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.
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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.
Summer Wildlife of Stone Lake: What to Spot from Your Cabin
By Brad O'Connell · July 16, 2025
cabin life
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!
