Honestly, if you haven’t been to Brainerd in a while, you probably still think of Cragun's Resort Golf & Conference as that classic, slightly nostalgic spot with the Paul Bunyan statue and the endless buffet lines. And you aren't wrong. It is that. But things have shifted lately. In early 2025, the resort officially wrapped up a massive $17 million renovation that basically nuked the old golf layout and rebuilt it from the dirt up.
It’s different now.
Most people don't realize that the Cragun family, who ran this place for over 85 years, finally handed over the keys to Leisure Hotels & Resorts recently. That’s a big deal. For decades, Dutch Cragun was the face of Gull Lake. Now, there’s a new era starting, and it’s leaning hard into a mix of high-end championship golf and that "up north" cabin vibe that Minnesota is famous for.
The Tom Lehman Overhaul: 45 Holes of "Wait, What?"
Let's talk about the golf. Because if you’re heading to Cragun's Resort Golf & Conference, that’s likely why you’re packing the trunk.
For years, the Legacy courses—designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.—were known for being... well, frustrating. They were beautiful, but they ate golf balls for breakfast. You’d hit a decent shot, and it would disappear into a wetland you didn't even know was there.
Enter Tom Lehman.
The Minnesota legend sat down with Dutch Cragun on a patio a few years back and basically decided to rewrite the script. They didn't just tweak a few bunkers. They moved 350,000 yards of dirt. They reversed the direction of entire holes. They cleared out thick underbrush to actually let you see the lake (shocker, right?).
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The Lehman 18
This is the "crown jewel" now. It’s a 7,400-yard monster, but it's fair. The signature move here is the "Stacked Sod Reveal" bunkers. They use this imported synthetic turf to create these wavy, revetted faces that look like something you’d find in Scotland, but set against the backdrop of Stephens Lake.
If you want a challenge, play the Lehman 18. If you want a signature "Instagram moment," the 16th hole is a 200-yard carry over the water. It’s terrifying. It’s also spectacular.
The Dutch 27
This is where the variety happens. It’s split into three nines: Red, White, and Blue. The Blue and White nines are the ones you see on TV during the CRMC Championship (PGA Tour Americas).
- Red Nine: The most playable. If you’re nursing a hangover or just want to feel good about your game, go here.
- Blue Nine: The "don't look at the water" nine. It winds around the lake and punishes ego.
- White Nine: Fast, firm, and strategic.
Not Just a Golf Club: The "Conference" Part of the Name
Look, I get it. "Conference Center" usually sounds like fluorescent lights and stale coffee. But Cragun's handles about 62,000 square feet of meeting space differently.
The Tamarack Event Centre can hold 800 people, which is massive for a resort three hours north of the Twin Cities. But the real "secret sauce" for business groups is the Shoreline Meeting Room. It has a full kitchen, a wet bar, and a BBQ patio right on the lake. Basically, you can pretend to look at spreadsheets while the smell of charcoal drifts in from the deck.
They also have the Centre, a massive indoor sports complex. If a corporate retreat gets rained out, people just go play pickleball or basketball inside. It beats sitting in a hotel room.
Staying There: From "Sandy Feet" to "Luxury Home"
One thing that trips people up about Cragun's is the lodging. It’s not a monolith. You’ve basically got three choices, and if you pick the wrong one, your vacation feels different.
- The Lodge Rooms: Traditional. Over 200 of them. Most have been renovated recently to get rid of that 1990s feel. Great if you want to be close to the indoor pool and the dining room.
- The Cabins: This is the soul of the resort. Some are 85 years old (but updated). You get a mile of sandy beach right out your door. It’s where "sandy footprints are part of the charm," as one regular put it.
- The Homes at the Legacy: This is the new stuff. 7-bedroom luxury homes built right on the golf course. If you’re doing a massive family reunion or a "guys' trip," this is the play. You get a gourmet kitchen and enough space to actually escape your relatives.
The Food Situation (Honestly)
Is the food good? Yeah, but it depends on where you go.
Irma’s Kitchen is the winner. It’s a 1926 timber lodge on a hill. They do elevated comfort food—think 8 oz filets and fresh walleye. It feels like a "nice dinner out."
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The Legacy Grille is your standard clubhouse fare, but the view of the 18th green is killer. Then there’s the Gull Lake Cruises. You can actually hop on a luxury yacht (the North Star) for a dinner cruise. It’s a bit touristy, but watching the sunset on Gull Lake with a drink in your hand makes it worth the ticket price.
A Few Realities to Consider
It isn't perfect. Because the resort is so big, it can feel a bit "busy" during peak July weekends. If you want peace and quiet, don't go during the Floatilla (an event where they try to break the world record for people floating on inner tubes).
Also, some of the older beach cabins are still "cozy." If you’re expecting a five-star Ritz Carlton experience in a 1940s cabin, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s a lake resort. It’s meant to be lived in.
How to Do Cragun's Right
If you’re planning a trip to Cragun's Resort Golf & Conference, here is the actual "insider" way to do it:
- Book a Mid-Week Stay: The rates for the Lehman 18 drop, and you won't be fighting for a spot at the firepit.
- Rent a Pontoon: Seriously. Gull Lake is one of the best in Minnesota. The marina is full-service, and getting out on the water is the only way to see the massive lakefront estates.
- Try the Nice9: If you have kids or you’re just tired, this Par 3 course is fun. No bunkers. Just grass and vibes.
- Ask for a Lakeside Cabin: Specifically on South Beach. It’s closer to the action but still feels private.
The bottom line? Cragun's is in the middle of a massive identity shift. It’s trying to keep its "family-owned" heart while competing with world-class golf destinations. So far, the Lehman redesign has put them back on the map.
Actionable Next Steps
Check the 2026 CRMC Championship schedule before you book; if the tournament is on, the courses will be closed to the public, but the atmosphere at the resort is electric. If you're a golfer, prioritize the Stay & Play packages—buying rounds a la carte is significantly more expensive than bundling them with your room. For planners, skip the standard ballroom and ask for the Audubon Room in the Legacy Clubhouse; the 180-degree view of the forest and golf course is way better for morale than a windowless hall.