St. Paul is far from Finland or northern Minnesota. But those wishing to experience the health and community benefits of a sauna session will be able to sit and sweat at Como Regional Park.

With support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Warners' Stellian and Como Dockside, St. Paul has teamed with Little Box Sauna and 612 Sauna Society to offer a sauna experience available, free, by reservation during the month of February.

"The vision for an inclusive and vibrant community in Saint Paul includes new and exciting ways to activate public spaces." Mayor Chris Coleman said in a statement Monday. "This unique opportunity is a great way for residents to connect with each other and maximizes the recent growth in activity at the lake and in Como Regional Park."

The sauna will be located near Como Dockside at the Pavilion on Como Lake. It will be available for reservations on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4:30 p.m. Opening night is Friday, February 5.

Use of the sauna is free, but registration is required. Sauna sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sessions are 90 minutes each and can accommodate up to 10 guests. A private dressing room is available at no charge.

Those interested in participating in a sauna session are asked to register at bit.ly/stpsauna or by calling (612) 567-7502, with reservations opening every Monday for the upcoming weekend's time slots.

OPENING NIGHT DETAILS:

WHAT: Opening night of the Little Box Sauna in Como Regional Park.

WHEN: Friday, February 5, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

WHERE: On the lake at Como Dockside, 1360 Lexington Pkwy N, Saint Paul, MN 55117

Little Box Sauna (LBS) was conceived, designed, built and deployed as an experimental Creative Placemaking project by Andrea Johnson and Molly Reichert. Johnson and Reichert are teaming up with local partner sponsors and 612 Sauna Society Founder John Pederson to bring the project to neighborhoods throughout the Twin Cities.

#