McKinley Marina, near The Roundhouse

1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53202

We have two wood-fired saunas, natural Lake Michigan plunge, rest & recovery seating area and access to heated restrooms.  Each sauna has a changing room for before or after your session. This is an outdoor experience and will be hosted rain or shine.

Bathing suit, water for hydration, two towels - one to sit on in the sauna and one to dry off with after the plunge and sandals/shoes/neoprene booties to protect your feet during the plunge.

Yes. Head east towards The Roundhouse and boat launch.  Parking is available in the spaces reserved for The Roundhouse near the south side of the turn around or along the north edge of the parking lot.  Parking in the long spaces reserved for boats and trailers is not allowed and your car could be ticketed. 

We do not have food or beverages available for purchase onsite.  You are welcome to bring food and beverage with you.  We do not allow food or beverages other than water inside the saunas.  Colectivo Coffee’s Lakefront cafe is conveniently located and open daily from 6:30am to 8pm.

Hosts will explain the process after your check-in and will be available during your session to answer any questions.  Everyone has a different tolerance for heat and cold so please listen to your body and follow what is comfortable for you.  We recommend starting in the sauna followed by the plunge.

• Always remain hydrated.

• Always sit on a towel and wipe the bench when you get up.

• The upper benches will be hotter.

• Do not touch the stove.

• Add water to the rocks very slowly, being careful not to burn your hand with the steam.

• We suggest 5-15 minutes in the sauna for each round. Listen to your body and do not push the exposure. If you begin to feel dizziness or nausea, you should exit and cool down.

• Before heading back to the sauna you should rehydrate and take a short rest.  Most guests repeat this cycle 3 to 4 times during their session.

• Your hands and feet will feel very cold, so wearing neoprene scuba socks can make a significant difference. Even wool socks can help keep your feet warmer.

• When entering the water, descend slowly using the ladder. It’s okay if you only get your knees in during your first attempt! You can warm up and try again later.

• If you’re new to cold plunging, aim to stay in for about 15 seconds at first, gradually increasing the time as you get accustomed to the cold.

• You’ll likely experience the cold shock response, characterized by rapid, shallow breathing. This is normal and happens to everyone; it usually lessens with practice.

• Try to calm your breathing and return it to a more normal pace.

• We recommend that you keep your head and hands above water.

• Don’t push yourself too hard! Aim for 1-2 minutes in the water, and listen to your body. Exit if you start to feel uncomfortable.

• After your plunge, relax in the cool air and consider bringing and sipping on a warm beverage.

Visitors must be 18 years of age or older.

Contrast therapy, which involves alternating between hot and cold exposure, is an ancient ritual that has gained popularity for its potential benefits in recovery, pain relief, and improved circulation. The scientific understanding is still developing, but we know what we feel, so come try it for yourself.

Certain health conditions are not compatible with sauna and cold exposure. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to check with your doctor:

• asthma or other breathing conditions

• cardiovascular issues

• those using alcohol, stimulants, tranquilizers, or other mind-altering drugs

• Epilepsy

• very high or very low blood pressure

• are feeling ill

• certain nerve conditions or reduced sensation in extremities

• pregnancy (talk to your doctor – pregnant women have been using saunas in Finland for as long as they’ve existed)