Is Fish Creek, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, begin by researching local regulations through Door County's zoning department and the Village of Fish Creek, as this tourist destination typically requires short-term rental permits and may have occupancy limits or seasonal restrictions. Contact Door County Planning Department (920-746-2323) to understand zoning requirements, as properties must often be in areas zoned for tourist accommodations, and obtain necessary permits including a business license, tourist room tax permit, and possible conditional use permit which can take 30-90 days. Find a suitable property within walking distance of Peninsula State Park or downtown Fish Creek, with 2-4 bedrooms typically renting for $150-400 per night depending on season, considering properties built after 1990 to meet modern safety codes. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture emphasizing the Door County coastal theme, including quality mattresses, linens, fully equipped kitchen, WiFi, and outdoor furniture for porches or decks that guests expect in this scenic area. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and local rental sites like DoorCountyNavigator.com, highlighting proximity to state parks, cherry orchards, and Lake Michigan beaches, with professional photography showcasing water views if available. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services like Door County Cleaning Company, maintenance contractors familiar with older Wisconsin homes, and consider hiring a local property management company such as Door County Vacation Rentals if you're not local, while maintaining compliance with the 5.5% Wisconsin state tax plus local tourist taxes that Door County collects.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, focus on locations within walking distance of Peninsula State Park, downtown Fish Creek's shops and restaurants, or waterfront areas along Green Bay, as these command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak summer months. Target properties with 3-4 bedrooms, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, updated kitchens, and parking for multiple vehicles, as families and groups visiting Door County prefer these amenities. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to track seasonal demand patterns, noting that summer occupancy rates can reach 80-90% while winter drops to 30-40%, with average daily rates fluctuating from $150 in off-season to $350+ during peak times like cherry blossom season and fall colors. Research competition by studying existing STR listings within a 2-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing strategies, and monitoring properties managed by companies like Vacasa or local operators like Door County Vacation Rentals. Utilize tools like STR Helper for market analysis, the Village of Fish Creek's zoning maps to ensure STR compliance, Wisconsin Department of Revenue for tax requirements, and local Facebook groups like "Door County Short Term Rental Owners" for market insights, while considering that properties near Eagle Bluff Lighthouse or with lake views typically generate 20-30% higher revenues than inland locations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, you must apply through the Door County Planning Department since Fish Creek is an unincorporated community within Door County. Contact the Door County Planning Department at 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, or call (920) 746-2323 to begin the application process. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, site plan showing parking areas and property boundaries, septic system compliance certificate, well water testing results if applicable, and proof of liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with an additional annual renewal fee of around $100-150. You must also obtain a Wisconsin seller's permit for tax collection purposes through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The approval timeline is generally 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application. Specific Fish Creek requirements include adherence to Door County's occupancy limits (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), mandatory posting of emergency contact information and house rules, compliance with noise ordinances particularly during evening hours, provision of adequate off-street parking (usually 1 space per bedroom), and ensuring the property meets all building and fire safety codes. Some properties may require additional inspections or conditional use permits depending on zoning classification and neighborhood density of existing short-term rentals.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, but operate under Door County's comprehensive regulations established in 2019-2020. The county requires STR operators to obtain permits, pay registration fees, and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency egress requirements. Door County implemented a cap system limiting the total number of STR permits in certain areas to address community concerns about housing availability and neighborhood character. Fish Creek, being within Door County's jurisdiction, follows these county-wide rules rather than having separate municipal STR ordinances. Recent changes include stricter enforcement mechanisms, increased penalties for violations, and enhanced complaint procedures for neighbors. The regulations require STR operators to provide 24/7 contact information, maintain guest registries, and ensure properties don't exceed maximum occupancy limits typically based on bedrooms and square footage. While STRs remain legal throughout Fish Creek, the permitting process includes neighbor notification requirements and properties must comply with zoning restrictions that may limit STRs in certain residential areas.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Fish Creek, Wisconsin center around the downtown historic district near the harbor, particularly properties within walking distance of Peninsula State Park's main entrance and the famous Fish Creek beach area. The downtown core along Highway 42 offers prime positioning for tourists visiting Door County's summer theater productions at Peninsula Players and the numerous art galleries, while properties near Welcker's Lodge area benefit from proximity to both the state park and scenic waterfront activities. The residential neighborhoods between Main Street and Peninsula State Park, especially those on streets like Cottage Row and Park Drive, are highly attractive due to their proximity to hiking trails, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, and the park's golf course, drawing visitors year-round for outdoor recreation. Properties near the Fish Creek Community Center and within a few blocks of the public beach access points perform exceptionally well during peak summer months (June-August) when the area hosts numerous festivals and the population swells from around 800 residents to over 10,000 visitors, while the scenic bluff areas overlooking Green Bay provide premium rental opportunities for guests seeking luxury accommodations with water views and easy access to both Peninsula State Park's 3,776 acres and the charming village amenities.

Fish Creek, Wisconsin imposes a 5.5% local room tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which is collected in addition to Wisconsin's 5% state sales tax, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 10.5%. The Door County room tax of 8% also applies to lodging in Fish Creek, making the combined occupancy tax rate around 13.5% for Airbnb properties. These taxes are typically collected by the host at the time of booking or check-in and must be remitted monthly to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and Door County Treasurer's office by the 20th of the following month. Hosts must register for a Wisconsin seller's permit and obtain a local room tax license before operating, with stays of 30 days or longer generally exempt from room taxes but still subject to sales tax. The Village of Fish Creek may require additional business licensing, and failure to collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties of up to 25% of the unpaid amount plus interest charges of 1.5% per month.

Starting an Airbnb in Fish Creek, Wisconsin requires approximately $485,000-$565,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs range from $350,000-$425,000 based on median home prices in Door County's tourist areas. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor costs $15,000-$25,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities runs $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees include Wisconsin seller's permit ($20), local business license ($100-$300), and potential Door County tourism taxes and registration fees totaling $500-$800. Insurance including liability coverage and property protection costs $2,400-$3,600 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service require $800-$1,200 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($3,600-$4,800), cleaning services ($2,400-$3,600), maintenance and supplies ($1,500-$2,500), marketing ($600-$1,200), and platform fees on estimated bookings ($2,000-$3,000) total approximately $10,100-$15,100. Property taxes, ongoing insurance, and potential property management fees add $8,000-$12,000 for the initial six-month period.

Airbnb properties in Fish Creek, Wisconsin demonstrate strong seasonal profitability with average nightly rates ranging from $150-300 during peak summer months (June-August) when Door County tourism peaks, generating approximately $18,000-36,000 in annual revenue for well-positioned properties. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 3% Airbnb service fees, 8-12% property management if outsourced, plus utilities, insurance, and property taxes averaging $8,000-12,000 annually, resulting in net profit margins of 35-45% for successful properties. Success factors include proximity to Peninsula State Park, waterfront access, and authentic Door County charm, with properties like restored fish boathouses and historic cottages commanding premium rates. Companies like Vacasa and RedAwning have identified Fish Creek as a high-performing market since 2019, with occupancy rates reaching 75-85% during summer months but dropping to 20-30% in winter, making year-round profitability dependent on capturing fall foliage season and winter activities. Properties grossing over $25,000 annually typically achieve 15-20% ROI, while underperforming listings often lack professional photography, proper amenities, or strategic pricing during Door County's cherry festival and peak boating season.

Based on Fish Creek, Wisconsin market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's strong summer tourism driven by Door County's popularity and proximity to Peninsula State Park. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near the waterfront or main tourist corridors performing at the higher end. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, assuming a 20-25% down payment on properties averaging $300,000-$500,000. Peak season occupancy rates of 75-85% from May through October, combined with average daily rates of $180-$280, drive strong performance, though investors should account for Wisconsin's seasonal nature where winter months may see occupancy drop to 25-35%. Properties within walking distance of Fish Creek's main street, state park access, or waterfront typically achieve faster profitability timelines of 12-18 months due to premium pricing power and higher booking frequency.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors. In the Fish Creek, Wisconsin area, local real estate agents like those at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group and RE/MAX Door County have experience with vacation rental properties in Door County. Vacasa and RedAwning provide property management services for Airbnb investors in the region. AirDNA offers market analysis and data for short-term rental investments in Door County markets. Mashvisor provides investment property analysis tools that cover Wisconsin markets including Door County. Local agents at Door County Real Estate and Shorewest Realtors understand the seasonal rental market dynamics in Fish Creek. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals experienced in vacation rental properties. VRBO and Airbnb's own host resources provide market insights for the Door County peninsula area. Property management companies like Doorbell and HostGPO serve the Wisconsin vacation rental market, while platforms like Roofstock and Awning focus on turnkey short-term rental investments that may include properties in popular Wisconsin tourist destinations like Fish Creek.