Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Q: What's the difference between "upstairs" and "downstairs"?
 A: Upstairs are self-contained rooms (sauna, shower, bed, TV) offering complete privacy for men, women, couples, and families (no charge for kids). Room doors must remained closed at all times (absolutely no "cruising"). The downstairs (men only) is specifically geared towards socializing, with a common steam/sauna room, a common shower room, a popular DVD room, etc. It also offers a number of small resting rooms, including some with a lock. Upstairs customers are not allowed downstairs, and downstairs customers may not come upstairs (except during overnight specials).

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Q: Do you provide additional services or products?
 A: No! We are strictly a Sauna and do not offer massages or similar services, nor do we sell anything besides soft drinks and water. No fitness equipment, jacuzzi or personal trainer, just the hottest sauna you've ever experienced. To protect your health and that of your partner(s), we have condoms available at no cost.

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Q: Do your prices include sales tax?
 A: Yes, the prices listed include both the Minnesota 6.875% Sales Tax and the additional 1% Duluth City Tax for a total of 7.875%. For example, out of the regular downstairs admission price of $16.00, we pay $1.26 to the State and City on your behalf.

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Q: Will you be open on ...?
 A: Always check our home page for last-minute news, but in general we are open every day EXCEPT: Easter Sunday (04-Apr-10), Thanksgiving Day (25-Nov-10), and Christmas Day (25-Dec-10).

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Q: How are the saunas heated?
 A: Our Finnish-inspired saunas are heated by steam which allows them to stay a lot hotter for a lot longer than any other method (wood, electric, etc.). Each sauna has a large cast iron radiator through which high-temperature steam is constantly circulated under pressure and brings the outside surface to around 225°F (107°C), generating a lot of "dry heat". Sparingly using the valve on the wall next to the radiator, you can start dripping water on the hot surface, as you would on the hot rocks of a traditional wood-fired sauna. The water quickly vaporizes and turns the room into a "wet sauna" by drastically raising the humidity level. A little water can have significant effects in a very short time and this moist heat feels a lot hotter than the dry heat. Do not overdo it!

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Q: Do I need a membership or a reservation?
 A: No, everyone is welcome at any time. Rooms and lockers are allocated on a "first come, first served" basis. If you prefer a specific room (upstairs) or locker (downstairs), come early and we will do our best to accomodate you.

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Q: What do I have to bring?
 A: Nothing! We provide towels, soap and locker (downstairs). If you wish, bring your own shampoos, conditioners, loofas, brushes, etc., but most importantly bring your willingness to have great clean (and hot) fun!

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Q: Is there a dress code?
 A: No! Specifically, nudity is allowed everywhere downstairs. Many customers like to wear a towel, but that's entirely optional in our extremely relaxed environment. Feel free to let it all hang out...

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Q: Will my personal belongings be secure?
 A: Absolutely! All private rooms upstairs have a lock. Downstairs customers are issued a lock and a locker. If you prefer, we'd be glad to keep any small personal valuables in our safe during your stay.

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Q: What is your policy on smoking?
 A: Minnesota’s all-encompassing "Freedom to Breathe Act of 2007" effective October 1, 2007 may be construed as prohibiting smoking in all common areas of this facility. This would include locker room, sauna/steam room, TV/DVD rooms, washrooms, and all stairways and hallways. We request that you refrain from smoking in those areas. Downstairs customers who wish to go for a smoke break outside should consider our "Day Pass" package which allows you to go in and out all day at will.

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Q: Where can I park during my stay?
 A: We offer free parking in our lot, just to the North of the building. Street parking is free on evenings and Sundays. Furthermore, there are several parking ramps nearby, including that of the Fond du Luth Casino which is only 1/2 block away.

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Q: Can I use my cell phone, PDA or laptop (WiFi)?
 A: Local cell carriers provide strong voice and data signals throughout the building (CDMA/GSM). Additionally, we can provide free secure high-speed Internet (7Mbps DSL) via 802.11g WiFi upon request. Email us ahead of time for details.

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Q: How safe and private is the Sauna?
 A: VERY! You can relax, knowing that you are safe from interference from any unwelcome guests or incursions from overzealous authorities. Should any other customer make you feel uneasy, please let us know immediately. We reserve the right to refuse admission to anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Your comfort and privacy are paramount to us. We do not divulge ANY information about who may be or may have been here.

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Q: What are "in and out privileges"?
 A: When you get either a day pass or one of the overnight specials, you can come and go as you please. We ask that you keep your towels and personal belongings in your locker and that you bring your key to the front desk whenever you leave the building. When you return, show your pass to get your key back.

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Q: What are the rules for the "sleepover" specials?
 A: You get a downstairs locker to secure your belongings, but around 10:30pm, we close the drapes and open the upstairs private rooms so that you may roam the entire facility (without having to get dressed). You can't reserve a room and when you leave a room it becomes available to others. Remember to bring your key to the front desk whenever you leave the building. Late at night, the attendant may lock the front door, but simply knock to be admitted back.

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Q: Who is that at the front desk?
 A: Since some of you have asked about our small staff, here's a quick list of who you might see at the front desk when you visit the Sauna. Note that our home page always shows who the current attendant is. Herb J. has owned the Sauna since 1969 and lives in Duluth. Mike B. (manager) lives in rural Floodwood and usually works Mon/Fri/Sat and every other Thurs. Lenny G. (full-time) lives in West Duluth and usually works Tues/Wed/Sun and every other Thurs. Mark F. (part-time) works the Saturday overnight shift and lives downtown Duluth. We all hope to be able to make your stay a very pleasant experience.

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Q: What if my question is not listed!
 A: If you can't find your answer on this site, feel free to call us during business hours at (218) 726-1388 or email duluthsauna@gmail.com and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can ask Mike with the following form:

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To know more about this web site, see the "Site Secrets" page where some of the not-so-obvious features are described.