Nordic-Inspired Sauna Experience Coming to Hyde Park's 57th Street Beach This Winter

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Hyde Park · December 3, 2025

A Hyde Park resident is bringing a unique Nordic wellness experience to the neighborhood with plans to open a wood-fired sauna at 57th Street Beach. Sharla Paul, a longtime local and former yoga teacher, is awaiting final approval from the Chicago Park District to launch the six-person mobile sauna early next year.

When operational, the sauna will be available Wednesday through Friday mornings from 6 a.m. to noon, with additional Wednesday evening hours from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sessions will cost $20 for 30 minutes, a price point Paul specifically chose to keep the experience accessible to the community. "At this point, I'm really just looking to just keep it at that low rate, which I think does make it accessible," she explained. Private sessions will also be available Friday and Saturday evenings by reservation. The thoughtfully designed structure will feature a wood-burning stove and three windows offering views of Lake Michigan, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, and Hyde Park. Visitors can utilize a small vestibule area for storing belongings before entering the main sauna space.

Sources:
1. https://www.hpherald.com/evening_digest/lakefront-sauna-could-come-to-57th-street-beach-this-winter/article_d6de1fd1-ed71-407f-b4d1-3cdbb1ca4594.html