How to Plan the Perfect Family Vacation at O’Connell Cabin Co.

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Planning a family vacation that keeps everyone happy—from toddlers to teens to grandparents—can feel like a tall order. But at O’Connell Cabin Co., our four lakefront cabins in Stone Lake, Wisconsin, make it easy to create memories that last a lifetime. Nestled on Lower Holly Lake (Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, and Cattail Cottage) and Little Sand Lake (Little Sand Lodge), our cabins offer the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and family-friendly amenities. With summer in full swing, here’s your guide to planning the ultimate family getaway at O’Connell Cabin Co., packed with tips to ensure a seamless and fun-filled trip.
1. Choose the Right Cabin for Your Crew
Our four cabins are similar in size and packed with family-friendly features, making it easy to pick the perfect fit. Cattail Cabin on Lower Holly Lake sleeps up to 8, ideal for medium-sized families, while Cattail Chalet, Cattail Cottage (also on Lower Holly Lake), and Little Sand Lodge (on Little Sand Lake) each sleep up to 10, great for larger groups or multi-family trips. All cabins boast full kitchens for kid-friendly meals, cozy living areas for movie nights, and private docks for lake fun. They’re also pet-friendly, so your furry family members can join the adventure. With June dates still available, now’s the time to secure your summer escape—check availability at www.oconnellcabinco.com and book early to snag your spot.
2. Pack Smart for Lakefront Adventures
Stone Lake’s summer vibe calls for a strategic packing list. For lake days on Lower Holly Lake or Little Sand Lake, bring swimsuits, water shoes, and floaties for the kids. Pack fishing rods for casting off your cabin’s dock or rent gear from local outfitters. Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, and reusable water bottles for outings to nearby attractions. For cozy evenings, include s’mores supplies for the fire pit and extra blankets for stargazing on the deck—our cabins already come stocked with plenty of board games for family fun. The full kitchens mean you can pack snacks or ingredients for family dinners, saving time and money.
3. Plan Kid-Friendly Activities Nearby
Stone Lake and its surroundings are packed with activities to keep kids entertained. Start with a visit to the Wilderness Walk Zoo & Western Town, just 3 miles south of Hayward on Highway 27, where kids and adults can feed goats, meet tigers, and pan for gold. For nature lovers, the Stone Lake Wetland Park, minutes from our cabins, offers easy boardwalk trails perfect for spotting loons or herons. Active families can explore the CAMBA trails in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest for biking or gentle hikes on the Namekagon Trail. A short drive to Hayward brings you to the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame or Lumberjack Shows, delighting kids with Northwoods flair. 
4. Create a Flexible Itinerary
Balance adventure and downtime to keep everyone happy. Kick off your day with a morning paddle on Lower Holly Lake or Little Sand Lake, followed by a picnic lunch at your cabin. Spend afternoons exploring local attractions like the Wilderness Walk Zoo or swimming at nearby Stone Lake. Evenings are perfect for family bonding—roast marshmallows at the fire pit, enjoy the cabin’s board games, or take a sunset drive along Highway 70. Build in rest days to lounge on your cabin’s deck or let kids play in the yard. Our cabins’ Wi-Fi keeps teens connected, while the serene lakefront setting helps everyone unplug.
5. Make Memories with Family Traditions
A cabin vacation is a chance to start traditions that bring your family back year after year. Host a nightly campfire storytelling session or organize a family fishing contest off your cabin’s dock. Set up a scavenger hunt in the Stone Lake Wetland Park or a photo challenge to capture summer sunsets. Our cabins’ spacious layouts and outdoor areas—like decks and grills—make it easy to host barbecues or stargazing parties. These moments turn a vacation into a cherished tradition, and our pet-friendly cabins ensure every family member is included.
Book Your Family Getaway Today
With June dates still open, now’s the perfect time to plan your family vacation at O’Connell Cabin Co. Visit www.oconnellcabinco.com to reserve Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, Cattail Cottage, or Little Sand Lodge. Whether you’re splashing in Lower Holly Lake or exploring Stone Lake’s adventures, our cabins are your home base for family fun.
Pro Tip: Bring a journal to jot down your family’s favorite moments, from zoo visits to campfire laughs, to relive the magic of your Stone Lake getaway!