The History of Sauna in Minnesota

The Barberg–Selvälä–Salmonson Sauna is a historic Finnish sauna in Cokato Township, Minnesota, built in 1868.

Sauna is a Finnish tradition which was deeply rooted in the cultural life of the United States. In the icy winters of Minnesota it brings a tradition of warmth, cleanliness and unity. This is also the testament of deep respect to the Finnish immigrants who made Minnesota their home and brought with them an important part of their heritage.

A Finnish Tradition in the American Midwest

In the beginning there was a sauna and the sauna was owned by Finns

The origins of the sauna tradition in Minnesota can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Finnish immigrants settled in the area. The first structure built by Finish people was not a house, but a sauna. This is particularly evident in Kokato, Minnesota, where the oldest known sauna in the United States, known as a “savusauna” or “black sauna”, can still be found. Built in 1868 by families such as Barberg, Selvala, and Salmonson, this sauna represents Finnish sauna traditions that emphasize community and survival.

How sauna culture got into the hearts of Minnesotans

The initial role of the sauna

In the past days, the sauna wasn’t just a place for relaxation. It was a practical space where many important functions were performed. During the cold winter months in Minnesota, they served as a place for bathing, a warm living area, and sometimes even as a medical office, since high temperatures could kill bacteria and viruses. Saunas were also used for social gatherings, which often took place weekly, typically on Saturday evenings. These events allowed community members to bond and unwind together.

Every cloud has a silver lining

The advent of the sauna in Minnesota brought with it certain difficulties. Local residents of the area often misunderstood the traditional sauna customs of the Finish people, particularly the norms around nudity and taking cold baths outdoors. This misunderstanding led in 1885 to a serious lawsuit related to the Barberg-Selvala-Salmonson sauna, which came under public scrutiny when the city of Kokato expanded and a public road brought the private practice of sauna visitors to public view. The trial ended in favor of the sauna owners, recognizing their cultural traditions, as well as encouraging them to move the sauna to a more secluded part of their property.

The legacy continues

Despite all the difficulties encountered along the way, the tradition of visiting the sauna in Minnesota has been preserved and continues to flourish to this day. Today Minnesotans from all walks of life love the sauna for its beneficial health properties, its ability to unite people and give comfort and warmth in the midst of the ice season. Many modern homes have saunas, and many Americans have creatively adapted various designs to create personal saunas, ensuring that the tradition will be used for both privacy and social events.

At BW we bring more than just warmth

The traditional Finnish sauna in Minnesota brings not just physical warmth, but also psychological comfort and a sense of community. It is like a bridge between the past and the present, admiring Finnish heritage and testifying to the State’s ability to adapt and adopt cultural traditions that enhance public and personal well-being. Winters in Minnesota turn landscapes into endless white expanses, and the glow of saunas remains a symbol of warmth, health and unity, proving that even in the coldest climate, a warm, vibrant community spirit can reign.

At BW Sauna Co., we don’t just build saunas. We create an experience. A wood-burning sauna is more than just heat—it’s a ritual. We ensure that when you work with us, you get the sauna that brings out the best experience possible. So, if you’re looking for an authentic sauna experience that combines the best of tradition, craftsmanship, and pure, honest heat, look no further than BW Sauna Co. It’s more than just a sauna. It’s a way of life.

Download Your BW 2024 Catalog

When you start exploring what a custom sauna could look like, you might already have that exact idea in mind: that perfect finish with a wide panorama window. Or something more true to its history, humbly nestled in the lakeside corner. Either way, we hope this catalog offers inspiration for your journey

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The History of Sauna in Minnesota

The Barberg–Selvälä–Salmonson Sauna is a historic Finnish sauna in Cokato Township, Minnesota, built in 1868.

A Finnish Tradition in the American Midwest

In the beginning there was a sauna and the sauna was owned by Finns

How sauna culture got into the hearts of Minnesotans

At BW we bring more than just warmth

Download Your BW 2024 Catalog

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Download Your BW 2024 Catalog