Lakefront Cabins on Lower Holly & Little Sand Lakes
Two private wood-fired saunas, fishing boats at Cattail Cabin and Little Sand Lodge, and up to 2 dogs welcome ($150 flat)
At O'Connell Cabin Co., the lake's tranquil presence sets a peaceful tone. Our pet-friendly cabins offer a harmonious blend of rustic allure and modern amenities, inviting you to linger by the fire pit or unwind in our wood-burning saunas. Embrace the simplicity and beauty of lakeside living, where every moment is a gentle escape.
Our Cabins
Located in Sawyer County just 20 minutes south of Hayward.
Hear first when this host opens direct rates or adds a new place.
Hi. In 2014 my wife and I rented a cabin in northern Wisconsin. We loved it so much that we rented the same cabin again a couple months later. It was then that we started thinking about doing this ourselves so that we could share this experience with others. After a lot of thought, some careful planning, and convincing family members to join us, we finished construction on our first cabin in the fall of 2018. My family and I now own 4 lakeside vacation rental cabins in the Stone Lake, Wisconsin area. We work with a local builder to build them brand new and then rent them out when they're finished. We self-manage our properties too, and always will. We felt this is the only way to provide a truly unique, peaceful, and complete experience for our guests. Perfect for any season, our cabins are for those who feel the need to get away every once in a while, because we can totally relate. Whether you're looking for a summer get-away or planning a winter snowmobiling weekend, you can book your stay with us directly on this website. We would look forward to having you.
Brad
FAQ
Our most frequently asked questions, all in one spot.
One hundred percent (100%) of the total booking charges will be refunded if cancellation is made more than 14 days prior to arrival. Fifty percent (50%) will be refunded if cancellation is made more than 7 days prior. For cancellations within 7 days of arrival, no refund will be issued. We understand plans change — just let us know as soon as possible so we can work with you.
We're pet-friendly and love welcoming dogs! A maximum of 2 well-behaved dogs are allowed with a flat $150 fee (whether 1 or 2 dogs). No cats, please. Kindly declare pets on your reservation so we can prepare for their arrival — we want them to feel at home too.
Check-in is 4pm or later. Check-out is 10am.
Yes! We offer early check-in (before 4pm) and late check-out (after 10am) when available, each at a $50 fee. Guests must request and confirm availability at least 24 hours prior to arrival or departure. The fee is due upon confirmation. We love helping extend your stay — just ask!
Lower Holly Lake and Little Sand Lake are both swimmable, as long as you're okay with a natural lake bottom (a mix of sand, muck, and aquatic vegetation along the shoreline). The water is clean and clear, and the lakes are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing — including Northern Pike and pan fish. Bring water shoes if you like!
There are several great restaurants in the area! Check out our Local Guide for our favorite local spots — from casual pubs and micro-brews in Stone Lake to more options in Hayward (just 20 minutes north).
Lots of great attractions! Check out our Local Guide for our curated recommendations — snowmobiling/ATV trails, CAMBA mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, local events, and more.
We're about 20 minutes south of Hayward, making us a quieter, more peaceful base for Hayward events, shopping, and attractions while still offering lakefront relaxation.
All cabins include high-speed internet, central air, Smart HDTVs, laundry facilities, firewood for the fire pit, and lake gear (kayaks, canoe, pedal boat). We also have a fishing boat + trolling motor at Cattail Cabin and Little Sand Lodge. Cattail Chalet and Little Sand Lodge each have a private sauna — perfect for unwinding after a day on the trails.
Join our mailing list.
Discover travel tips, cabin getaway ideas, outdoor adventure guides, announcements, offers, and more. Delivered to your inbox every month. I only send stuff that I think is important, which means at the most, you'll get about 2 to 3 emails per month. That's it.
Discover the stories behind O'Connell Cabin Co.'s lakeside retreats in our curated blog. Dive into tales of serene mornings on the deck, the timeless charm of wood-burning saunas, and evenings spent by the fire pit. Explore the harmony of rustic allure and modern comfort that defines each stay, offering a gentle escape into nature's embrace.
Fall Foliage Getaway at O’Connell Cabin Co.
By Brad O'Connell · August 6, 2025
seasonal getaways
If someone asked me what I like better -- summer or fall -- I would have a hard time answering that question. Summer is great, but there's something about autumn up at the lake that really gets me excited. I would have to say cooler weather and the colors are what I look forward to most. Football is in there somewhere too. As summer fades, the fall foliage around Stone Lake, Wisconsin, transforms into a breathtaking display, and O’Connell Cabin Co.’s four lakefront cabins—Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, Cattail Cottage on Lower Holly Lake, and Little Sand Lodge on Little Sand Lake—are the perfect base for your autumn escape. The forests of northern Wisconsin are brimming with maple, oak, birch, and aspen. From late September to mid-October these species provide vibrant reds, oranges, and bright yellows. Here’s how to enjoy a classic fall getaway with us.
Leaf-Peeping from Your Cabin
Step onto your cabin’s deck to soak in the fall colors surrounding Lower Holly Lake and Little Sand Lake. The deck at Cattail Cottage not only gives you a great view of Lower Holly Lake; it is also surrounded by sugar maple which glows bright orange in early October. Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, and Little Sand Lodge provide perfect vantage points as well. Jump in one of our included kayaks for a closer look at the foliage reflecting on the water.
Scenic Hikes
Take a 30-minute drive to the Trego Nature Trail for a crisp fall hike through colorful woods, with the main trail running right along side the Namekagon River. The drive from Stone Lake to the trailhead offers stunning roadside views of changing leaves. Return to Cattail Cabin’s full kitchen to whip up some warm apple cider, relaxing in the spacious living area with our 250+ Mbps Wi-Fi to share your photos.
Explore 6 Self-Guided Color Tours
If you feel like getting out and driving around, you can do that too. Discover the Hayward area’s beauty with 6 self-guided color tours, just a short drive from Stone Lake. These self-guided driving tours, detailed at haywardlakes.com/activities/fall-and-winter/color-tours/, range from 45 to 70 miles and showcase Sawyer County’s stunning foliage. I would highly recommend starting with the Stone Lake Tour (Tour #6), winding through oak and maple woods past Sissabagama Lake. The Winter Tour (Tour #4) passes through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, while the Radisson Tour (Tour #5) features hardwood forests in the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation. Can't go wrong with any of these drives. They're all beautiful.
Cozy Nights by the Fire Pit
As evenings cool, gather around the fire pit with our dry stacked firewood for s’mores and stargazing under a crisp fall sky. The pet-friendly yards let your dog join the fun. Cattail Chalet’s sauna is ideal for a post-hike steam session, warming you with its rustic charm. Unwind on your king-size bed with the sound of rustling leaves.
Book Your Fall Escape
A fall foliage getaway at O’Connell Cabin Co. blends nature, comfort, and seasonal charm. According to the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report, peak color in our area is forecasted for the 2nd week in October this year. With many of these October dates still available, now is the time to book dates during peak color! Secure your spot at Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, Cattail Cottage, or Little Sand Lodge. Our flexible cancellation (free up to 14 days, 50% up to 7 days) and traveler insurance offer peace of mind. Visit www.oconnellcabinco.com to book now!
Plan Your Fall Getaway Today
Ready for a colorful autumn at Stone Lake? Check availability at www.oconnellcabinco.com for Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, Cattail Cottage, or Little Sand Lodge. Book early for September and October!
Pro Tip**:** Pack a warm blanket for fire pit nights!
