatures fell to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, residents sought refuge and connection through sauna culture. Ed and Colleen Kranz operated their mobile sauna adjacent to a frozen beach, offering a unique wood-fired experience. Patrons enjoyed sessions in the sauna heating up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by brief outdoor cooldowns and even a daring cold plunge into a frozen lake. This resurgence in sauna activities stems not only from the practicality of warmth but also from a growing need for social interaction, especially highlighted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise of sauna culture is attributed to Finnish immigrants in the 19th century who integrated sauna traditions into their new lives in Minnesota, reflecting a blend of historical practices and modern community needs. As sauna spaces become increasingly popular, even costing upwards of $30,000, they symbolize a rich cultural heritage and a return to forming communal bonds in an often isolating society. Prominent figures have also noted the mental and physical health benefits associated with sauna use, further cementing its place in contemporary wellness trends.