The past and present of Wisconsin sauna culture

What this episode covers

Wisconsin is experiencing a surge in sauna culture — new businesses are popping up in parks, on shorelines and in backyards. But heat bathing has been a part of the Upper Midwest culture for over a century — and it’s largely thanks to the Finnish immigrants who settled along Lake Superior. Bridget Fogarty is a reporter with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and she recently visited a few saunas to learn more about this tradition. She joins Lake Effect’s Xcaret Nuñez to share why more people are sweating through Wisconsin winters together.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Lake Effect Spotlight?

This episode is 15 minutes long.

When was this Lake Effect Spotlight episode published?

This episode was published on March 13, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Wisconsin is experiencing a surge in sauna culture — new businesses are popping up in parks, on shorelines and in backyards. But heat bathing has been a part of the Upper Midwest culture for over a century — and it’s largely thanks to the Finnish...

Can I download this Lake Effect Spotlight episode?

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