Saunas are indelible part of U.P. culture–and for some, mysterious

An intrepid downstate reporter ventured to the land of saunas, and tells Traverse Magazine readers what can be found in a real, proper Finnish sauna.

Excerpt: Outside, a clear February night cools the U.P. timberland to a frosty 10 degrees. But I pay the cold no mind, because inside the sauna where I sit, it’s a bone-warming 200 degrees. I’m naked except for a pen, a writing pad, and a Labatt’s interviewing two men—also naked—whom I’ve never met before. I’m hoping Fred Huffman and Steve Hampton, each 48, can answer the question that’s brought me here. How is it that, in this electronically buzzed up, bright-light world, the ancient rite of sauna still beats strong in the heart of the U.P.?

The whole story can be found here.

Source: MyNorth.com