O'Connell Cabin Co. Blog

What Our Guests Are Loving Right Now – April 2026 Edition

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

We've been hosting families at our cabins since 2018 and during that time we've collected over 450 reviews. If all goes to plan, we'll hit the 500 mark sometime later this summer. A lot of these are 5-star reviews with guests saying, among other things, that they plan to come back again someday. I think this is pretty remarkable considering that when I got started with our first cabin, I really had no idea what I was doing. Early on, the review process was pretty scary. I was unsure of...

Early Spring at O’Connell Cabin Co.: What March–May Looks Like Right Now in Stone Lake

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

If you read our Spring Preview post back on March 8th, you already know that March through May brings a special kind of magic to Stone Lake and our lakefront cabins. Right now — late March — we're sitting right in the middle of that beautiful transition. Lower Holly Lake is still mostly frozen over, but open water is beginning to form along the shorelines. The snow on the ground has mostly melted, with just a few remaining piles from the plow. The days are stretching longer, the sun feels w...

Spring Preview: What March–May Looks Like at Our Stone Lake Cabins

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

If you've ever wondered what it's like when the Northwoods start to wake up after a long winter, March through May is the sweet spot. The ice begins to thaw on Lower Holly and Little Sand Lake, the loons return with their haunting calls, the pines smell fresher, and those first warm days make you want to throw open every window and let the breeze chase out the last bit of cabin coziness. At O'Connell Cabin Co., this shoulder season is one of our favorite times to be here—fewer crowds, softe...

Hayward Cabins: Your Cozy Basecamp for Trails, Lakes & Northwoods Adventure – O’Connell Cabin Co.

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Hey, Hayward-bound adventurers! If you're planning a trip to Hayward—whether it's for the world-class CAMBA mountain bike trails, the American Birkebeiner ski race, a weekend of lake time, or just soaking up that classic Northwoods vibe—finding the right cabin makes all the difference. And here's the good news: our four lakefront cabins at O'Connell Cabin Co. are just a quick 15–20 minute drive from downtown Hayward, putting you close enough to grab dinner on Main Street or hit the trails, bu...

Partnering with CAMBA: Your Trail Basecamp Near Stone Lake

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

We are happy to announce that we're officially a CAMBA Premium Community Partner and Lodging Partner. If you've ever ridden (or dreamed of riding) the legendary CAMBA trails, you know how special this network is: over 300 miles of singletrack, flow trails, gravel, and fat-tire routes across Sawyer County and beyond. CAMBA does an incredible job with trail maintenance, maps, events, and community—and now when people ask them for lodging recommendations near the trails, your cozy lakefront cab...

Spark the Romance: Valentine’s Day Getaway at Cattail Cottage – Your Cozy Cabin Escape in Stone Lake

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Hey lovebirds! Valentine's Day is exactly one month away, and if you're dreaming of something quieter and more intimate than the usual restaurant rush, we've got the perfect spot waiting. Picture a private lakefront cabin on Lower Holly Lake, snow softly falling outside, a stone-faced gas fireplace crackling inside, and nothing on the agenda but each other. That's the magic of Cattail Cottage—and good news: it's still available for Valentine's weekend (Feb 13–16)! While all of our other pro...

Snowmobiling Near Stone Lake, WI: Groomed Trails & Perfect Cabin Basecamps at O’Connell Cabin Co.

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

If the hum of a sled slicing through fresh snow is your winter happy place, you've hit the jackpot with a stay near Stone Lake. Sawyer County rolls out over 600 miles of meticulously groomed snowmobile trails—thanks to the hardworking Sawyer County Snowmobile & ATV Alliance and local clubs—and our spot puts you right in the thick of it. We're talking scenic loops through pine forests, frozen lake crossings, and that unbeatable Northwoods freedom. We talked about snowmobiling a little bit in...

Top 5 Winter Eats Near Stone Lake, WI: Cozy Spots for Your Cabin Getaway

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Greetings, cabin cozy-seekers! Winter in the Northwoods means crisp air, sauna steams, and that unbeatable craving for comfort food after a day on the lake (or just binge-watching the snow fall from the deck). While summer brings its own seasonal spots, winter dining around Stone Lake and Hayward leans into hearty, open-year-round favorites that hit different when it's chilly out. We've rounded up our top 5 go-tos—places we (and our guests) hit again and again. These are all easy drives from...

The Northern Nerd’s Winter Stay at Cattail Chalet: Photos + 5-Star Review

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Hey, fellow Northwoods escape artists! We're over here high-fiving like we just aced a game of Golden Tee—because recently, Dalton Hessel (better known as The Northern Nerd, with over 35K followers dishing adventure inspo on Instagram and Facebook) picked our Cattail Chalet for his winter reset on Lower Holly Lake. And wow, did he deliver: a glowing 5-star Google review, a fresh blog post, and social reels across FB and IG that have us scrolling on repeat. (Pro tip: Go peek at his feed—the vi...

Best Cabin Rentals Near Stone Lake, Wisconsin in 2025 – Pet-Friendly, Sauna & Lakefront

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Hey Northwoods fans! If you caught the photos I took Wednesday after Tuesday night's 8–10 inch snow storm, you know exactly why the inbox is on fire. Every dock is buried in fresh powder, the pines are sugar dusted, and the sauna chimney at Cattail Chalet is already puffing away. Perfect moment to spotlight the four best cabin rentals near Stone Lake, Wisconsin for 2025: all lakefront, all pet-friendly (up to 2 dogs, $150 fee), all sleeping exactly 8 with a king master. Here they are in all...

Why Our Stone Lake Cabins Are Great for Winter Stays

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The Farmer's Almanac is predicting a "classic winter wonderland" for our area this winter. Whether you think the Farmer's Almanac is more reliable than a coin toss is a totally different subject, but if you like snow it's a prediction you like to hear. We don't mind it either. Winters in Stone Lake, Wisconsin are very peaceful. They turn the landscape into a serene wonderland, and O'Connell Cabin Co.'s four lakefront cabins -- Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, and Cattail Cottage on Lower Ho...

Discover Our New Digital Guidebooks for the Ultimate Stone Lake Experience

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Planning a getaway to O'Connell Cabin Co.'s four lakefront cabins in Stone Lake, Wisconsin? We've just launched new digital guidebooks with Touch Stay, tailored to each cabin—Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, Cattail Cottage, or Little Sand Lodge. These interactive tools are packed with insider tips on local attractions, dining, and activities, making your stay seamless. Here's a sneak peek at what they offer and how they enhance your Stone Lake adventure. Personalized Tips for Each Cabin Our...

Why Book Direct for Your Wisconsin Cabin Getaway

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Booking a cabin getaway in Wisconsin can be thrilling, but choosing how to book matters. At O'Connell Cabin Co., we encourage direct bookings through our website for a smoother experience at our four lakefront cabins in Stone Lake—Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, and Cattail Cottage on Lower Holly Lake, and Little Sand Lodge on Little Sand Lake. Here's why booking direct beats third-party sites, saving you time, money, and hassle. Better Rates and No Hidden Fees When you book direct, you get...

Why Our Stone Lake Cabins Are Perfect for Remote Work

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In today's remote work world, a cabin getaway can be a productive retreat, and O'Connell Cabin Co.'s four lakefront cabins in Stone Lake, Wisconsin—Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, and Cattail Cottage on Lower Holly Lake, and Little Sand Lodge on Little Sand Lake—are designed for just that. With reliable amenities and serene surroundings, our remote work cabins in Wisconsin let you work efficiently while enjoying nature. Whether you're a freelancer needing inspiration or a professional escaping...

Romantic Weekend Escapes in Stone Lake

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

My wife and I stay at our properties as much as we can. It's a great way to "be our guests" and also to reconnect, even if it's just a weekend here and there. Our kids are older now, which means a lot of times, it's just the 2 of us (and our dog). We often comment about how cozy each cabin feels for just 2 people, even though they're all big enough for families. So if you feel like you need a nice quiet weekend with your significant-other, you've come to the right place. Here's how to pl...

Fall Foliage Getaway at O’Connell Cabin Co.

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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, C...

Brand-New Private Sauna at Cattail Chalet – Open Winter 2025/26

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Experience the brand-new private sauna at Cattail Chalet — one of the coziest lakefront cabins just minutes from Stone Lake, Wisconsin on Lower Holly Lake. The perfect warm-up after a day on the CAMBA trails, snowshoeing, or ice fishing. Pet-friendly and peaceful — book your winter escape today! A Traditional Sauna Experience Nestled at Cattail Chalet, this wood-burning sauna brings authentic Finnish flair to Lower Holly Lake. Crafted almost entirely from vintage, reclaimed lumber and timbe...

Summer Wildlife of Stone Lake: What to Spot from Your Cabin

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A stay at O'Connell Cabin Co.'s four lakefront cabins in Stone Lake, Wisconsin—Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, and Cattail Cottage on Lower Holly Lake, and Little Sand Lodge on Little Sand Lake—brings you closer to nature's wonders. This summer, the wildlife around your cabin offers a front-row seat to some of Wisconsin's most captivating creatures. Here's what to spot from your dock, deck, or kayak, making your getaway unforgettable. Graceful Loons on the Lake Loons are, by far, my favor...

Main Street Hayward: A Shopper's Paradise

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Your stay at O'Connell Cabin Co.'s four lakefront cabins in Stone Lake, Wisconsin—Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, and Cattail Cottage on Lower Holly Lake, and Little Sand Lodge on Little Sand Lake—sets the stage for a perfect day trip to Main Street Hayward, just 20 minutes away. This bustling shopping destination draws tourists with its walkable charm, diverse stores, unique finds, and great food. Here's how to explore Main Street, with your cabin as your cozy retreat. Parking and Strolling M...

Top 5 Things to Consider When Booking a Rental Cabin

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Booking a rental cabin for your summer getaway promises relaxation and adventure, but picking the right one requires careful thought. At O'Connell Cabin Co., our four lakefront cabins in Stone Lake, Wisconsin—Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, and Cattail Cottage on Lower Holly Lake, and Little Sand Lodge on Little Sand Lake—deliver the perfect escape. Here are the top five things to consider when booking a cabin, ensuring a seamless stay with us or any rental. 1. Location and Amenities That Fit...