Is Cornucopia, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Cornucopia, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Bayfield County and the Town of Bell, as Cornucopia falls under their jurisdiction - contact the Bayfield County Zoning Department at (715) 373-6181 to verify short-term rental permissions in your desired area. Obtain necessary permits including a Wisconsin seller's permit for tax collection, business license if required by the township, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and building inspections. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering proximity to Lake Superior attractions, Apostle Islands access, and seasonal tourism patterns that peak from May through October. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture suitable for the harsh Wisconsin winters, including quality heating systems, lake-themed decor, and outdoor gear storage given the area's recreational focus on fishing, hiking, and water activities. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting lake views, nearby attractions like the Cornucopia Marina and historic lighthouse, and seasonal activities, pricing competitively with other Lake Superior region rentals typically ranging $100-300 per night depending on size and amenities. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with lakefront properties, and consider hiring a property management company if you're not local, while maintaining Wisconsin's 5.5% sales tax compliance and Bayfield County's additional lodging taxes that apply to short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Cornucopia, Wisconsin, focus on waterfront or near-waterfront locations within walking distance of Lake Superior beaches, particularly properties with views of the Apostle Islands. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins, cottages, or homes built after 1980 with modern amenities like full kitchens, WiFi, and outdoor spaces including decks, fire pits, or lake access. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in Cornucopia and nearby Bayfield, aiming for properties under $300,000 that can command $150-250 per night during peak summer months (June-September) and $75-125 during shoulder seasons. Research competition by examining occupancy rates and reviews of existing STRs within a 5-mile radius, noting that Cornucopia has limited inventory compared to Bayfield, creating opportunity for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for investment calculations, and local resources including the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce tourism data, Wisconsin DNR fishing and recreation reports, and monitoring events at nearby attractions like the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and local festivals that drive seasonal demand.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Cornucopia, Wisconsin, you must first contact the Bayfield County Zoning Department at 117 E 5th Street, Washburn, WI 54891, as Cornucopia falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations. Submit a completed short-term rental permit application along with a site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, septic system compliance certificate, and fire safety inspection report. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of $75-100. You must also register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for room tax collection and obtain a seller's permit. The property must comply with occupancy limits based on septic capacity (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), provide adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), maintain emergency contact information posted on-site, and ensure the rental unit meets all building and fire codes. The approval process typically takes 30-45 days after submission of complete documentation, and permits must be renewed annually by December 31st. Contact the Bayfield County Zoning Office at (715) 373-6181 to confirm current requirements and schedule any necessary inspections before beginning the application process.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Cornucopia, Wisconsin, as the small unincorporated community in Bayfield County operates under county and state regulations rather than having its own municipal ordinances. Bayfield County allows STRs but requires operators to obtain proper permits and comply with zoning regulations, health department requirements, and state tax obligations including room tax collection. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and operators typically need to register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for tax purposes. The county has implemented some restrictions including occupancy limits based on septic system capacity, parking requirements, and noise ordinances to address neighbor concerns. Recent changes in Wisconsin law around 2017-2018 have generally favored property rights for STR operators while still allowing local governments to impose reasonable health, safety, and welfare regulations. Given Cornucopia's location along Lake Superior and its appeal as a tourist destination, many properties operate as vacation rentals, but operators must ensure compliance with both county zoning laws and state licensing requirements, with enforcement becoming more stringent in recent years as STR popularity has increased throughout northern Wisconsin's tourism areas.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Cornucopia, Wisconsin are primarily concentrated around the Lake Superior shoreline and the historic downtown district. The waterfront area near Siskiwit Bay offers exceptional appeal due to its proximity to pristine beaches, fishing opportunities, and stunning lake views that attract summer tourists and fall color enthusiasts from Minneapolis-St. Paul and Milwaukee metro areas. The downtown historic district, centered around Highway 13, provides charm for visitors exploring the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and serves as a gateway for ferry access to the islands. The residential areas within walking distance of Ehlers General Store and local restaurants offer convenience for guests while maintaining the small-town atmosphere that draws urban visitors seeking authentic northern Wisconsin experiences. Properties near the Cornucopia Beach and boat launch are particularly attractive as they cater to fishing enthusiasts, kayakers, and boaters exploring the Apostle Islands, while locations close to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails capture winter recreation markets, making these areas viable for year-round rental income despite the town's small size of approximately 100 residents.

In Cornucopia, Wisconsin, Airbnb hosts are subject to Wisconsin state sales tax at 5% on lodging rentals, plus Bayfield County's room tax of 5.5%, resulting in a combined tax rate of 10.5% on short-term rental income. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue requires hosts to register for a seller's permit and collect these taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month if monthly gross receipts exceed $1,200, or quarterly if below that threshold. Bayfield County's room tax must be remitted separately to the county treasurer's office on a monthly basis by the last day of the following month, with funds typically supporting tourism promotion and local infrastructure. Exemptions generally apply to rentals of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term leases rather than transient lodging, and some properties may qualify for agricultural or residential exemptions if they meet specific criteria. Hosts earning over $600 annually must also report this income on their federal and state tax returns, and the county may require additional permits or licenses for short-term rental operations depending on local zoning regulations established around 2018-2020.

To start an Airbnb in Cornucopia, Wisconsin, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 for a median lakefront or near-lake property in this small Lake Superior community. Furnishing costs will run $8,000-$12,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor suitable for vacation rental guests. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations or improvements typically costs $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential zoning approvals range from $500-$1,200 depending on local regulations. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $1,500-$2,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable/streaming services cost approximately $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including cleaning supplies, maintenance, property management software, marketing, and utilities average $3,200-$5,500, assuming moderate booking activity during the seasonal tourism period when visitors come to enjoy Lake Superior's recreational opportunities.

Airbnb properties in Cornucopia, Wisconsin, a small lakeside community on Lake Superior, typically generate modest seasonal profits with average daily rates ranging from $120-180 during peak summer months (June-September) and dropping to $60-90 in winter. Properties near the lake can achieve 60-70% occupancy rates during summer but fall to 20-30% in off-season, resulting in annual revenues of $15,000-35,000 for typical 2-3 bedroom cabins. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($75-100 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-2,500 annually), and maintenance ($2,000-4,000 yearly) typically consume 45-60% of gross revenue. Successful properties leverage Cornucopia's proximity to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, with waterfront cabins owned by operators like those featured in Wisconsin tourism case studies achieving 15-25% net profit margins by targeting fishing enthusiasts, kayakers, and fall color tourists. Properties within walking distance of the harbor and local businesses like Ehlers General Store perform better than inland locations, with some owners reporting $8,000-12,000 annual net profits after expenses, though success heavily depends on property condition, marketing effectiveness, and ability to capture the limited but dedicated tourist traffic drawn to this remote but scenic destination.

Based on Cornucopia, Wisconsin's small-town tourism market and proximity to Lake Superior recreational areas, Airbnb investments in this rural community typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and seasonal demand. Properties near outdoor attractions and waterfront access command premium rates during summer months (June-September) when occupancy rates peak at 65-75%, while off-season occupancy drops to 25-35%. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties priced competitively in the $150-250 per night range, with total investment recovery timeframes of 7-10 years. Properties requiring significant renovations may see extended profitability timelines of 30-36 months, while turnkey cabins or lake-adjacent homes can achieve positive cash flow within 12-15 months due to Cornucopia's appeal as a gateway to the Apostle Islands and North Shore tourism corridor.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Cornucopia, Wisconsin. Local real estate agents like those at Coldwell Banker East West and RE/MAX Northwoods in nearby Bayfield serve the Cornucopia area and have experience with vacation rental properties along Lake Superior. AirDNA provides market analysis and revenue projections for Airbnb investments in the region, while Mashvisor offers property analysis tools for short-term rental investments in Wisconsin markets. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services for investors who purchase Airbnb properties in the area. Local agents at Century 21 and Edina Realty also cover the Apostle Islands region including Cornucopia and understand the seasonal rental market dynamics. BiggerPockets connects investors with local experts familiar with Wisconsin's short-term rental regulations, and HostGPO offers purchasing and setup services for new Airbnb property owners in rural Wisconsin markets like Cornucopia.