Is Port Wing, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Port Wing, Wisconsin, begin by researching local regulations through Bayfield County and the Town of Port Wing, as this small lakeside community may have specific zoning restrictions for short-term rentals, particularly given its proximity to Lake Superior and seasonal tourism patterns. Contact the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Department to understand permit requirements, which typically include a conditional use permit for short-term rentals, business license registration, and compliance with fire safety codes. Find a suitable property by focusing on homes near the lake or with water views, as Port Wing attracts visitors for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation, with properties ranging from $150,000-$400,000 depending on location and lake access. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture emphasizing the lakeside theme, including fishing equipment storage, outdoor furniture for deck areas, and amenities like kayaks or fishing gear that appeal to the area's outdoor recreation focus. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO with high-quality photos showcasing lake views and outdoor spaces, pricing competitively with similar properties in nearby Bayfield or Superior, typically ranging $100-250 per night depending on season and amenities. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in the Bayfield area, creating a guidebook featuring nearby attractions like the Apostle Islands, local restaurants, and fishing spots, and ensuring reliable internet since cell service can be limited in rural areas, while maintaining the property year-round as Wisconsin's harsh winters require proper heating and snow removal services.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Port Wing, Wisconsin, focus on waterfront or near-waterfront locations within walking distance of Lake Superior beaches, as this small coastal community attracts visitors seeking lakeside retreats and outdoor recreation. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, full kitchens, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and amenities that support fishing, hiking, and water activities, while ensuring reliable internet for remote workers seeking peaceful getaways. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 20-mile radius including Herbster and Cornucopia, aiming for properties under $200,000 that can command $100-200 per night during peak summer months (June-September) when tourism peaks for fishing, kayaking, and fall color tours. Research competition using AirDNA, Mashvisor, and direct searches on major STR platforms to identify gaps in the market, particularly focusing on pet-friendly options and properties that cater to fishing enthusiasts or winter sports visitors. Utilize tools like Zillow and Realtor.com for property searches, STR-specific analytics platforms for revenue projections, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with Bayfield County's seasonal rental market, while considering proximity to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore which drives significant regional tourism traffic.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Port Wing, Wisconsin, contact the Bayfield County Zoning Department at (715) 373-6181 or visit their office at 117 E 5th Street in Washburn, as Port Wing falls under county jurisdiction for zoning matters. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a detailed floor plan showing maximum occupancy, provide proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), pass a safety inspection including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and include contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing locally. Required documents include a Wisconsin business license, tax registration with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for room tax collection, septic system compliance certificate if applicable, and parking plan showing adequate off-street parking. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 with an additional $100-200 for the safety inspection, and annual renewal fees of approximately $75-150. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission to permit approval, including scheduling and completing the required inspection. Port Wing specific requirements likely include adherence to rural residential zoning restrictions, maximum occupancy limits based on septic capacity, quiet hours enforcement between 10 PM and 7 AM, and compliance with any lakefront property regulations if applicable, as the area is near Lake Superior.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Port Wing, Wisconsin, as the small unincorporated community in Bayfield County operates under Wisconsin state law and county 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 tax obligations including the state's 5.5% sales tax and local room taxes. 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 collection 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 around 2020-2022 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced permit requirements, though no outright bans have been implemented in the Port Wing area. The rural nature of Port Wing and its location near Lake Superior make it a popular destination for vacation rentals, and the regulatory environment remains relatively permissive compared to more densely populated areas of Wisconsin.

Port Wing, Wisconsin offers limited but focused Airbnb investment opportunities primarily centered around the Lake Superior shoreline area and the immediate downtown district near Highway 13. The waterfront properties along Lake Superior's south shore are the most attractive for vacation rentals due to the area's appeal for summer tourism, fishing enthusiasts, and visitors seeking scenic lakefront experiences, particularly during the peak season from May through October. The downtown area near the Port Wing Marina and boat launch provides good potential for properties catering to fishing guides, boaters, and tourists exploring the Apostle Islands region. Properties within walking distance of Herbster Beach (approximately 10 miles east) or those offering easy access to the Superior Hiking Trail system also present solid investment potential. The area benefits from its proximity to Duluth-Superior metropolitan area (about 45 minutes away), making it accessible for weekend getaways, while the annual Bayfield Apple Festival and various Lake Superior maritime events drive seasonal demand, though investors should expect strong seasonality with peak occupancy during summer months and significantly lower demand during harsh winter periods.

Port Wing, Wisconsin imposes a 5% room tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which is collected by Douglas County as the local tourism tax authority. The tax applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days and is calculated on the gross rental receipts excluding cleaning fees. Airbnb hosts must register with Douglas County, collect the tax from guests at the time of booking or check-in, and remit payments quarterly by the last day of the month following each quarter (April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31). Additionally, Wisconsin state sales tax of 5% applies to short-term rentals, which Airbnb typically collects and remits directly to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts. Exemptions include rentals to permanent residents (30+ days), rentals to government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organization bookings. Hosts must maintain detailed records of all transactions and file returns even if no tax is owed during a reporting period, with penalties of 25% of unpaid tax plus interest for late payments.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Port Wing, Wisconsin is approximately $185,000-$225,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $150,000-$180,000 for a median-priced lakefront or rural property suitable for vacation rental in this small Lake Superior community. Furnishing costs range $8,000-$12,000 for complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor amenities. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registrations cost approximately $500-$800. Insurance for short-term rental coverage runs $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, water, sewer, internet, and seasonal heating average $200-$300 monthly. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200-$1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($600-$900), maintenance reserves ($1,000), marketing ($300-$500), and platform fees total approximately $3,500-$5,000. Additional considerations include potential septic system updates common in rural Wisconsin properties ($3,000-$8,000) and winterization costs for seasonal operation in this northern climate.

Airbnb properties in Port Wing, Wisconsin face challenging profitability conditions due to the area's remote location and limited tourist infrastructure, with average nightly rates typically ranging $75-120 during peak summer months and dropping to $40-60 in winter. Properties near Lake Superior shoreline can generate approximately $15,000-25,000 annually in gross revenue, while inland cabins average $8,000-15,000, but high seasonal vacancy rates of 40-60% significantly impact returns. Operating expenses including property taxes ($2,000-4,000), utilities ($1,800-3,000), cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), maintenance ($2,000-3,500), and Airbnb's 3% host fee typically consume 65-75% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins of 25-35% for well-managed properties. Success factors include waterfront access, unique amenities like hot tubs or fire pits, proximity to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and targeting fishing/hunting seasons when demand peaks. Properties purchased under $150,000 with owner-operator management models show the strongest ROI of 8-12%, while higher-priced acquisitions or those requiring property management services often struggle to achieve positive cash flow given the area's limited year-round tourism base and competition from established resorts in nearby Bayfield.

Based on Port Wing, Wisconsin market conditions, Airbnb investments in this small lakefront community near Lake Superior can expect annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and seasonal demand. Properties within walking distance of the lake or with water views typically achieve the higher end of this range, while inland properties perform at the lower end. The seasonal nature of tourism in Port Wing, with peak demand from May through October driven by fishing, boating, and fall foliage tourism, means most properties achieve profitability within 18-24 months of initial investment. Average nightly rates range from $85-150 depending on property size and amenities, with occupancy rates averaging 45-60% annually due to the concentrated tourist season. Initial investment requirements typically range from $150,000-300,000 for suitable properties, with renovation costs adding $20,000-50,000 to create competitive Airbnb offerings that can command premium rates in this rural Wisconsin market.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Port Wing, Wisconsin. For the Port Wing area, local real estate agents like those at Coldwell Banker East West and RE/MAX Northern Edge in nearby Duluth-Superior market often work with investors seeking vacation rental properties along Lake Superior's shoreline. BiggerPockets marketplace and Roofstock occasionally feature short-term rental investment opportunities in northern Wisconsin lake communities. Local property management companies such as Superior Shores Property Management and North Shore Vacation Rentals can provide insights into profitable Airbnb locations while also offering management services. AirDNA and Mashvisor provide market analysis tools for the broader Bayfield County region to help investors evaluate potential returns. Regional real estate investors often work with agents from Edina Realty and Keller Williams who understand the seasonal rental market dynamics of Wisconsin's North Shore tourism corridor, particularly properties within driving distance of the Apostle Islands and other Lake Superior attractions that drive consistent vacation rental demand.