Where Autumn Glows: A Guide to Fall in the Keweenaw
As September turns the corner and the air shifts to cool and crisp, the Keweenaw Peninsula begins its quiet transformation. This is not your average fall destination. Up here, on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, autumn arrives with intention—painting the forests in fiery hues and wrapping every lake and trail in gold.
The Keweenaw is a place of wonder in every season, but in fall, it becomes something more: a season of bold color and gentle stillness. The air smells of earth and rain, the wind carries stories through the trees, and every step forward feels like a return to yourself.
Takka Add-Ons: Elevate Your Sauna Ritual
Enhance your sauna session with thoughtful additions designed to support your time at Takka. Whether it’s added comfort, calm, or care, each Add-On is selected to complement the rhythm of sauna, rinse, repeat.
Here’s a closer look at what we offer—available at both our Superior and Portage locations:
What Do You Wear In The Sauna?
Can you wear clothes in the sauna? Should you?
From swimsuits to merino wraps, this guide breaks down what to wear, what to avoid, and how to choose sauna clothes that help you feel good in your skin.
(Psst… we’ll even let you in on a secret about our favorite ritualwear brand.)
The Enchantment of Michigan's Northern Lights: A Must-See Natural Wonder
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays. For those lucky enough to witness them, they leave a lasting imprint—something both deeply personal and universally awe-inspiring. Here in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, particularly in the Keweenaw Peninsula, we’re in a prime location to see these ethereal ribbons of light dance across the sky. But their beauty is only part of the story.
For centuries, the Northern Lights have carried deep cultural and spiritual significance, inspiring myths, rituals, and traditions across the world. In Michigan, they have long been intertwined with Indigenous beliefs and the heritage of Finnish immigrants who settled in the region. Whether seen as a scientific wonder, a spiritual sign, or a moment of quiet connection with the land, the auroras invite us to slow down, look up, and experience the magic of the night sky.
Electric Vs. Wood-Burning Sauna Stoves: Which Is Better?
It’s a question we hear often—and for good reason.
At Takka, we offer four traditional Finnish saunas: three heated by wood-burning sauna stoves and one powered by electricity. Each brings its own kind of warmth to the ritual. One isn't better than the other—they simply offer different rhythms for different lives.
Explore what sets electric and wood-burning sauna stoves apart. Learn the key differences—and try them both when you visit!
More Than Just Heat: The Public Sauna Experience
A good sauna is more than just heat—it’s an experience that restores, connects, and grounds you. Across the world, from Finland to Japan, public saunas have been part of daily life for generations, offering a place to slow down, to sweat, and to share space with others.
Today, the public sauna remains a place where community happens naturally—through conversation, through shared quiet, and through the simple rhythm of being present.
In this guide, we’ll explore how sauna traditions have shaped cultures, the real benefits of stepping into the heat, and a few simple etiquette tips to help you make the most of every visit.
Protecting Your Hair in the Sauna: Tips for Healthy, Strong Strands
The sauna is a haven for relaxation, offering not only a sense of calm but also numerous health benefits for your body and mind. However, if you're someone who loves the heat of the sauna, you may have wondered whether that heat could be damaging your hair.
Common concerns like dryness, breakage, and even hair loss can make people hesitant to enjoy the sauna experience. But the good news is, with a bit of care, your hair can actually thrive in the sauna, supporting scalp health and possibly even promoting hair growth.
Three Brands. One Purpose.
A Keweenaw Life, Built on Gut Instinct and Good People.
Up here, where Lake Superior hugs the shore and the Keweenaw juts out like a defiant little peninsula with a big personality, three brands took shape—not from spreadsheets, but from sweat.
Fresh Coast Cabins, Small Craft, and Takka Saunas weren’t built to chase trends. They weren’t part of a five-year plan. They were born from a deep love of this place and the simple belief that good things happen when you create space for people to slow down, connect, and feel something real.
Here’s how it all happened.
Crossing Superior: The Voyage to Isle Royale
Isle Royale National Park is one of the most remote, untouched wilderness destinations in the United States. Nestled in the vast expanse of Lake Superior, this rugged island offers an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect from the rush of modern life and reconnect with nature.
Aromatherapy in Saunas: From Steam to Serenity
Aromatherapy has long been used to support mental and physical well-being, and when paired with the sauna’s heat, it becomes an even more powerful tool for relaxation and rejuvenation!
Copper Harbor, MI: The Ultimate Summer Guide
Nestled at the northernmost tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Copper Harbor is a hidden gem on the shores of Lake Superior, offering an escape unlike any other. Thanks to the lake’s cooling breezes, summer here remains refreshingly comfortable, even in the warmest months, making it an ideal time to explore.
Sauna Benefits Through the Seasons
Sauna is more than just heat—it’s a ritual of renewal and connection. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, the practice of sauna bathing has been a cornerstone of cultures around the world, offering a space for relaxation, socialization, and personal well-being.
Sauna benefits extend far beyond simple relaxation, promoting cardiovascular health, aiding muscle recovery, and enhancing skin health through deep sweating and improved circulation. Regular sessions also support stress reduction, regulate sleep patterns, and improve overall well-being.
Northern Lights In Michigan: A Traveler’s Dream
Stargazing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is an adventure few can replicate, especially when it comes to the Northern Lights. The U.P. offers some of the darkest skies on Earth, making it an ideal place to witness the aurora borealis. These mesmerizing displays are tied to solar activity and are most vibrant during the equinoxes when Earth's magnetic field is most vulnerable. With its latitude and low light pollution, the U.P. is a top destination for aurora chasers. If you’re lucky enough to witness the lights, it’s a sight you’ll never forget.
Cold Plunge 101: A Guide to Embracing the Chill
Sauna. Rinse. Repeat. This rhythm defines the sauna experience—but what happens when you swap the rinse for an invigorating plunge into cold water?
Cold plunging, a practice rooted in ancient traditions, is more than just a test of endurance; it’s a refreshing reset for the body, a moment of mental clarity, and a powerful way to reconnect with yourself.
If you’re new to cold plunging, this guide will walk you through the why, how, and what to expect, so you can step in with confidence and emerge feeling stronger, calmer, and more alive.
Snowy Upper Michigan: A Weekend Getaway from Hancock to Copper Harbor
We may be biased, but, winter in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is truly special—one of the most magical places in all of Upper Michigan. Winter in the Keweenaw is a season of quiet beauty, invigorating adventure, and plenty of things to do! Snow-covered forests, frozen waterfalls, and, the vast, icy expanse of Lake Superior create a landscape that invites both movement and stillness. Whether you're seeking the thrill of exploration, the comfort of warmth, or a bit of both, from Hancock to Copper Harbor,the Keweenaw offers a perfect blend of outdoor discovery, soul-soothing rituals, and a deep sense of place.
How do punchcards and season passes work?
Visiting Takka Saunas isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about building a habit that nurtures your well-being. And the more you commit to your sauna routine, the more rewarding it becomes. Our passes and punchcards offer a simple way to make each visit more cost-effective while encouraging a regular practice of warmth, connection, and renewal.
If you’re wondering how these options work, you’re in the right place. Consider this your guide to everything you need to know about getting the most out of your Takka experience.
Social Sauna: Good for Your Physical & Social Fitness
Most of us will readily agree that social connections make us happier. Having supportive family, close friends, and a sense of community where we live all contribute to our overall sense of happiness and improve our mental health. But what we might not realize is this: those connections also directly impact our physical health. Turns out, this “social fitness” may be just as important (or more) as participating in other health and wellness activities.
Following The Finns
At Takka, we follow the Finnish sauna tradition, where wellness and equality come together. In Finland, the sauna is a great equalizer—a place to reconnect with body and spirit. Discover how this ancient practice shapes our mission at Takka Portage, bringing community and Finnish values to life.