For the past several years, golfers across Minnesota have watched the remarkable transformation of Cragun’s Legacy Courses. The $18 million golf course renovation elevated the property into one of the premier golf destinations in the Midwest. But according to Cragun’s Resort Director of Golf Jack Wawro, the golf improvements were only the beginning.

Today, visitors arriving at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake are discovering a destination that is evolving far beyond the fairways. New ownership, major capital investments, luxury accommodations, enhanced dining experiences, and a renewed vision are reshaping one of Minnesota’s most iconic resorts. The result is a property that is positioning itself not only as a golf destination, but as a year-round resort experience for families, corporate groups, event organizers, and vacationers.

“Something’s going on up here,” Wawro said with a smile. “The quality of the resort is now matching the quality of the golf courses, and we’re only getting started.”

The most visible changes begin the moment guests walk through the front doors of the main lodge. A completely redesigned entrance, lobby, and front desk area create a more welcoming and contemporary Northwoods atmosphere. The new Grind on Gull coffee shop and gift shop add another level of convenience while giving guests an inviting gathering place.

Perhaps the most dramatic improvement is something guests immediately notice.

“The biggest thing is you walk in and now you can see the water right away,” Wawro said. “You walk through the front entrance and now you see windows straight ahead. The whole point is to showcase the lake.”

The redesign embraces the beauty of Gull Lake, creating a calm and welcoming environment that reflects the resort’s Northwoods heritage while incorporating modern luxury. Downstairs, guests will discover one of the most anticipated additions to the property – the new Lakehouse restaurant.

The Lakehouse is designed as an upscale dining destination overlooking the water, complete with a beautiful restaurant and bar area that welcomes both resort guests and boaters arriving from Gull Lake. The goal is to create a dining experience unlike anything previously offered at the resort.

“It’s going to be a destination on Gull Lake,” Wawro said.

The investment extends well beyond the lodge. Cragun’s recently unveiled its stunning new South Beach Cabins, luxurious lakefront accommodations featuring spacious living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, gourmet kitchens, and indoor-outdoor fireplaces. The cabins blend modern comfort with the classic lake experience that generations of families have come to expect from Cragun’s.

Led by Brainerd Lakes Area resident and business owner Jamie Tatge, and his partners, have embraced a long-term vision focused on thoughtful investments and the continued growth of Cragun’s Resort.

Rather than simply maintaining an established resort, ownership is investing heavily to ensure Cragun’s remains one of Minnesota’s premier destinations for decades to come. From lodging and dining to recreation and event spaces, the philosophy is centered on continuous improvement and enhancing the overall guest experience.

CRMC Championship Continues To Elevate Cragun’s

The transformation of the Legacy Courses, and now the resort, is also helping Cragun’s host one of Minnesota’s most significant professional sporting events – the CRMC Championship presented by Northern Pacific Center.

The PGA TOUR Americas event has quickly become one of the premier tournaments on the circuit and was recognized as Tournament of the Year in both 2023 and 2025. The championship has become a showcase not only for elite professional golf but also for the entire Brainerd Lakes Area.

“These renovations to the resort will help us be a better host to bigger events, and one of those bigger events is the PGA TOUR Americas CRMC Championship,” Wawro said. “Guests can come to Cragun’s and play the same course the pros play. Not many courses in Minnesota can say that.”

The 2026 championship will generate even more excitement with former Minnesota Vikings star Adam Thielen competing as a professional. Wawro believes Thielen’s participation adds another layer of intrigue for spectators and sponsors.

“To have someone of that caliber playing with us is very exciting,” Wawro said. “He’s obviously very competitive and I’m sure he wants to compete with these guys.”

The event also offers a unique opportunity for golf fans to connect with rising professional golfers before they become household names.

“I always say it’s the closest we can get to the TOUR here in Brainerd,” Wawro said. “You may not know all the players today, but you get to know them now and then see them winning on TOUR a year later. That’s pretty exciting.”

Volunteers and sponsors have become a critical part of the championship’s success. Unlike larger PGA TOUR events where spectators may be separated from players, the CRMC Championship offers an intimate atmosphere where fans can interact with competitors and become part of the experience.

“We’re always looking for volunteers,” Wawro said. “You get to be up close and personal with the players. It’s a very personal experience.”

The championship’s title sponsor, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC), continues to play a major role in growing both the tournament and the region. Known for bringing advanced healthcare services, technology, and specialty care to central Minnesota, CRMC has become a vital community partner throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Golf And Stay-And-Play Experiences

While the resort transformation is grabbing headlines, golf remains at the heart of the Cragun’s experience.

The Legacy Courses feature 45 holes of championship golf redesigned and renovated by Tom Lehman. The property offers tremendous variety, allowing golfers to experience multiple course combinations during a single stay.

“You never have to leave the property and you can play four different 18-hole combinations,” Wawro said. “Play a great variety of golf and your clubs never leave the clubhouse.”

That convenience extends to the resort’s stay-and-play packages. Guests can stay in the new South Beach Cabins, lodge rooms, or Private Collection homes while taking advantage of shuttle transportation throughout the property.

“You can stay on the golf course at the Private Collection or stay on the resort on the water at the new South Beach Cabins,” Wawro said. “Park your car and we’ll shuttle you to the course, to our restaurants, to the resort, to your accommodations. We’re always trying to make it bigger and better.”

For visitors arriving this season, that commitment to improvement is impossible to miss. Whether it’s the reimagined lodge, luxury lakefront cabins, elevated dining experiences, the Private Collection homes, the nationally recognized CRMC Championship, or the award-winning golf courses, Cragun’s is creating something much bigger than a traditional resort getaway.

As Wawro puts it, “We’re excited to see where it could lead in the future. Something’s going on up here.”