Cragun Sold To Investors

The longtime owners of Cragun’s resort have agreed to sell their resort after 85 years. Dutch Cragun, now 93, and his late wife Irma, ran Cragun’s for decades. They took over for Dutch’s parents who bought the property shortly after the Great Depression. The owners agreed to sell the resort to a local investment group with Leisure Hotels and Resorts, headquartered in nearby Baxter. The sum has remained undisclosed for the time being.

According to Kim Hyatt from the Minnesota Star Tribune “This is the 12th property in Minnesota for Leisure Hotels and Resorts, including a new hotel opening on Lake Minnetonka in May, Quarterdeck Resort in Nisswa, Cove Point Lodge in Beaver Bay and Pier B Resort Hotel in Duluth.” Cragun’s resort spans 800 acres with 40 acres of shoreline.

Why People Are Surprised

This deal has come as a shock for many people. Dutch Cragun has been involved in this resort for a majority of his life along with his wife and this has come as a surprise for some.

“To have that sit in a family for 85 years with essentially two generations is somewhat remarkable, and something that doesn’t happen every day,” Tatge, president of Leisure Hotels and Resorts said.

Dutch Cragun took over the business from his father after starting it during the Great Depression.

Aftermath

Dutch Cragun now lives in a house built on Gull Lake across from the resort with a gaze of the resort he created.

“The resort now offers 206 rooms, 55 cabins, five restaurants, three golf courses and an event center. More than 300 employees work at the complex.” According to MPR News.

Cragun’s is the third-largest resort in Minnesota, and is one of many locations for Minnesota summer getaways.

Conclusion

In total, the resort doesn’t have plans on changing however it comes as a surprise to many that Dutch Cragun would sell his resort after it being family owned for the last 85 years. Dutch Cragun will now enjoy living in his home across from his resort seeing where the new owners take the business.