Silvae Spiritus Northwoods Nature Retreat 

About

Nestled in the Minnesota Northwoods halfway between Minneapolis / St. Paul and the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior, this inviting guest house is part of a quiet nature retreat within 15 minutes of Banning State Park (hiking, white-water rafting), within 7 minutes of the Finlayson entrance to the Willard Munger state bicycle trail, and within 20 minutes of Sandstone’s Robinson Park (rock and ice climbing). Whether for deep relaxation and rejuvenation, a romantic getaway, or simply connecting with nature, these 30 acres feature woods, ephemeral ponds, meadows, and winding trails throughout – the ideal setting for magic to reveal itself around you and wonder and awe to unfurl within you.  

The private guest house, attached to the Silvae Spiritus founders’ home, provides easygoing luxury in a spa-like atmosphere. Special features include full kitchen fit for a several-day stay, modular living room furniture that can be easily reconfigured to open the space for yoga, dance, or group meditation, and a modern wood-burning stove for indoor fireside relaxation. The second-floor features a large bathroom with shower and jetted tub, two bedrooms with a comfortable queen bed in each, a TV nook equipped with streaming services and blu-ray player, private balcony for enjoying sunsets, private rustic fire pit near the house for cozy nights under the stars, and private campsite nestled in the woods.

Thermic Bathing Cultures can be found around the world and throughout history. Finnish Sauna, Korean Jimjilbang, Native American Sweat Lodges, Mexican Temezcal, Turkish Hammam, Icelandic Spa, Japanese Sento, and Russian Banya all have one thing in common: people coming together in community to experience the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing that can occur with exposure to intense heat and steam.

Our wood-fired sauna nestled in the woods features high-quality heat from a wood-fired HUUM stove surrounded by heavy stones, fresh air ventilation, natural steam, and large windows to bring you into closer connection with nature. The exterior features a cold water bucket-shower and two cold plunge tubs, an optional Goodland wood-fired hot tub session add-on, as well as outdoor seating and a Solo Stove fire pit.