Nordic sauna experience hits North Loop restaurant

A Nordic sauna is coming to Minneapolis' North Loop.

What's happening: The Freehouse partnered with Duluth's Cedar & Stone to install a wood-fired Finnish sauna on its patio.

• Instead of jumping in a cold lake after warming up, brave souls can replicate the traditional sauna experience by popping into a second structure made of frozen blocks crafted by a local high-end ice company.

Details: Tickets for the sessions, which include 75 minutes between the two structures guided by a "sauna concierge," a charcuterie board and "sauna-inspired" cocktail or mocktail, cost $149 a piece.

• Robes are provided and yes, a bathing suit is required.

What they're saying: Blue Plate Restaurant Company's Stephanie Shimp told Axios she hopes the partnership promotes wellness and helps patrons make the most of the cold winter weeks ahead.

• "You kind of have to embrace it, or else you're going to be miserable," she said of winter in Minnesota.

Of note: The experience is private, so you won't be partnered with people outside your party of up to four.