North Shore Sauna

North Shore Sauna was founded with a mission to make the authentic sauna experience more accessible to everyone. Based in Duluth, Minnesota—just steps from the cold, restorative waters of Lake Superior—this family- and veteran-owned business offers both sales and rentals of portable sauna tents designed for ease of use, comfort, and genuine heat therapy.

The idea was sparked by founder Chad Lipka, who grew up with Finnish roots and a deep appreciation for traditional sauna culture. For Chad, sauna wasn’t a luxury—it was part of life. Wednesday and Saturday nights were dedicated to steam, sweat, and a deep mental reset. Years later, after receiving a tent sauna as a gift, Chad discovered how this portable alternative brought that same therapeutic experience into new spaces—from backyards to remote lakesides.

After serving six years in the U.S. Army, Chad was inspired to give back. He began renting out saunas locally, helping others experience the power of heat and cold plunge contrast therapy firsthand. He quickly realized how rare and underrepresented tent saunas were in the U.S. market. With traditional saunas costing tens of thousands and requiring permanent installation, Chad saw an opportunity to create a more affordable, mobile, and welcoming path into the world of sauna.

Chad’s passion goes beyond business—he holds a master’s degree in psychology and truly believes that sauna therapy helps reconnect people with their bodies, their communities, and their well-being. Looking ahead, North Shore Sauna plans to expand its community outreach by offering free sauna sessions to veterans and hosting charitable events to support local organizations.

Today, North Shore Sauna is proud to be part of the growing wellness movement, delivering top-tier portable sauna experiences across the country—one sweat session at a time.