Where Nature and Wellness Intersect
Emily Thompson grew up finding healing in the steam—a remedy for winter sinus troubles that became a lifelong ritual. Years later, that personal connection inspired her to create Tuli Sauna & Plunge, a wood-fired sauna and cold-plunge experience in Paoli, Wisconsin.
“When I thought about starting a sauna business,” Emily recalls, “I wanted it near a body of water, because I really wanted the natural cold plunge. I wanted it to be in a serene environment, so people are really in tune with nature and the changing seasons.”
The result is a partnership with Seven Acre Dairy Co., a picturesque spot on the banks of the Sugar River — where fire, water, and community come together in one unforgettable ritual.
Client’s Vision: Fire, Water, Community
Rooted in Nordic wisdom and Eco-awareness
Tuli (meaning "fire" in Finnish) was born out of Emily’s longing for an authentic, outdoor sauna experience—one that connected people to nature, to wellness, and to each other.
A void in Madison’s wellness scene
After discovering most saunas were tucked inside gyms or spas, Emily saw a clear opportunity.
“I felt like the Madison area needed an authentic, Finnish-style sauna outdoors… where you can do a natural cold plunge… and really connect you to yourself and nature and each other.”
A rooted, restorative setting
Paired with Seven Acre Dairy in Paoli, Wisconsin, Tuli offers sweeping Sugar River views through large sauna windows and invites guests into a cold plunge that flows naturally from the banks into the water—enhancing connection to the seasons, nature, and oneself.
Ritual Walk-through: Sweat, Sip, Plunge, Repeat
Tuli is all about flow—literally and experientially. Here's how a typical visit unfolds:
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Sauna (10–20 mins)
Guests settle into the warm embrace of the sauna's gentle wood fire—crafted with care by Superior with thoughtful layout and ventilation.
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Cold Plunge (1–3 mins)
Then it's a cool shock—in the sugar river’s 50°F–70°F water, following local water quality guidelines (ERW)—a powerful contrast therapy that renews both body and spirit.
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Rest & Rehydrate
A moment to pause—sit quietly, hydrate, breathe, and let the shift settle in.
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Repeat
Repeat as desired—each round deepens resilience and connection.
Community or private sessions last around 80–110 minutes, depending on group size.
Materials & Features: Built for Beauty, Durability, and Warmth
A Custom “Mod8” Crafted Just for Tuli
Inspired by Superior’s Mod6 design, Emily needed space for up to 10 people, big glass views, and a wood-fired bump-out. Superior rose to the challenge, custom-building a larger version—the only one of its kind in their series.
Thermory Kodiak Spruce Finish
The exterior is clad in Thermally modified Kodiak spruce—a sustainable, visually warm wood praised for its durability and graceful aging. “I was drawn to its durability and longevity, and I just love the look of it.”
Wood-Fired Stove from IKI:
The sauna is powered by a classic IKI wood-fired stove—supplied and installed by Superior—bringing soft radiant heat, ritual crackle, and steam that transports guests into an authentic Finnish experience.
Locally Rooted, Ethically Made
Superior Saunas is based in Ashland, Wisconsin, crafting quality sauna products locally, with wool insulation for a non-toxic, performance-oriented build.
Community Response: Healing, Gathering, Joy
Meaningful Launch Event
Tuli’s grand opening at Seven Acre Dairy became a communal celebration—foreshadowing the connections to come.
Growing Rituals in Southern WI
Since launching, Tuli has anchored social and wellness rituals—gatherings that bring people together, unplugged and present, warmed by fire and cooled by water. Guest reviews highlight the space’s authenticity, healing, and peacefulness.
Accessibility in Sauna
Tuli Together occurs once a month and offers lower-cost sauna and cold plunge sessions to make the experience more accessible. This is an open invitation to slow down, connect, and enjoy the benefits of sauna and cold plunge with others.
Superior’s Role: The Expert Behind the Fire
Throughout the process, Superior played a guiding, hands-on role:
Design collaboration
Translating Emily’s vision (large windows, capacity, wood-fired heat) into a custom solution within the Mod series.
Material sourcing & service
Supplying premium Thermory wood, wool insulation, and the trusted IKI heater.
Local craftsmanship
All engineered and built in Ashland, WI—keeping construction local, sustainable, and high-quality.
Thanks to Superior’s expertise, Emily could focus on what mattered most—crafting community, ritual, and reconnection at Tuli.
Final Thoughts
Tuli Sauna & Plunge is more than a sauna—it’s a space born from personal healing, crafted with expert care, and shared with a wider community in search of rest, ritual, and reconnection.
Superior is proud to have provided a beautiful, durable, wood-fired sanctuary that invites people to slow down, breathe deep, and connect—with nature, with wellness, and with each other.
