Wanderlust Tours started in 1993 in Bend, Oregon. The world (and Bend) has changed quite a bit since then. Then, the population of Bend was 27,415. Deschutes was the only brewery in town and Cascade Lakes would start their operation the following year. Owner Dave Nissen was the dream behind the design of Wanderlust Tours. He had a vision and he and his wife, Aleta, worked tirelessly to make it a reality. To this day Dave continues to inspire people of all ages and abilities to get outside, to pause and breathe, and to reconnect with the natural world because it's so good for the soul (and fun too!).
In that first year Wanderlust operated 6 itineraries. Most of them were hikes through the forest or snowshoe trips, and one was a canoe tour. The company owned one van (Van Buren) and took 87 guests out on tour. When asked whether or not he expected to still be doing this 20+ years later, he responded emphatically, "Yes." And then added that his expectations of success have absolutely been blown away.
Milestones in Wanderlust History:
September 1993:
Wanderlust is born as a one man and one van operation.
September 1995:
Dave and Aleta, who dreamed up the company together, got hitched.
1996:
The first Wanderlust employee is hired.
1998:
Aleta Nissen joined the operation full time.
2000:
Wanderlust received the Governor's Tourism Award from Governor Kitzhaber in recognition of their leadership, cooperation, and support for building sustainable tourism in Oregon.
2005:
The Gene Leo Award "Carpe Noctum" was presented to Wanderlust for inspiring and creative efforts in outdoor recreation.
2006:
Dave and Aleta's daughter Annika was born.
2007:
Awarded the "Excellence in Family Business" Award from the Austin Family Business Program at OSU for bringing people into the natural world and for promoting understanding of natural, cultural, and environmental issues in Central Oregon.
2012:
Wanderlust moved into their current office location.
2016:
There are currently numerous amazing staff and vans in operation (come on our tours to learn all their names- both the staff and the vans!)
We hope you'll join us for an incredible adventure.
