Renting a mobile sauna for the first time might feel unfamiliar, but it is actually one of the simplest wellness experiences you can add to your life. No construction. No permanent installation. No complicated setup. A wood-fired sauna is delivered directly to your home or event space, you enjoy it on your own schedule, and it gets picked up when you are done.
If you are in Mankato, Minnesota or the surrounding area and you are curious about how the whole process works, this guide has everything you need. We walk you through every step, from deciding on the right package to getting the most out of your sauna sessions once it arrives.
Step 1: Understand What a Mobile Sauna Rental Actually Is
Before booking, it helps to know exactly what you are getting. A mobile sauna rental from Stoked Saunas is a wood-fired sauna unit mounted on a trailer that gets delivered directly to your location by truck. You do not need to own a sauna, build one, or find a facility.
The unit is self-contained and ready to use. You fire it up using wood, it heats to your preferred temperature, and you enjoy it exactly as you would in a traditional Finnish sauna. The only difference is that it shows up at your door and leaves when your rental period ends.
According to the North American Sauna Society, the Finnish sauna tradition is one of the oldest and most practiced wellness rituals in the world, with roots going back thousands of years. Renting a mobile sauna gives you access to that same authentic experience without the commitment of ownership.
Step 2: Choose the Right Rental Package
Stoked Saunas offers several packages designed to fit different occasions and budgets. Here is a quick breakdown:
Basic Weekday Package ($300): 2 days, 1 night. Best for a quick midweek experience, a solo reset, or a small gathering.
Weekend Special ($475): 4 days, 3 nights. The most popular option for groups, couples, and anyone who wants to make a proper weekend out of it.
Full Week ($800): 8 days, 7 nights. Ideal for extended relaxation, hosting out-of-town guests, or a full week of daily sauna sessions.
Custom Experience: For anything outside the standard options, including longer rentals, unique delivery locations, or special events, the team can put together a custom package. A 3-day minimum applies.
Not sure which package is right for you? A good rule of thumb is to think about the occasion. A birthday weekend or a small gathering works great with the Weekend Special. If you want to genuinely build a daily sauna habit or have guests visiting for a week, the Full Week package gives you more time to enjoy without worrying about the clock.
You can also explore more details about each option on the Stoked Saunas blog where we share real rental experiences and tips for making the most of your booking.
Step 3: Check Space Requirements Before You Book
This is an important step that first-time renters sometimes overlook. The mobile sauna unit is delivered by truck and requires a specific amount of space to be set up properly.
Here are the minimum space requirements you will need at your location:
- Footprint: At least 12 feet long by 8 feet wide
- Vertical clearance: At least 12 feet of overhead clearance
This means the sauna needs to fit in your driveway, backyard, or outdoor space with enough room for the truck to deliver and maneuver. If you are unsure whether your space qualifies, you can take photos of your setup and email them to the Stoked Saunas team at info@stokedsaunas.com before booking. They are happy to help you assess whether your space works.
Flat, stable ground is ideal. Avoid areas with soft soil or uneven terrain that could make delivery difficult.
Step 4: Check Availability and Select Your Dates
Once you have chosen your package and confirmed your space is suitable, head to the Rental Packages page to check availability. The online calendar shows you which dates are already booked and which are open.
A few tips for selecting your dates:
- Book early, especially for weekends and holiday periods. Popular dates fill up quickly, particularly during the fall and winter months when sauna season is in full swing in Minnesota.
- Weekday rentals (Monday through Thursday) tend to have more availability and come at the lower Basic Weekday rate.
- If you have a specific event in mind, such as a birthday party, bachelorette weekend, or a holiday gathering, book your rental as soon as your event date is confirmed.
The online booking system lets you select your package, pick your preferred dates, and move through to payment in just a few minutes.
Step 5: Pay the Deposit to Confirm Your Booking
To lock in your selected dates, a $100 deposit is required at the time of booking. This deposit goes toward your total rental cost and officially reserves the sauna for your chosen period.
Without the deposit, your dates are not guaranteed. Given how quickly weekends and holidays book up, it is always best to complete the deposit step as soon as you have settled on your dates.
If you have questions about payment options or need to make special arrangements, you can contact the team through the Contact Us page or by calling +507 382 2958.
Step 6: Prepare Your Space Before Delivery Day
Once your booking is confirmed, take a little time to prepare your delivery space before the sauna arrives. Here is what to do:
Clear the area. Make sure the delivery footprint (12 feet by 8 feet) is free of vehicles, furniture, garden equipment, or anything else that could get in the way.
Check overhead clearance. Look for tree branches, power lines, awnings, or any other overhead obstructions within the 12-foot clearance zone.
Think about your experience setup. Do you want outdoor seating nearby for cooling down between rounds? Will you be using the sauna at night? Make sure you have adequate lighting around the setup area.
Let your neighbors know if needed. If you live in a tight space or share a driveway, it is courteous to give your neighbors a heads-up that a delivery truck will be coming through.
Step 7: Receive Your Sauna and Get Set Up
On your delivery day, the Stoked Saunas team will arrive with the sauna on a truck and set it up at your specified location. The whole delivery and setup process is handled for you, so you do not need to do anything heavy or technical.
Once the sauna is in place, you will receive instructions on how to fire it up. Using a wood-fired sauna is simpler than most people expect:
- Load the firebox with the wood provided or your own dry firewood
- Light the fire and allow the sauna to heat up (typically 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on starting temperature)
- Check the temperature before entering. Most traditional saunas are enjoyed between 150 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit, according to guidance from the American College of Sports Medicine
- Enter and enjoy your session, typically between 10 and 20 minutes per round
- Cool down outside between rounds, and hydrate well
If you have never used a wood-fired sauna before, our guide on the health benefits of regular sauna use covers everything you need to know about getting the most from your sessions.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Sessions Throughout the Rental Period
One of the best things about a multi-day rental is that you can use the sauna as many times as you like during your booking period. There is no session limit, no time cap, and no need to book individual slots. It is yours to use at your convenience.
A few ideas for making the most of your rental:
- Try morning sessions. A sauna session first thing in the morning is an energizing way to start the day, especially during cold Minnesota winters.
- Use it after physical activity. A sauna session after a workout or a day of outdoor activity helps muscles recover faster and reduces soreness. This is especially true if you are an athlete or someone who stays physically active.
- Invite friends and family. The sauna fits multiple people comfortably, making it a natural social activity. Many renters turn their booking into a small gathering or wellness-focused hangout.
- Try contrast therapy. Alternating between sauna heat and a cold shower or outdoor exposure is a practice with roots in Scandinavian wellness culture and is gaining significant attention in the wellness community.
For inspiration on how to plan a social sauna experience, check out our post on portable saunas for backyard gatherings in Mankato.
Step 9: Sauna Pickup and End of Rental
At the end of your rental period, the Stoked Saunas team will come to collect the unit. You do not need to do anything except make sure the area around the sauna is accessible for pickup.
Leave the firebox cooled down completely before the pickup team arrives. Do not leave the fire burning on the last day of your rental.
If you have had an exceptional experience, leaving a review online goes a long way toward helping other Mankato residents discover the magic of a wood-fired mobile sauna.
Common Questions from First-Time Renters
Q: Can the sauna be set up indoors?
A: No. The wood-fired sauna requires outdoor placement with proper clearance due to ventilation and fire safety requirements.
Q: How many people can use the sauna at once?
A: The unit comfortably accommodates a small group. Avoid overcrowding to ensure everyone has a comfortable experience.
Q: What if there is bad weather during my rental?
A: The sauna is built to handle Minnesota weather. Snow and cold temperatures are not a problem. In fact, many renters say the experience is even better in winter. If extreme weather is a concern, contact the team ahead of time to discuss your options.
Q: Can I use the sauna every day during the rental?
A: Absolutely. You can use it as many times as you like throughout your booking period. Just make sure the fire is fully extinguished after each session before relighting for the next one.
Q: Is there a minimum age to use the sauna?
A: Children should always be supervised by an adult. Pregnant individuals and those with certain medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using a sauna. The Mayo Clinic recommends limiting sauna sessions and staying well hydrated at all times.
Ready to Book Your Mobile Sauna in Mankato?
Renting a mobile sauna is one of the most straightforward wellness upgrades you can make, and the process with Stoked Saunas is designed to be as simple as possible from start to finish. Choose your package, pick your dates, pay your deposit, and let the sauna come to you.
Visit the Stoked Saunas Rental Packages page to get started, or reach out to the team with any questions at info@stokedsaunas.com or +507 382 2958.
Want to know what to budget for? Check out our guide on sauna rental cost in Mankato for a full pricing breakdown. You can also read real customer experiences and tips on the Stoked Saunas blog.