News Summary
Cragun’s Resort, a historic destination on Gull Lake in Minnesota, has been sold to Leisure Hotels and Resorts. The sale concludes 85 years of ownership by the Cragun family, who established the resort during the Great Depression. The new owners plan to modernize the resort while retaining its legacy, focusing on redeveloping cabins and enhancing guest experiences. Cragun’s Resort, with its array of amenities and facilities, aims to attract new guests while honoring its historical significance.
Baxter, Minnesota – Cragun’s Resort, a landmark destination on Gull Lake, has been sold to Leisure Hotels and Resorts, marking the largest resort transaction in Minnesota history. The sale, completed on April 1, 2024, concludes 85 years of ownership by the Cragun family, a legacy that began during the Great Depression when Dutch Cragun’s parents established the resort.
The resort features a wide array of accommodations and amenities, including 206 lodge-style rooms, 55 cabins, and five dining options, along with three golf courses and 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space. With a mile of shoreline and over 800 acres, Cragun’s has improved its facilities over the years, notably undergoing a $25 million renovation in 2015 to enhance guest experiences.
Jamie Tatge, president of Leisure Hotels and Resorts since 2007, spearheads the new ownership. He brings over 25 years of experience in hospitality, resort management, and sales. Under his leadership, the company aims to modernize the existing infrastructure while preserving the resort’s rich history and appeal to families and conference groups.
As part of the improvement plans, Tatge intends to redevelop the cabins located on the southside of Steamboat Bay. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2025, focusing on modernizing these accommodations and enhancing food and beverage options within the resort.
Cragun’s Resort is committed to maintaining quality service, with plans to retain the existing staff, including Eric Peterson, the current general manager who has worked at the resort for 14 years. The collaboration with the current team will be emphasized to ensure that the standards of excellence established by the Cragun family continue under the new ownership.
The hospitality industry has seen a growing demand for unique and family-friendly experiences, making Cragun’s a significant player in the sector due to its historical significance and long-standing reputation. The commitment to honoring the legacy of Cragun’s while integrating modern amenities is poised to attract new guests and retain loyal visitors from previous generations.
This strategic acquisition is anticipated to invigorate Cragun’s Resort and its surrounding community, providing economic benefits and enhanced recreational offerings. The new ownership is set to take charge just in time for the 2025 summer season, positioning the resort for a promising future as a premier destination in Minnesota.
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HERE Resources
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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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