Bursch Travel History: Family-Owned Since 1956
The Bursch Travel story began in 1956 in Alexandria, Minnesota, with a small café, a busy bus depot, and a family who loved helping people explore the world. What started as selling bus tickets and sharing travel advice grew into a family-owned travel agency that has helped generations of travelers discover new destinations.
Today, Bursch Travel continues that tradition under third-generation family ownership, combining personal service with decades of travel industry experience.
1956: Where It All Began
Bursch Travel was founded by M.W. “Pete” and Audrey Bursch in Alexandria, Minnesota, at a restaurant called the Bus Depot Café.
At the time, 30 to 40 buses traveled through Alexandria each day, connecting passengers to Minneapolis, Fargo, Chicago, Seattle, and destinations in between.
Pete and Audrey purchased the café and began serving meals and selling bus tickets. Occasionally, travelers would ask Pete for help with airline reservations, relying on the travel knowledge he had gained during his years as a business traveler.
What began as friendly advice eventually grew into an appointed travel agency offering tours, cruises, and vacations around the world.
Growing Through a Love of Travel
Pete and Audrey loved introducing travelers to new places and experiences. Group tours to Hawaii, Europe, and Scandinavia became an important part of the business and eventually helped Bursch Travel grow beyond its restaurant beginnings.
Many travelers still remember exploring the Holy Land, Africa, Australia, and destinations around the world with Pete and Audrey.
Their enthusiasm for travel and commitment to personal relationships helped establish the foundation of Bursch Travel.
Expanding Across the Upper Midwest
In 1960, Bursch Travel opened a branch office in St. Cloud, Minnesota, which would become the company’s largest location.
Fred Bursch joined the family business in 1977, when the company had just two locations. Under his leadership, Bursch Travel grew into one of the Upper Midwest’s established travel companies, expanding across 5 states – Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming.
Through the years, the company remained committed to helping travelers explore the world with knowledgeable advisors and personalized service.
Three Generations of Family Ownership
The next chapter began in 2014 when Fred’s daughter, Lara, joined Bursch Travel’s marketing department. Nine years later, in 2023, Lara became the third-generation owner of Bursch Travel, continuing the family tradition started by her grandparents. For Lara, carrying on the Bursch family legacy means honoring the people, relationships, and love of travel that built the company.
Continuing the Bursch Travel Legacy
Although Pete, Audrey, and Fred are no longer with us, their influence continues to be felt throughout Bursch Travel. The excitement of discovering new places, building lasting relationships, and helping people experience the world remains at the heart of what we do.
From our beginnings at the Bus Depot Café to today’s team of travel advisors, our mission continues: helping travelers turn their dreams into unforgettable experiences.
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