Frequently asked questions
Check out this tour video so you know what to expect before you arrive: Tuli Tour
Where is Tuli located?
We are located on the banks of the Sugar River at Seven Acre Dairy Co. in Paoli, WI - just minutes from downtown Madison. We are operational year-round!
What is the check-in procedure?
When you arrive, check in at the café at Seven Acre (the southernmost door on Paoli Rd.). A café employee will make sure you signed the waiver, provide any rented items, and lead you to the sauna. Plan to arrive a little early to allow time to check in and change clothes if needed.
Pro tip: sign the waiver electronically before you come to save time! It’s located at the bottom of our appointment page. Everyone who uses the sauna must sign the waiver.
What should I bring?
Swimsuit or something you feel comfortable sweating in
Two towels - one to sit on and one to dry off with
Sandals for the river (neoprene booties are recommended for the winter). Please note that street shoes are not allowed in the sauna. We also have flip flops available for you to use.
Drinking water
Avoid wearing jewelry - metal jewelry could heat up and burn you
It is best to arrive freshly showered and with your suit on, although you’re welcome to change when you get here. Seven Acre has restrooms available for changing, and there’s a small changing area right by the sauna
We have towels and robes to rent
Please leave valuables in your car - we are not responsible for any lost or stolen items. We do have small lockers near the sauna.
We have bags for your wet swimsuits and flip flops to use during your session if you forgot your own sandals.
Are Walk-ins allowed?
Yes, walk-ins are allowed but if the sauna stove isn’t lit, you will have to wait about 1.5-2 hours for the sauna to heat up. You will have to pay and sign a waiver before entering the sauna.
What are your hours?
Social sauna is open:
Wednesday - Friday 3:00pm-9:00pm (last time slot is at 7:30pm)
Saturday + Sunday 8:00am-9:30pm (last time slot is at 8:00pm)
Private sauna is open every day 8:00am-9:30pm (last time slot is at 8:00pm)
We are operational year-round! Because the benefits of sauna never go out of season.
Sauna etiquette?
Although everyone is allowed to sauna in a way that feels good to them, when taking a sauna with others, it's important to follow certain etiquette.
Some people may want to relax or meditate during their sauna, while others may want to socialize. Respect other people's peace if they don't feel like socializing.
Everyone must sit on a towel to maintain hygiene and avoid direct contact with the hot wood.
Enter and exit the sauna as quickly as you can to avoid the sauna losing heat.
Before adding water to the rocks to create steam (löyly in Finnish), first ask if it's ok with others in the sauna and add water a little at a time. It doesn't take much for the sauna to heat up after adding some löyly.
Leave phones and other electronic devices outside of the sauna. Sauna is a magical time when we are free from distractions and stimuli.
No food or street shoes are allowed in the sauna.
Never touch the stove. Carefully add wood to the stove when the wood has all burned up and there is still time left in your session. There is an oven mitt for the stove door handle. Carefully shut the stove door - do not slam.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL SESSION LOOK LIKE?
You have complete control over what your sauna session looks like - because everyone saunas in their own way. The most important thing to do during your sauna experience is to listen to your body. If you're feeling too hot, then leave the sauna. If you're feeling too cold, then leave the cold water. If you want to skip the cold plunge, that's totally fine! Be sure to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your sauna session.
Keep in mind that your initial reaction may be to want to leave the sauna or cold water. This is natural and it's your body's reaction to an extreme environment. Try to stay in a little longer and notice how your body acclimates. This is how you build resilience and train your body to handle uncomfortable situations. Below is an example of what a typical session may look like, but again, the most important thing is to listen to your body.
Sauna: 10-20 minutes
Guests can add water to the rocks to create steam. Add a couple drops of essential oil to the water bucket for aromatherapy. If you want the sauna hotter, add more wood to the stove (use a mitt; handle can get hot) and add more water to the rocks - the steam raises the temperature quickly. Keep in mind that the thermometer on the wall of the sauna may read about 10 degrees cooler than the temperature in the middle of the sauna.
Cold Plunge: 1-3 minutes
Rest: Take 5-10 minutes for your body to regulate its temperature and recover
Rehydrate
Repeat!
If you book a social sauna, then you will share the sauna with up to 9 other guests. If you book a private sauna, you will have the entire sauna to yourself, or can invite up to 9 other guests to join you. The private sauna is a great option for events and celebrations such as birthday parties, date nights, graduation parties, exercise clubs, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and more!
hOW LONG IS A SESSION?
A social sauna lasts for 80 minutes (1 hr 20 min).
A private sauna lasts for 110 minutes (1 hr 50 min). You can buy back-to-back admissions if you prefer a longer session.
Cold Plunge details?
There are stairs from the pier leading down into the Sugar River. The depth of the river is variable, but is generally two to five feet deep. The bottom of the river in this area is rocky/sandy. The temperature can be 30 degrees F in the winter and 70F in the summer, with an average temperature of about 50F. Please use caution in the river and walk slowly!
On average, a cold plunge temperature between 50-59F is recommended for optimal health benefits.
For mental clarity and relaxation, a temperature of 60-68F is recommended.
The Wisconsin DNR states that the water quality in the Sugar River is "generally good", and it is classified as an Exceptional Resource Waters (ERW). Waters designated as ERW are surface waters that provide outstanding recreational opportunities, support valuable fisheries and wildlife habitat, have good water quality and are not significantly impacted by human activities. Only 3% of all rivers and streams in the state have this designation! Although the river is clean, it’s still a good idea to shower off after your sauna session.
will food or drinks be available?
Yes! Guests are free to order food and/or drinks from the café or restaurant to bring down to the dome by the sauna. All sauna sessions include cold water.
No food is allowed in the sauna itself.
What if there is inclement weather on the day of my session?
The only reason we would cancel a sauna session is if there are extreme weather conditions. We would let you know at least an hour ahead of time if the session is being canceled and would either reschedule your session or issue a full refund. Although we can sauna in the rain and thunderstorms, the cold plunge may be canceled if there is lightning.
Can anyone sauna?
Anyone aged 6 and older can sauna with us. Parents must watch children at all times and ensure they have extra time to rest and extra fluids. Each child requires their own admission.
If you have a medical condition or are pregnant, consult with your doctor to see if sauna is right for you.
Parking
There is street parking and a parking lot at Seven Acre Dairy Company - both are free.
Changing area/Bathrooms/Shower
There are bathrooms in Seven Acre Dairy Co. Sauna guests can change in these bathrooms, although we do have a small changing area right by the sauna. We have lockers by the sauna (in the dome) for guests to store their belongings.
We do not currently have a shower at the sauna.
What is your Cancellation policy?
Public Sessions: May be canceled or rescheduled up to 48 hours (2 days) before the start time.
Private Sessions: May be canceled or rescheduled up to 120 hours (5 days) before the start time.
Cancellations or reschedules within the above windows are not permitted for any reason and will be charged in full. No-shows will also be charged in full.
Please read our terms and conditions when booking for more details.