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.
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 five 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 in Bursch Travel’s story began in 2014 when Fred’s daughter, Lara , joined the company’s marketing department. Having grown up around the family business, she understood the importance of personal relationships and the trust Bursch Travel had built with generations of travelers.
In 2023, Lara became the third-generation owner, continuing the family tradition started by her grandparents. Today, she leads Bursch Travel with a commitment to the personalized service and trusted expertise that have defined the company since 1956.
Continuing the Bursch Travel Legacy
Although Pete, Audrey, and Fred are no longer with us, their influence lives on through the people and relationships that make Bursch Travel what it is today.
From a small café and bus depot in Alexandria to a travel company serving clients across five states, one thing hasn’t changed: our commitment to helping people explore the world with confidence.
Ready to Plan Your Next Adventure?
Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing getaway, a once-in-a-lifetime journey, or a group vacation, our travel advisors are ready to help.
