American Camino Outfitters serves and helps pilgrims on spiritual journeys in Wisconsin and beyond as an outfitter for and provider of supported small group pilgrimages, featuring the Wisconsin Way, as well as other routes that connect sacred sites and Catholic shrines including but not limited to Our Lady of Champion, the only Church-approved Marian apparition site in the USA, and the Basilica at Holy Hill.
We offer preplanned and customized options, handle trip planning, accommodations, shuttle service, guided tours, baggage transport, camping equipment, and other support services. Our mission in the form of a business is veteran-owned and operated by Brian Burnett with support from his lovely wife Maggie and others. Leverage our local knowledge and experiences. We handle the details and work of planning and outfitting your pilgrimage; you focus on your spiritual journey.
Meet the Owner
What inspired you to start this business?
A pilgrimage from Florida to Holy Hill for a 5 mile walk ascending Ice Age Trail paths to the Basilica in May 2023, followed by a 2nd pilgrimage in July 2023 by car to Champion including an introduction to the Wisconsin Way and Father Andrew Kurz. After 6 months of discernment, my wife and I sold our home in Florida and moved to Wisconsin. In August of 2024, with the support of my wife Maggie & friends and by the grace of God, I walked the Wisconsin Way (140+ miles from Champion to Holy Hill) and founded Wisconsin Way Pilgrim Tours, now doing business as "American Camino Outfitters."
How does your faith shape your work?
Faith inspires everything.
What's a favorite patron saint or scripture?
St. James the Greater, an apostle whose shrine at Santiago de Compostela in Spain draws hundreds of thousands of walkers along the famous Camino de Santiago route every year. St. James is my baptismal saint.
What's one thing you'd like customers to know?
An American Camino is emerging in Wisconsin, connecting the only approved Marian apparition site in the USA, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, with other holy shrines including but not limited to the Basilica & National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill. Serving and helping pilgrims on spiritual journeys in Wisconsin and beyond is our mission.