Founding Stories - Higgins Travel Leaders - EST. 1953

Making your vacation dreams a reality

V1 Staff |

One of the best things you can possibly do in life is travel. That’s why Higgins Travel Service became the first travel agency to open its doors in Eau Claire in July of 1953.

Carl W. Higgins became passionate about the travel business while working for a travel agency in Fargo, ND. When deciding where to open his own agency, he chose Eau Claire since there was no agency yet in town.

In 1990, his son Joel took over the business. What began as a few trips on railroads and steamships turned into travel on airplanes and cruise ships for the masses.

Denise Petricka purchased the agency in 2016. Even though traveling has changed and can be more involved, the people at Higgins Travel Leaders still work hard to make sure your travel is smooth, worry-free, and an experience that you will remember for a lifetime.


Founding Stories

Eau Claire 150th is presented by:

Market & Johnson
EST. 1948
2350 Galloway St.
Eau Claire, WI

Founding Stories

Founding Stories

Celebrating the respected and long-running local businesses that grew with this community through our 150 years