News Summary
Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd, Minnesota, has changed ownership after over 85 years of family management. Sold to Leisure Hotels and Resorts, this landmark transaction marks a pivotal moment in Minnesota’s tourism sector. The new owners plan to modernize while preserving the resort’s historic charm, including redevelopment projects and enhanced amenities. Cragun’s Resort has long been a family vacation destination, known for its natural beauty and extensive facilities. As it prepares for the upcoming summer season, there is optimism for its future under new leadership.
Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd, Minnesota, Changes Ownership After 85 Years
Cragun’s Resort, a well-known vacation destination on Gull Lake in Minnesota, has officially changed hands after more than eight decades of ownership by the Cragun family. The resort was sold in April 2024 to Leisure Hotels and Resorts, a hospitality management company led by industry veteran Jamie Tatge. This transaction is believed to be the largest resort sale in Minnesota history, marking a significant milestone in the state’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Details of the Sale and New Ownership
The sale was finalized on April 1, 2024, after a transaction that has attracted considerable attention within the hospitality industry. Leisure Hotels and Resorts, under the leadership of Jamie Tatge, purchased the resort, which encompasses over 800 acres along the shoreline of Gull Lake. Tatge, president of the company, brings over 25 years of experience in hospitality, resort development, sales, and management. She has been associated with Leisure Hotels and Resorts since 2007 and has built a reputation for revitalizing and modernizing hospitality properties.
About Cragun’s Resort
Established during the Great Depression by Dutch Cragun’s parents, Cragun’s Resort has been a family-owned business for 85 years. Over the years, it has evolved into a popular destination for families, conference groups, and vacationers. The resort features a wide range of amenities, including 206 lodge-style rooms, 55 cabins, five dining venues, and three golf courses. It also offers 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space, making it a versatile venue for gatherings and conferences.
The resort’s natural setting includes a mile of shoreline along Gull Lake, contributing to its appeal. Covering more than 800 acres, the property has undergone various upgrades, including a significant $25 million remodel completed in 2015, which enhanced guest accommodations and facilities. Cragun’s has long been known for its picturesque landscape and versatile leisure activities.
Future Plans Under New Ownership
As part of the transition, Leisure Hotels and Resorts plans to undertake a series of redevelopment projects aimed at modernizing the property while preserving its historic charm. A primary focus will be on the cabins located on the south side of Steamboat Bay. The company intends to revamp these cabins with modern amenities, with a target completion date around fall 2025.
The new owners have announced plans to enhance food and beverage options across the resort, aiming to improve the overall guest experience. Despite these upgrades, there is a strong emphasis on maintaining the resort’s traditional appeal and hospitality quality. Leisure Hotels and Resorts has expressed its intention to retain the existing staff and foster collaboration with current employees to ensure service standards remain high.
Leadership and Continuity
The resort’s current general manager, Eric Peterson, who has been with Cragun’s for 14 years, will continue in his role under the new ownership. This continuity is intended to provide stability during the transition and ensure a seamless changeover for staff and guests alike.
Community and Legacy Preservation
The sale of Cragun’s Resort signifies a new chapter for the historically significant property, which has been a cornerstone of the local tourism industry for nearly nine decades. There is a community-wide effort to preserve the legacy of the resort while integrating modern updates to attract future generations of visitors.
As the resort prepares to open for the 2025 summer season under its new ownership, expectations are that it will retain its reputation as a family-friendly and conference-friendly destination, blending tradition with contemporary amenities for ongoing success.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cragun’s Resort Completes Renovation of Golf Course
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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