Hot Spots

Rooftop at Hewing Hotel

It’s usually deep into winter, the ninth month of snow, after day after day of darkness. It’s slipping on that patch of black ice for the umpteenth time and Gary from work shouting across the parking lot, “Just do the penguin walk!” as he shuffles to his own car. Or that moment you break your credit card (again) scraping frost off your windshield because you still can not find that scraper and you keep forgetting to buy a new one. It’s around then that the dreams start: of turquoise waters, white sand beaches, piña coladas, a breeze that doesn’t hurt your face.

If you can travel, awesome. If a busy schedule, kids, or that chicken coop that sounded like a good idea last summer are keeping you from a tropical paradise, don’t fret. We're here to say there are plenty of hot spots close to home.

If escaping the winter winds isn’t in the cards for you this season, here are some alternatives to warm your bones and break a sweat, without leaving state lines.

Hewing Hotel

So chic! So hip! So hot! This North Loop mainstay has tasty cocktails and eats in the attached lobby restaurant, but on the roof? A dry sauna and bubbling spa pool (aka hot tub), as well as more tasty cocktails and eats. All registered guests are able to access the sauna. Slip away for a staycation and enjoy that Minneapolis Skyline.

300 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis · hewinghotel.com

The Nordic Nook

The Nordic Nook is billed as a sauna and oasis for good reason. Nestled close to Theodore Worth Park in Golden Valley, this isn’t just a sauna — it’s a plunge pool, a yurt, outdoor shower and retired huskies relaxing in the snow. Booking here is for private groups only, no drop-ins.

512 Ardmore Drive, Golden Valley · nordicnookoasis.com

Watershed Spa

Soak, steam, and sauna your chills away — this communal bathhouse spa has it all. Stick to water and heat, or opt in for a massage, facial, or acupuncture session. This space is geared towards relaxation and regeneration and is the first of its kind in the Twin Cities! Treat yourself!

514 2nd St SE, Minneapolis · watershedspa.com

612 Sauna Society

This here’s a sauna co-op born of a 2016 kickstarter, featuring a board of directors and everything. What does this mean for you? It means you can either book a standard reservation OR you can become a member. Members get access to all sorts of hot deals, discounts, and advanced access to booking. This is a mobile sauna unit, meaning they're roaming the metro. Check their website for their availability and current location.

mobile · 612saunasociety.com