News Summary
Cragun’s Resort, a beloved destination on Gull Lake, has changed ownership after 85 years, marking the largest resort transaction in Minnesota history. The sale, finalized on April 1, involves Leisure Hotels and Resorts. The resort, initially established by the Cragun family during the Great Depression, plans to modernize amenities while preserving its history. With extensive features such as lodge-style rooms, cabins, and event spaces, the resort aims to enhance guest experiences while retaining experienced staff to ensure continuity.
Brainerd, Minnesota – Cragun’s Resort, a prominent fixture on Gull Lake for the past 85 years, has officially changed ownership, marking the largest resort transaction in Minnesota history. The sale to Leisure Hotels and Resorts, led by experienced president Jamie Tatge, was finalized on April 1, 2024.
The Cragun family has owned the resort since its establishment by Dutch Cragun’s parents during the Great Depression in 1939. Under the new ownership, the resort will continue its legacy of providing family-friendly experiences and serving as a venue for conference groups, with a commitment to both preserving history and modernizing amenities.
Cragun’s Resort boasts a variety of impressive features, including 206 lodge-style rooms, 55 cabins, five dining options, and three golf courses. Additionally, it offers 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space, making it a prime destination for diverse gatherings. The more than 800-acre property includes a mile of picturesque shoreline, appealing to both recreation seekers and event planners.
The resort has seen extensive improvements, including a notable $25 million renovation in 2015 that enhanced its facilities. This ongoing commitment to quality is vital for maintaining the resort’s reputation and attractiveness to guests.
Under Tatge’s leadership, future plans involve redeveloping the cabins located on the south side of Steamboat Bay, with a target completion date set for fall 2025. The proposed updates will focus on modernizing accommodations and enhancing food and beverage offerings, directly aimed at improving overall guest experiences.
It is important to note that continuity is a significant aspect of the transition. Eric Peterson, the current general manager of Cragun’s with over 14 years of experience at the property, will retain his position under the new ownership. This continuity aims to ensure that existing staff members remain in their roles, fostering a collaborative environment to maintain the quality of service guests have come to expect.
The transition comes with strong local support and an emphasis on preserving the legacy of Cragun’s Resort while integrating modern amenities and experiences. As the new ownership prepares to implement changes, there is optimism for the resort’s future and a savvy understanding of the needs of its guest demographic.
Cragun’s Resort has been a cornerstone of the local community and a preferred destination for families and business groups alike. With its extensive history and commitment to guest satisfaction, the resort is poised for a new chapter under Leisure Hotels and Resorts that respects its heritage while adapting to contemporary demands.
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Additional Resources
- Brainerd Dispatch
- Wikipedia: Cragun’s Resort
- Bring Me The News
- Google Search: Cragun’s Resort
- Twin Cities Business
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Resorts
- Star Tribune
- Google News: Cragun’s Resort
- MinnPost
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