Michael Burbach is no stranger to Money Creek Haven Campground, located just off MN 76, north of Houston. Since 2015, he has planned to buy the campground from Wayne and Carla Fitting. On May 1, that plan became a reality.
“It became official May 1,” Burbach said. Originally from Winona, Burbach visited the campground as a camper. “I spent a lot of time here before I came here to work as the general manager. I was looking for a good place to come to spend time with my son.” Laughing, he added, “My guidance counsellor didn’t tell me about this job.”
Amy Geiwitz, the campground’s office manager, is entering her fifth year in that role. She previously worked at a school and was looking for a summer job. “As the kids got older and life changed,” she said, she began full-time at Money Creek Haven Campground. “Many people think Mike and I are married, but when you work closely with someone for many years, you fight like an old married couple.”
The campground has always been a family-run business. Geiwitz explained, “that the major change is that Mike is now the owner and we have Wi-Fi and use the internet and social media a little more for advertising.”
Money Creek Haven Campground spans over 70 acres in a secluded area just outside of Houston. “We have 254 sites total with 175 seasonal sites, and the remaining are designated for weekend camping and tent sites,” Burbach said. “There is also one cabin and four rooms in the lodge for rent.”
Amenities include a large sand bottom, spring fed pool for campers to enjoy. Outdoor activities include volleyball, swimming, an 18-hole disc golf course, fishing, horseshoes, biking, music on the weekends and other scheduled activities, a playground, game room and poolside cocktails, and a snack bar that serves snacks and ice cream.
Burbach remains humble and appreciative of those who came before him. ”If not for the hard work of Wayne and Carla Fitting, and the foresight of Wayne’s dad and two uncles who started this, I wouldn’t be here,” he said.
He also credits Geiwitz for keeping the campground running smoothly. “I couldn’t do it without her. She does everything. She is the person who really keeps this place running. She is probably worth much more than I can afford to pay her, for all she does around here.”
Burbach described the land as a “small holler,” referring to a secluded valley nestled between the hills. Allen “Bud” Fitting and his brothers, Ralph and Roland, opened the campground in 1962. Wayne Fitting grew up on the property and became the owner in 2001, running it with his wife, Carla. “She put a lot of hours into this place,” he said, reflecting on her dedication to the campground.
Wayne said, “I sold because I have over 25 years in” and jokingly added, “I didn’t want to be running this until I was 85.”
“We are in the fun business,” said Michael Burbach. “If you come here and you are not having fun, we are doing something wrong.” He has more plans for the future in the works.
