Spread the love

In an extraordinary nod to their rich history, six employees of Tauck, one of the world’s most esteemed guided travel companies, recently made a pilgrimage to where their company’s story began nearly a century ago. As the company approaches its 100th anniversary, this visit to the Wigwam Western Summit, a charming spot in western Massachusetts’s Hoosac Mountains, carries deep significance. In the fall of 1924, company founder Arthur Tauck Sr. experienced the spark of inspiration that eventually led to the birth of a global travel powerhouse.

This visit, which took place earlier this month, saw a group of Tauck employees stopping by the historic site on their way back to company headquarters in Connecticut after a visit to a motor coach supplier in Quebec. For Joanne Gardner, Tauck’s Vice President of Worldwide Operations, the moment felt momentous:

“To be at the site where Arthur Tauck Sr. was inspired to start our company, and to be here on the eve of our centennial year, is truly incredible. It is a full-circle moment for Tauck and a powerful reminder of our enduring legacy in the travel industry,” Gardner remarked.

Arthur Tauck Sr Motorcoach.

The Historic Beginnings of Tauck’s Journey

The story of Tauck’s founding is the stuff of entrepreneurial legend. In 1924, Arthur Tauck Sr., then a 26-year-old inventor and entrepreneur, had been driving through the Northeast promoting his invention, a tray designed to organize rolls of coins to banks. On one of these business trips, he stopped for lunch at the Wigwam Western Summit, a quiet retreat perched high above North Adams, Massachusetts. There, surrounded by the stunning autumn colours, Tauck noticed that the only other patrons at the restaurant were travelling salesmen like himself. He quickly realized that while the landscape offered magnificent scenery, few leisure travellers knew enough about the area to visit it.

This observation sparked a groundbreaking idea: Why not offer guided tours to help others experience the beauty of these remote places? Inspired, Tauck decided to test his theory the following summer. Renting a Studebaker, he organized a six-day, 1,100-mile trip through Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, and into Canada. He brought along six paying passengers—who would be both guests and witnesses to the birth of the modern guided tour. Although much of the journey occurred on dirt roads, the trip was successful, and word of mouth quickly spread. What had started as an experimental trip evolved into a thriving business, with Tauck quickly building his company into one of the most trusted names in upscale travel.

Reflecting on Tauck’s Legacy

Back row, L-R: Joanne Gardner (Vice President of Worldwide Operations), Wendy Mainerich (Product Manager), Mike Facchiano (Director, Purchasing) and Josh Brown (Manager, Tauck Ventures).
Front row, L-R: Kelly Scofield (owner, Wigwam Weastern Summit), Sarah Feldstein (Purchasing Manager) and Kelly Coughlan (Brand Manager).

As Tauck prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2025, the visit to the Wigwam holds special meaning for the company’s leadership and staff. From its humble beginnings, Tauck has grown into a global leader in guided travel, offering more than 170 distinct land journeys, cruises, and expeditions across all seven continents.

Kelly Scofield, who, along with her husband Alan, now owns and operates the Wigwam, was equally moved by the Tauck team’s visit. “We were thrilled to discover the Wigwam’s shared history with Tauck,” Scofield said. “The story of how Arthur Tauck was inspired to create his company right here and to see how it has grown and thrived over the years is incredibly inspiring. It motivates us as we continue to build and grow our own business.”

Today, the Wigwam Western Summit is more than just a historic landmark. Under the Scofields’ stewardship, it has become a beloved seasonal destination, offering visitors a cozy coffeehouse, wine bar, and craft shop, all set against breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can even rent one of the rustic cabins to fully immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Hoosac Mountains. The location’s storied past only adds to the sense of magic that fills the air.

Tauck’s Vision for the Future

While reflecting on its past, Tauck remains firmly focused on the future. The company has evolved considerably from its early days of road trips through the Northeast. Today, Tauck offers an array of unique travel experiences ranging from river cruises and safaris to small-ship ocean voyages and family travel adventures. Their tours span over 70 countries, and they have consistently been recognized for their excellence, having won awards in Travel + Leisure magazine’s prestigious “World’s Best Awards” for 27 consecutive years.

As the company looks ahead to its 100th anniversary, it is clear that the values instilled by Arthur Tauck Sr. nearly a century ago remain at the core of the company. Tauck’s commitment to providing unparalleled travel experiences while maintaining a personal, family-owned ethos has cemented its position as a leader in the industry.

Continuing the Legacy

For those inspired by the story of Tauck’s remarkable journey, there is no better time to experience one of their carefully curated travel itineraries. Whether you are drawn to the tranquil landscapes of western Massachusetts or looking to embark on a grand global adventure, Tauck offers an experience steeped in history and luxury.

For more information on upcoming tours or to join the centennial celebrations, travellers can contact their local travel advisor or visit the company’s website at www.tauck.com or www.tauck.com.au.