There’s something magical about summer nights at our cabins. The days are long, but once the sun starts to dip, a whole different rhythm takes over. The loons call across the water, the fire pits come alive, the sauna steams, and the sky puts on one of the best shows in Wisconsin. I’ve been wanting to write about this topic for a while but I didn’t have enough good photos to go along with it, so it sat on the back-burner until now. I had a chance to spend a few nights recently at Cattail Cottage so I took advantage of the opportunity to get some good nighttime photos. A tripod is necessary equipment for shooting low-light, long exposure photos so I made sure to pack one. Here’s what those peaceful, memorable Northwoods summer nights actually look like at O’Connell Cabin Co. — and why so many of our guests say evening is their favorite part of the day.
The Classic Fire Pit Evenings
As soon as the sun goes down, the fire pits become the heart of the cabin. We provide plenty of firewood, so all you have to do is gather the crew, roast some marshmallows or s’mores, and settle in.
- Cattail Chalet & Cattail Cottage have especially nice fire pit areas close to the water.
- Little Sand Lodge has a fire pit area with a fantastic view of Little Sand Lake.
- Cattail Cabin makes it easy to move from the arcade or games straight to fireside storytelling.
These evenings often turn into the best conversations of the whole trip — no screens, just crackling fire and the sound of the lake.
Sauna Sessions Under the Stars
For many guests, the highlight of the evening is firing up the wood-burning sauna at Cattail Chalet. There’s nothing quite like a hot sauna session followed by stepping out into the cool night air with the Milky Way overhead.
Stargazing on the Dock
Our location on quiet Lower Holly Lake and Little Sand Lake means minimal light pollution. On clear nights, the stargazing from your private dock, or deck, is outstanding. Guests often tell us they see more shooting stars in one week here than they do all year back home. The photo below shows the Big Dipper constellation that I captured, perfectly framed between 2 trees, from the deck at Cattail Cottage. Can you see it?
Bring a blanket, maybe some bug spray, and just lie back. The kids (and dogs) will love it too.
This photo below is looking to the northeast. The cluster of stars towards the bottom half the shot is actually part of the Milky Way galaxy, which is a huge band that stretches across much of the sky in summer. There's nothing better than a clear night in northern Wisconsin.
If you're having trouble viewing either the Big Dipper photo or the Milky Way photo, head over to the Cattail Cottage photo gallery. I have the high-res versions for both of these photos saved in there!
Pet-Friendly Evening Routines
Your furry family members often settle into their own evening rhythm here:
- Evening zoomies in the big yards (especially at Cattail Cabin)
- Sunset walks along the shoreline
- Late evening kayak rides
- Curling up by the fire pit or on the deck after a day of adventure
- Many guests say their dogs sleep better here than anywhere else — something about the fresh air and quiet nights.
All four cabins are pet-friendly with up to two dogs welcome ($150 fee).
Making the Most of Your Summer Evenings
- End the day with a family game on the deck or in the arcade at Cattail Cabin.
- Take a late paddle or dock jump while the water is still warm.
- Keep it simple with a bottle of wine by the fire pit and good conversation.
These slower evenings are what turn a good cabin stay into a truly memorable one. Check out this photo below of the moonshine reflecting off the water on Lower Holly Lake.
Summer 2026 is booking quickly, but we still have some excellent dates available in July and August. If you want those peaceful evening moments on the lake, now is a great time to reserve your cabin.
Check real-time availability at oconnellcabinco.com — we’d love to host your summer nights.
Pro Tip: Plan at least one mid-week stay this summer. The evenings are noticeably quieter, the lakes feel more peaceful, and you’ll have an easier time booking your favorite cabin. Those flexible dates are some of the most relaxed of the whole season.