Is Gordon, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Gordon, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Douglas County and the Town of Gordon, as short-term rentals may require special permits or have restrictions in residential areas. Contact the Douglas County Planning Department and Town of Gordon clerk's office to understand specific requirements, which typically include business licenses, possible conditional use permits, and compliance with fire safety codes. Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings in Gordon, focusing on lakefront or wooded properties that appeal to tourists visiting the Chequamegon National Forest area, with properties typically ranging from $150,000-$400,000 depending on location and amenities. Obtain necessary permits including a Wisconsin seller's permit for collecting room taxes, register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for tax purposes, and secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes short-term rental protection. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture emphasizing the northwoods aesthetic, including essential amenities like Wi-Fi, full kitchen equipment, linens, towels, and outdoor gear storage for guests visiting nearby lakes and trails. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the natural surroundings, proximity to Gordon Dam County Park and local fishing spots, and set competitive rates based on seasonal demand (higher in summer/fall, lower in winter). Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, creating a guidebook with local attractions like the Brule River and nearby restaurants, implementing keyless entry systems, and maintaining responsive communication with guests while monitoring reviews and adjusting pricing based on occupancy rates and seasonal tourism patterns in the Gordon area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Gordon, Wisconsin, focus on lakefront or near-water locations within 1-2 miles of Gordon Lake, Eau Claire Lakes, or other area water bodies, as these drive the highest occupancy rates year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes built after 1980 with rustic charm, full kitchens, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and amenities supporting fishing, hunting, and water activities, as Gordon attracts outdoor enthusiasts from Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area 2.5 hours away. Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO showing seasonal rates of $150-300/night in summer and $100-200/night during fall hunting season, with winter rates dropping to $80-150/night, aiming for properties under $200,000 that can generate 50-65% occupancy annually. Research competition by monitoring 15-20 existing STRs in Gordon area through AirDNA or Mashvisor, noting most successful properties offer boat launches, fishing guides, or ATV trail access. Utilize tools like Zillow and MLS for property searches, STR Helper for revenue projections, and connect with local realtors like Edina Realty or Century 21 who understand the seasonal rental market, while ensuring compliance with Douglas County's STR regulations and obtaining necessary permits before purchase.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Gordon, Wisconsin, contact the Douglas County Zoning Department at (715) 395-1341 or visit their office at 1313 Belknap Street, Superior, WI 54880, as Gordon is an unincorporated community within Douglas County jurisdiction. Submit a completed short-term rental application form 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 if applicable, and fire safety inspection report. Pay the application fee of approximately $150-200 plus annual renewal fees of $75-100. Provide documentation showing compliance with Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, emergency egress windows, and maximum occupancy limits based on square footage. The approval process typically takes 30-45 days after submission of complete application materials. Schedule required inspections for electrical, plumbing, and structural safety compliance, and obtain a Wisconsin seller's permit for tax collection purposes through the Department of Revenue. Once approved, display the permit number in all rental listings and maintain guest registration records as required by county ordinances, with annual renewals due by December 31st each year.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Gordon, Wisconsin, as the small unincorporated community in Douglas County operates under Wisconsin state law, which does not prohibit STRs at the state level. However, Douglas County may have specific zoning ordinances or regulations that could affect STR operations, particularly regarding residential zoning districts and septic system requirements common in rural areas. Property owners in Gordon should verify compliance with county zoning codes, obtain necessary permits, and ensure their properties meet health and safety standards including proper septic systems for the increased occupancy that STRs typically generate. Recent trends in Wisconsin have seen some counties implementing registration requirements and occupancy limits for STRs, especially in lake communities like those near Gordon, so operators should check with Douglas County's zoning department for current regulations and any recent changes to local ordinances that might affect short-term rental operations in the area.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Gordon, Wisconsin are primarily centered around the Chequamegon National Forest region and lakefront properties along the numerous lakes including Gordon Lake, Eau Claire Lake, and nearby St. Croix Flowage. The Gordon area attracts significant tourism due to its proximity to excellent fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly during summer months (June-August) and fall hunting seasons (September-November). Properties near the Gordon Dam and St. Croix River system perform well due to water sports enthusiasts and anglers targeting muskie, bass, and panfish. The downtown Gordon area near Highway 53 offers good potential for business travelers and visitors to local events, while properties within 10-15 minutes of the Chequamegon National Forest boundaries capitalize on hiking, camping, and nature tourism. Winter sports enthusiasts also drive demand from December through March for snowmobiling and ice fishing activities. Lakefront or lake-view properties typically command premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak seasons, while forest-adjacent properties average $100-180 per night, making both segments attractive for investors seeking seasonal rental income in this outdoor recreation destination.

In Gordon, Wisconsin, Airbnb properties are subject to Wisconsin's state sales tax of 5% on lodging accommodations, plus Douglas County's room tax of approximately 5-6%, resulting in a combined occupancy tax rate of around 10-11%. These taxes apply to short-term rentals of less than 30 consecutive days and are collected from guests at the time of booking, with Airbnb typically handling collection and remittance directly to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and Douglas County on behalf of hosts through their automated tax collection system. Hosts must register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for a seller's permit and may need to register separately with Douglas County for room tax collection, though Airbnb's collection service often streamlines this process. Remittance is generally required monthly or quarterly depending on volume, with returns due by the 20th of the following month. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, certain government and nonprofit organization bookings, and accommodations that fall below minimum thresholds, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as they can change based on local ordinances and state regulations.

To start an Airbnb in Gordon, Wisconsin, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Wisconsin lake communities. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning approvals through Washburn County. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total around $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($300/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), Airbnb fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total approximately $4,000-$6,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 40-60% typical for seasonal lake properties in northern Wisconsin.

Airbnb properties in Gordon, Wisconsin, a small town in Douglas County near the Minnesota border, typically generate modest returns due to the area's seasonal tourism patterns centered around fishing, hunting, and lake activities. Properties in this market generally earn $8,000-$15,000 annually in gross revenue, with lakefront cabins commanding premium rates of $120-180 per night during peak summer months (June-August) and hunting season (September-November), while off-season rates drop to $60-90 per night. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs that can be significant due to harsh Wisconsin winters. Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% for well-managed properties, with successful operators focusing on outdoor recreation amenities like boat launches, fishing equipment, hunting blind access, and partnerships with local guide services. Properties within walking distance of Gordon Dam or Eau Claire Lakes Chain perform best, while those offering unique features like saunas, fire pits, or snowmobile trail access maintain higher occupancy rates year-round, though the limited population base and competition from established resorts means most investors achieve break-even or modest positive cash flow rather than substantial returns.

Airbnb investments in Gordon, Wisconsin typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by seasonal tourism to the Chequamegon National Forest and nearby lakes during summer months and fall foliage season. Properties in Gordon generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $120-180 for cabins and lakefront properties, occupancy rates of 45-60% annually, and peak season bookings commanding $200-300 per night during June through September and October leaf-peeping season. The market benefits from proximity to outdoor recreation activities, fishing tournaments, and winter sports, though investors should expect lower occupancy during harsh winter months of December through March, with successful properties typically requiring initial investments of $150,000-300,000 for suitable vacation rental properties that can accommodate 4-8 guests.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors, including in Gordon, Wisconsin. For local expertise, Northwoods Realty Group and Century 21 Burkett & Associates have agents familiar with the Gordon area's vacation rental market, particularly around the Chequamegon National Forest region. AirDNA provides market data and analytics for short-term rental investments in Wisconsin markets, while Mashvisor offers property analysis tools for Airbnb investments in smaller Wisconsin markets. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services that can help investors identify and manage profitable properties in the Gordon area. Local property management companies like Northland Property Management and Superior Shores Property Management have experience with vacation rentals in the region. BiggerPockets connects investors with local real estate professionals experienced in short-term rental investments, and companies like Awning and AvantStay focus on identifying and optimizing Airbnb properties in emerging markets like Gordon's outdoor recreation-focused economy.