By Miah Eisenschenk
For those who haven’t attended, this piece from Dr. Miah Eisenschenk captures it very well. He’s been coming to Sauna Days for several years and he lays out what keeps pulling him back. He recently launched the sauna lifestyle platform 46NorthSaunaCo.com where he shares insights and experiences on heat, habits, and, health.
Originally published on his website here, and republished below, with permission.
You don’t have to explain Sauna Days to people who’ve been. You just nod and say, “yeah… that.” Sauna Days isn’t just something I attend—it’s something I experience.
Scheduled for May 1-3, 2026 at Larsmont Cottage just north of Duluth, it sits intersection of heat, nature, conversation, and community in a way that’s hard to replicate. This will be my fourth year attending.
Here are 10 reasons I’m looking forward to Sauna Days 2026:
1. Plentiful heat and steam
Over a dozen saunas onsite, each with its own feel, rhythm, and heat. Different builds, different styles—same shared experience.
2. Lake Superior, right there
There’s something grounding about stepping out of the sauna and into the crisp air of the North Shore—with Lake Superior and 1,500 feet of private shoreline just steps from the saunas.
3. Thoughtful, sauna-centered content
From physiology to culture to practice—I enjoy depth to the presentations that elevate the weekend beyond the sauna sessions. I leave Sauna Days not just relaxed, but thinking differently.
4. Live music and campfires
Beyond the saunas and content, some of the best moments happen when things slow down—music in the background, fire going, an array of amazing sauna hats, and conversations unfolding naturally.
5. Ledge Rock Grille
After a few rounds of heat and cold, my go-to is the Larsmont Burger for lunch at the Ledge Rock Grille on sight. I also look forward to the ribeye with caesar salad for dinner, and in the main lodge, a refreshing drink and spontaneous sauna conversations during the social hours.
6. Your kind of people
There’s a shared energy at Sauna Days — I find it very refreshing to connect with others who are curious about sauna, community, and living with a little more intention. We don’t have to explain why we are into this.
7. “Docs Who Sauna” – year two
What started as a simple idea is becoming something more. A group of physicians talking about heat, recovery, stress, and performance—through both a clinical and lived lens. I’m looking forward moderating this again and seeing how this conversation evolves.
8. Staying on-site at Larsmont
Larsmont Cottages brings a level of comfort that rounds out the experience. No rushing, no commuting—just unpack, toss on the sauna attire, settle in and immerse yourself in it.
9. Trails, runs, waterfalls and the North Shore
Between sessions, we’ve got access to some of the most scenic trails in Minnesota. A run along the shoreline, quiet hike, or a nearby waterfall to be discovered.
10. Conversations from the bench
This might be the best part. There’s something about sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in a sauna that strips things down. No distractions. No pretense. Just real conversation. Ideas, stories, connections—I’ve found that most of the meaningful ones start on the sauna bench.
Why it matters
In a world that keeps pushing faster, louder, and more fragmented, Sauna Days is the opposite. It’s not about doing more—it’s about slowing down, stepping into the heat, and letting the steam, the stillness, and the community restore your mind, body, and spirit.
Heat. Presence. Connection
Hope to see you there!
Miah Eisenschenk, M.D.
Miah nails it.
A couple things I’d underline:
- Good heat. Not all saunas are created equal, and Sauna Days is a place where wet noodle syndrome is left far down the road on old Highway 61.
- OG and new recruits. Many call Sauna Days “the original sauna village in North America.” With 2026 being our 6th annual gathering, whether it’s your first time or your sixth, you’re a welcome part of it.
- Common grounds. On the bench, in the lake, around the fire pit, or somewhere in between, this is a gathering of warm-hearted, mindful people looking out for one another, especially on the slippery rocks between Lake Superior cool downs. Find your own pace, where the present moment tends to be met with several of your own “aha” moments.
Ask your doctor if Sauna Days is right for you. And to learn more, click here.
Weekend passes are available here. Use code SaunaTimes at checkout (limited discount passes available).
