Investment Niche: Why Little Sturgeon Bay waterfront investment property is the way.

Investment Niche: Why Little Sturgeon Bay waterfront investment property is the way.

While most investors fight over million-dollar listings in Fish Creek, a quiet revolution is happening further south. Little Sturgeon Bay is quickly becoming the smart money play for waterfront investment. Why? It offers a lower entry price and a true 12-month rental season fueled by a massive ice fishing economy.  Learn all about Little Sturgeon Bay waterfront investment property.

This guide breaks down why this specific bay offers a unique ROI profile that the northern villages cannot match.

The Price Gap: Waterfront for Under $700k

In Northern Door (Sister Bay, Ephraim), a decent waterfront home often starts at $1.5 million. In Little Sturgeon, the market is different.

  • Entry Point: You can still find substantial waterfront homes or cottages in the $450,000 to $750,000 range.
  • The Value: Your dollar buys more land and frontage here. It is not uncommon to find properties with 100+ feet of shore for the price of a dry lot in Egg Harbor.
  • The Upside: As Northern Door prices max out, buyer demand is pushing south. Buying here nowpositions you for significant appreciation as the “secret” gets out.

Compare this to the northern market data here: How to Win: 7 Smart Steps for Door County Real Estate Investment.

The “Hard Water” Economy: Year-Round Rental Income

Most of Door County shuts down in winter. Little Sturgeon Bay wakes up.

  • The Draw: This bay is one of the premier ice fishing destinations in the Midwest for Whitefish and Walleye.
  • The Renter: Ice fishermen are ideal guests. They rent in the “dead” months (January-March), stay for multiple days, and simply want a warm place to sleep and park their trucks.
  • The Numbers: While a Sister Bay condo sits empty in February, a Little Sturgeon home can book weekends at premium rates for fishing groups. This flattens your revenue curve and boosts annual ROI.

The “Wave Pointe” Effect & Amenities

Investors need anchors—amenities that draw renters without you doing the work.

  • Wave Pointe Marina: This resort and marina acts as the social hub of the bay. It offers fuel, a boat launch, and year-round dining.
  • Boating Access: Little Sturgeon is a safe harbor that connects directly to the productive fishing waters of Green Bay. Renters love being able to launch quickly and get on the fish.
  • Potawatomi State Park: You are just minutes from the park’s hiking and snowmobile trails, adding another layer of rental appeal.

See how this compares to the Sturgeon Bay market: Sturgeon Bay Luxury Real Estate: Your Guide to Year-Round Waterfront Living.

Know the Rules: Town of Gardner STR Zoning

Little Sturgeon Bay is primarily located in the Town of Gardner, not the City of Sturgeon Bay. The rules are different.

  • The Permit: You need a Short-Term Rental Permit from the Town of Gardner ($500 initial fee).
  • The Inspections: You must pass a fire inspection and a DATCP (state) inspection.
  • The Good News: Gardner is generally investor-friendly compared to some stricter northern villages, provided you follow the occupancy limits based on your septic system capacity.

Final Thoughts

Little Sturgeon Bay is no longer just a fishing secret; it is an investment contender. If you want year-round cash flow and a lower buy-in price, this is your market.

Request a “Little Sturgeon” Income Projection

Do not guess what a fishing cabin can earn. See the real rental numbers.

Request our Private ROI Report: “Little Sturgeon Bay: Summer vs. Winter Income Model.”

We will send you:

  • A comparison of nightly rates for summer boating vs. winter ice fishing.
  • A list of currently available waterfront properties with deep lots for trailer parking.
  • A checklist for Town of Gardner compliance.

Catch the next wave of growth. Contact us today for your investment analysis.

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Investment & STR Eric Hegwer