Cragun’s Resort, one of Minnesota’s largest and most storied vacation destinations, is transitioning to new ownership after more than 80 years of family operation. A local investment group, led by an experienced resort management specialist, has entered into an agreement to acquire the property.
Since its founding in 1940, Cragun’s Resort has been a landmark in the Brainerd Lakes area. Originally purchased by the Cragun family during a challenging post-Great Depression era, the resort has grown from humble beginnings into a premier year-round destination. Early development saw local families constructing the first cabins, with expansion efforts briefly interrupted by World War II.
Over the decades, continuous improvements transformed the property. The introduction of in-cabin hot water, a heated swimming pool, and modern amenities helped attract more guests. A significant milestone came in 2015 when the resort embarked on a $25 million renovation, enhancing the lobby, hotel rooms, cabins, golf courses, and marina.
Today, Cragun’s offers 206 lodge-style rooms, 55 cabins of varying sizes, and seven private homes along its golf course. The resort features five dining venues, three golf courses, and employs more than 400 staff members. Its Legacy Courses, a recently renovated 54-hole golf complex, serve as a major attraction, hosting a PGA Tour Americas event.
Outdoor recreation remains central to the resort’s appeal, with a fleet of boats, Jet Skis, paddleboards, canoes, bicycles, and snowmobiles available to guests. Additionally, the resort owns and operates Gull Lake Cruises, a 120-passenger luxury yacht that offers seasonal excursions.
Cragun’s is also a key destination for events, boasting more than 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including the nearly 15,000-sq.-ft. Tamarack Event Center.
With the transition to new ownership, the resort’s leadership team looks forward to maintaining its legacy while continuing to elevate the guest experience. The sale is expected to be finalized before the start of the summer 2025 season.
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