Each year in late June, my wife and I make it a point to go to Musky Fest in Hayward. It’s a great small town festival known for its sidewalk sales, food trucks, live music, and more. There's even a fishing contest and a carnival for the kids. To be sure, the one thing that keeps us coming back each year is the sidewalk sales. If you've never been there before, you might be thinking arts and crafts. But it's more than that. Think local vendors and artists, all with their own tent, lined up and down Main Street selling everything from chainsaw carvings, custom wall art, to handmade jewelry. It’s where we discovered Fern and the Twig a few years ago and now have a couple of Jordan's custom pieces hanging inside of our cabins. Musky Fest, as much as I recommend it, isn't the only reason to come visit us. It's just one of many reasons why June is a great time to book a stay with us. Here’s a few more.
The Best of Both Worlds in June
By early June, the Northwoods is fully awake. The lakes are warm enough for swimming and kayaking, all the seasonal attractions are open, and the days feel long and full of possibility. At the same time, because most schools are still in session until mid-June, it tends to be one of the quieter (and more available) months of the summer. That combination makes it a sweet spot for many of our guests.
What June Looks Like at Our Cabins
- The lakes are open and inviting, with warm water perfect for swimming, kayaking, and dock time.
- All the seasonal spots are now open: Wilderness Walk Zoo, local farmer’s markets, and restaurants like Tamarack Farms (pictured below) that close in the off-season.
- Trails (including the Hayward Cluster of CAMBA) are in excellent condition with lush green woods.
- The pace is still relaxed compared to July and August — especially mid-week.
Our Cabins in Full Summer Mode
All four cabins are ready for summer:
- Cattail Chalet — The wood-burning sauna is a favorite after a day on the water or trails.
- Cattail Cabin — The big yard and arcade room make it easy for families to stay entertained.
- Cattail Cottage — The intimate layout and stone fireplace create a cozy feel even as the weather warms.
- Little Sand Lodge — The calm bay and expansive deck are perfect for relaxed evenings.
Every cabin comes with private docks, kayaks & canoe, fire pits with free firewood, full kitchens, and pet-friendly policies (up to 2 dogs, $150 fee).
Special Highlight: Musky Fest Weekend (June 26–28)
As mentioned, one of our favorite local events is coming up fast — Musky Fest in Hayward! This popular weekend features sidewalk sales, great food, live music, and classic Northwoods fun.
Good news: Cattail Cabin and Little Sand Lodge are still available that weekend (June 26–28). It’s a fantastic opportunity to combine a cabin stay with one of the area’s most enjoyable summer festivals.
Availability Right Now
June tends to be one of the slower summer months because many families are still waiting for school to let out. That creates real opportunities for those who can travel earlier. If you have flexibility in your schedule, June often gives you better availability and a more peaceful experience on the lakes and trails.
Ready to kick off your summer on the water? Check real-time availability at oconnellcabinco.com and let’s get your cabin reserved.
Pro Tip: Book a mid-week stay in June and you’ll enjoy even quieter lakes, easier access to local attractions, and more flexibility with your dates. These weeks are some of the best value we offer all summer.