Is La Pointe, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in La Pointe, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Madeline Island Town Hall, as La Pointe may require special permits for short-term rentals given its island location and seasonal tourism nature. Contact the Ashland County Planning Department to understand any county-level restrictions and obtain necessary business licenses, which typically cost $50-100 annually. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Madeline Island properties, focusing on areas near the ferry landing or Big Bay State Park, with properties ranging from $200,000-800,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the property with durable, island-appropriate furniture and amenities including reliable internet, heating systems suitable for Wisconsin winters, and outdoor equipment like kayaks or bikes that appeal to tourists visiting the Apostle Islands. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos showcasing lake views and island activities, setting competitive rates of $150-400 per night depending on season and property size. For management, establish relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance providers who can access the island via ferry, create detailed check-in instructions considering ferry schedules, and maintain communication with the Madeline Island Ferry Line for guest transportation information, while ensuring compliance with Wisconsin's 5.5% sales tax and any local tourism taxes that may apply to short-term rentals in this popular Lake Superior destination.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in La Pointe, Wisconsin, focus on properties within walking distance of Madeline Island Ferry Line terminal and Big Bay State Park, as these locations drive the highest tourist traffic during the May-October season. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or cottages with lake views, outdoor amenities like fire pits and decks, and rustic charm that appeals to visitors seeking authentic Wisconsin northwoods experiences. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in the $150-300 per night range during peak summer months, with shoulder season rates around $100-175, and consider that properties can achieve 60-70% occupancy rates during the tourist season. Competition research should focus on the limited inventory of existing STRs on Madeline Island, examining their amenities, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources including the Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce for tourism data, while connecting with local property managers familiar with seasonal challenges like ferry schedules and winter accessibility limitations that significantly impact year-round profitability potential.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in La Pointe, Wisconsin, contact the Ashland County Zoning Department at (715) 682-7017 or visit their office at 201 West 2nd Street in Ashland, as La Pointe falls under county jurisdiction for zoning matters. Submit a completed short-term rental application along with a property survey, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system compliance certificate, well water testing results if applicable, liability insurance documentation ($1 million minimum coverage), emergency contact information, and parking plan showing adequate off-street spaces. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an additional $75 annual renewal fee. Required documents must demonstrate compliance with Wisconsin Department of Safety regulations, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, fire extinguishers, and emergency egress windows. The property must meet setback requirements of 25 feet from property lines and maintain occupancy limits based on septic capacity (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional). Submit applications at least 60 days before intended operation as the review process takes 4-6 weeks including potential site inspection. Once approved, display the permit number in all online listings and renew annually by December 31st with updated insurance and safety compliance documentation.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in La Pointe, Wisconsin, which is located on Madeline Island in Ashland County, but they are subject to local zoning regulations and permit requirements established by the Town of La Pointe. The town typically requires STR operators to obtain proper permits and comply with health and safety standards, parking requirements, and occupancy limits. Properties must generally be in areas zoned for residential or commercial use that allows transient accommodations, and operators are usually required to maintain liability insurance and collect applicable taxes. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny and potential tightening of regulations as communities across Wisconsin balance tourism revenue with resident concerns about housing availability and neighborhood character, though specific recent changes to La Pointe's ordinances would require verification with current town records as of 2023-2024.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in La Pointe, Wisconsin are concentrated around the Madeline Island Ferry Landing and Big Bay State Park vicinity, as these locations offer prime access to the island's main transportation hub and one of its most popular natural attractions featuring pristine beaches and hiking trails that draw thousands of summer visitors annually. The historic village center near the Madeline Island Museum and local shops provides excellent rental potential due to its walkability to restaurants, cultural sites, and the island's charming downtown atmosphere that appeals to tourists seeking an authentic Wisconsin island experience. Properties near Big Bay Town Park are particularly attractive because they offer both beach access and proximity to camping facilities, making them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts visiting during the peak summer season from June through September when the island sees its highest tourism traffic, while the areas around Lagoon Ridge Road provide more secluded, upscale accommodation options for visitors seeking privacy while still maintaining reasonable access to island amenities and the natural beauty that makes Madeline Island a premier Lake Superior destination.

Airbnb properties in La Pointe, Wisconsin are subject to Wisconsin state sales tax of 5% and room tax of 5%, totaling 10% on lodging stays, which applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days. Ashland County imposes an additional 3% room tax, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 13%. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automatic tax collection service, which began operating in Wisconsin around 2018, and Airbnb remits these taxes quarterly to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and local jurisdictions. Property owners who collect taxes independently must register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, obtain a seller's permit, and file monthly or quarterly returns depending on their volume, with payments due by the 20th of the month following the reporting period. Exemptions include stays of 30 days or longer, rentals to permanent residents, and accommodations provided to certain government employees and tax-exempt organizations, though hosts must verify exemption eligibility and maintain proper documentation.

Starting an Airbnb in La Pointe, Wisconsin requires approximately $285,000-$350,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs range from $200,000-$275,000 for a median lakefront or near-lake cabin suitable for vacation rental in this Apostle Islands location. Furnishing costs typically run $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor gear appropriate for the area's recreational activities. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations total around $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees include Wisconsin short-term rental registration ($75), local business license ($100-$300), and potential zoning compliance costs ($500-$2,000). Insurance for short-term rental coverage runs $1,200-$2,400 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities including electricity, water, sewer, internet, and seasonal heating costs approximately $200-$400 monthly. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,200-$2,400), cleaning supplies and services ($1,800-$3,000), maintenance reserves ($1,000-$2,000), marketing ($500-$1,000), and platform fees total approximately $4,500-$8,400, bringing the complete startup investment to the estimated range.

Airbnb properties in La Pointe, Wisconsin, located on Madeline Island in the Apostle Islands, demonstrate strong seasonal profitability with average nightly rates ranging from $150-300 during peak summer months (June-September) and $80-150 during off-season periods. Properties typically achieve 60-80% occupancy rates during summer tourist season, generating annual revenues of $25,000-45,000 for well-positioned lakefront or downtown properties. 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 annually) typically consume 40-55% of gross revenue. Successful properties near the ferry dock, beaches, or hiking trails achieve profit margins of 35-50%, with owners like those operating renovated historic cottages or modern lake-view homes reporting net profits of $15,000-25,000 annually. Key success factors include strategic location within walking distance of island attractions, professional photography showcasing lake views, responsive guest communication, and partnerships with local activity providers like Big Bay State Park or ferry services, though properties face challenges from Wisconsin's short tourism season and ferry-dependent accessibility limiting year-round income potential.

Airbnb investments in La Pointe, Wisconsin, located on Madeline Island in the Apostle Islands, can expect annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's strong seasonal tourism demand from May through October. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $150-300 per night during peak summer months and $75-125 during shoulder seasons. The market benefits from limited accommodation options on the island, driving occupancy rates of 65-80% during the tourist season. Initial profitability can be achieved within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties near the ferry landing or popular beaches, with break-even typically occurring by the second full operating season. Properties within walking distance of downtown La Pointe or with lake views command premium rates and achieve the higher end of ROI projections, while the seasonal nature of tourism means most annual revenue is generated between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in La Pointe, Wisconsin. Local real estate agents in the Apostle Islands region such as Apostle Islands Realty and Bayfield County real estate professionals like those at Century 21 Affiliated and Edina Realty have experience with vacation rental properties in the area. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb investment analysis tools, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and property analysis. RedAwning offers vacation rental investment opportunities, while local property management companies like Apostle Islands Property Management and Superior Shores Resort Management can assist with both acquisition and ongoing rental management. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Awning focus on turnkey rental properties, and platforms like VRBO and Airbnb themselves provide market insights for the La Pointe area, which benefits from its proximity to Madeline Island ferry access and seasonal tourism demand from 2020 onwards.