In the sauna world, some builders follow trends. Others set them. Voyageur Custom Saunas, based in Shakopee, Minnesota, falls firmly in the latter camp — blending rugged functionality with refined design to create meaningful sauna experiences.
With over three decades of combined experience across welding, carpentry, and custom sauna design, Voyageur’s team brings expertise to every project, whether it’s a backyard sanctuary, a mobile unit ready for the road, or a commercial spa installation built for heavy use. And often, they choose Thermory wood — not just for looks, but for performance that keeps up with the adventure.
Thermory Sauna Sales Director, Bobby Reid, is a big fan of their company spirit. “They’re out there building saunas that go off-grid, travel rough roads, and get used in wild, beautiful places” he explains. “That kind of real-world testing gives us valuable insight into how our wood performs outside the showroom – in the elements, with real people doing real things.”
How It All Began
Voyageur was founded in 2017 by Eric Bongard, who reimagined traditional icehouse and trailer technology to create durable mobile saunas for modern outdoor adventurers. The name “Voyageur” reflects the spirit of exploration — saunas made for the wild, whether that’s the lake cabin, the mountains, or your own backyard.
What started as an idea rooted in the outdoors has since evolved into a full-service custom sauna company, known for artistry, innovation, and design that honors Scandinavian tradition while continually pushing boundaries.
Flow, Function, and Feeling Align
For the Voyageur team, a sauna isn’t just a structure — it’s a sanctuary.
“Our philosophy centers on crafting one-of-a-kind sauna sanctuaries that reflect both thoughtful design and exceptional craftsmanship,” says Claire Bongard, Design & Sales at Voyageur. “From layout and materials to function and flow, every detail is chosen with intention.”
That attention to detail extends to the customer experience, too. Each build is personal, collaborative, and crafted to deliver not just great “löyly” (a Finnish word representing the spirit of the sauna)— but a sense of connection, grounding, and long-term value.
Claire adds, “From the initial concept discussions to the final delivery, we strive to make the entire journey seamless, collaborative, and rewarding.”
Why Thermory? Beauty Meets Backbone
Voyageur discovered thermally modified wood while searching for a material that could balance performance and aesthetics. With Thermory, they found the perfect match.
“High heat and moisture require materials that can withstand thermal stress, resist warping, and prevent mold or decay over time. Thermally modified wood excels in this setting – not only for its enhanced durability and stability, but also for its refined appearance and natural feel,” Claire explains. “It allows us to maintain the clean, elevated aesthetic we’re known for, while ensuring long-term performance and comfort for our clients.”
Our perfected process uses only heat and steam — no chemicals — to create wood that’s stable, rot-resistant, and built to endure extreme conditions without warping or decay. It also smells and feels incredible — a warm, welcoming presence in every session.
On the Move: Sauna Design That Travels
Mobile saunas are one of Voyageur’s specialties, and that means every element must stand up to the test of travel, temperature swings, and the unpredictable beauty of the outdoors.
“When you’re building saunas that hit the road, you need materials that can handle a little bit of everything — bumps, weather, heat, and moisture,” says Bobby Reid, Sauna Sales Director at Thermory USA. “That’s where Thermory wood really shines.”
Its durability combined with natural aesthetics, makes it the material of choice for Voyageur’s adventurous spirit – wherever the road leads.
Sustainable Materials. Long-Term Wellness.
For Voyageur, sustainability isn’t a trend — it’s an ethos. Choosing Thermory aligns with their values: responsible sourcing, chemical-free durability, and a commitment to long-term health and beauty.
“It’s not just a sauna,” Claire adds. “It’s a legacy piece — designed to serve and inspire for generations.”
Whether for private wellness, commercial durability, or architectural collaboration, every Voyageur sauna is built to last. With premium materials and custom craftsmanship, they become a space for rest, recovery, and ritual — not just for today, but for decades to come.
Experience a Voyageur sauna, and the shift is immediate. The warmth. The stillness. The connection.
“When someone steps inside a Voyageur sauna, our hope is that they feel a deep sense of grounding – physically, emotionally, spiritually,” Claire says. “Every element from the thermally modified wood to the source of heat is intentionally chosen to support this experience. Our goal is not just to create a beautiful structure, but to cultivate a space that feels restorative, immersive, and deeply personal.”
Strength in every plank. Story in every build.
With thoughtful design, premium Thermory wood, and a deep respect for the craft, Voyageur reminds us that wellness is a journey — and the best journeys start with intention.
“Working with partners like Voyageur is one of the best parts of what we do — because they help us see our products through a different lens. It inspires us.” adds Bobby Reid. “Seeing how they blend function with storytelling and design with experience… pushes us to think not just about how our wood looks or lasts, but how it feels to use. These kinds of partnerships keep us curious, keep us evolving, and honestly — they just make our work more meaningful.”
Thermory is proud to support builders like Voyageur, who bring soul, skill, and innovation to every project.
To learn more about Voyageur’s custom saunas, visit: VoyageurSaunas.com
To explore Thermory sauna materials, start here: ThermoryUSA.com/Sauna-Materials
