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 favorite birds on the lake. Their haunting call, which echoes across Lower Holly Lake and Little Sand Lake, is one of the things I look forward to most when I'm up at the lake. These elegant birds, with their piercing eyes and black-and-white plumage, dive for fish and surface with a splash. You can spot them from Cattail Chalet’s private dock, especially at dusk. “Their call is magical,” a guest noted. Bring binoculars and enjoy the view!
Majestic Herons at Night
Catch a blue heron from your deck, as I did one night this past April at Cattail Cabin, where moonlight cast a shadow of the heron's silhouette on the water. The lake was like a sheet of glass that night and the reflection of the moon shadow was perfect. These tall, gray-blue birds tip-toe in the shallow water along the shoreline while they hunt for fish with silent precision.
Busy Beavers on Lower Holly Lake
Look for beavers along Lower Holly Lake’s shores, especially near Cattail Chalet’s dock, where they’re very active. These industrious creatures build dams from saplings along our shorelines and slap their tails to signal danger, active at dusk. Spot them during a kayak paddle or simply while sitting out on the dock. If you're nice and quiet while sitting out on the dock, it's not uncommon for beavers to swim right underneath the dock on their way to the shoreline.
Elegant Trumpeter Swans on Little Sand Lake
Glide your eyes to Little Sand Lake for a trumpeter swan, as captured in one of my favorite photos from this past Spring. These majestic white birds, with a 7-foot wingspan, grace the water near Little Sand Lodge’s shore. Spot them at sunrise or sunset. Relax on the deck afterward, enjoying our dry stacked firewood by the fire pit.
Distinctive Sandhill Cranes at Both Lakes
Hear the rattling, trumpet-like calls of sandhill cranes, very active at both Lower Holly Lake and Little Sand Lake. These tall, red-crowned birds dance and forage in fields or shallow waters, often in the cove near Cattail Cottage’s dock. “Their calls wake you up in the best way,” a guest said. Take a short walk to observe, then unwind with board games in the full kitchen.
Enhance Your Wildlife Experience
Spotting Stone Lake’s wildlife adds magic to your cabin stay. From loons to sandhill cranes, these moments are best enjoyed with our amenities—kayaks for lake views, docks for observation, and Wi-Fi to upload photos. It's not too late to book some late summer dates using our flexible cancellation policy!
Book Your Wildlife Getaway
Ready to connect with nature at Stone Lake? Visit oconnellcabinco.com to check availability for Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, Cattail Cottage, or Little Sand Lodge. With September dates still open, book now for your late summer escape!
Pro Tip: Bring a bird guidebook or app to identify Stone Lake’s wildlife—our team can suggest the best spots!