Cragun's Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years!

2012-02-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. February Air So Fresh?

2. "X-C Running" With Dad?

3. Warming Up in the Hot Tub?

4. Curt and Sharon's 50th Anniversary?

(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. February Air So Fresh

My wife’s birthday in February, the air was so fresh and the staff so friendly, we totaly enjoyed our weekend get away.

SCOTT – BARNUM, MN

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2. "X-C Running" With Dad

When I was 14 years old my family and I went to Cragun's with a big group of people. This was 20 years ago!!! I took along my best friend. My father's mission for this trip was to go cross country skiing (which he was very good at). We brought all the equipment and the next morning my father set out for his mission. He said to me and my friend "you girls keep up with me". So we got ready and my father set out in front to pave the way and make a trail for us to follow. He was very fast on the skis running way ahead of us. We desperately tried to keep up, but dad was now on his way into the woods and by this time it is now starting to get dusk. We looked up and in a split second he was gone! What were we to do? So my friend and I took off our skis, grabbed the poles and skis under our arms and started running to find dad. We were out of breath and getting scared. Dad thought it was funny to hide behind the tree and let us panic a bit for not keeping up. Everything turned out great, we found dad ended up having a huge snowball fight and working up a mean appetite. We got to our cabin, rosy cheeks and all and my mom was waiting with hot chocolate and dinner. What a great memory I have of this place and my father, running after him in the winter wonderland of Cragun's resort. Moral of the story ended up cross country running instead of cross country skiing!!!

INNA – MINNETONKA, MN

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3. Warming Up in the Hot Tub

I've stayed at Cragun's several times in the last 20 years, mostly for business. I asked my wife to come along and this time so we could spend an extra day and go snowmobiling. We reserved one of their rental sleds for our extra day at Cragun's. It was an early February day and we woke up to a -25 degree day. I went to the snowmobile rental office at Cragun's and told the gentleman working that it might be too cold. He told me that it would be fine and adjusted the price a little to take some of the sting out of it. By mid day it was still -10 degrees but we gave it a shot. We left Cragun's and the first 11 miles were on Gull Lake. It was cold. We rode to a small town about 25 miles away. The Paul Bunyan Trail was nicely groomed. We stopped to warm up and the chill was hard to get away from. We knew that the only solution was the hot tub back at Cragun's. We managed to get back after about 60 miles of riding in the frigid air. The ride back seemed to take twice as long but our vision soon came to reality and we were warming up in the hot tub. The fireplace in our room afterwards was a bonus. That capped off a great stay at a great place. Thank you Cragun's!

DARYL – SPRING VALLEY, MN

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4. Curt and Sharon's 50th Anniversary

What a great way to celebrate our parent's 50th Anniversary! Not wanting to have a big formal party we decided why not get the whole family together for a weekend at Cragun's. So Curt and Sharon, their 5 children, spouses, and grandchildren got rooms poolside and had a great time! We swam in the pool, played ping-pong and board games and enjoyed a nice long walk. We played basketball in the sports centre, went on a horse-drawn carriage ride and had a nice big family meal in the restaurant. We even won the Cragun's Medallion Hunt! The best part was when everyone just sat around poolside and shared their favorite memory of the anniversary couple!!

CANDACE – DELANO, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Chad of Jordan, MN

2012-02-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Chad of Jordan, MN. Chad will be enjoying a three day, two night “Survivor" Spring Break Weekend Package at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. Friday starts with a "Welcome Reception" and a dinner, where you receive your participant ID. The fun includes "Exile Island" bingo, the "Cragun's Amazing Race," an "American Idol" singing competition and much more fun. Have a wonderful time at Cragun's Chad!

Cheryl of Savage, MN

2012-02-06T23:00:00.000-08:00

Cheryl of Savage, MN and her family will be enjoying a three day, two night “Spring Break Weekend Package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. Take pleasure in a weekend of family activities including fun in our HUGE indoor pool. Pamper yourself by adding a spa treatment at Cragun's Gull Lake Spa and get rid of all the winter kinks. Our Spring Break Weekend Package includes Cragun's delicious Sunday breakfast buffet. Have a fun time at Cragun's Cheryl (and at the secret hot tub)!

The Secret Hot Tub

2012-02-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

With 63% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "The Secret Hot Tub" from Cheryl.

We LOVE "CRAGUN'S". One of our favorite memories is when we go on the Romantic get away weekend.The big indoor pool, hot tub, game area are all a nice place to go. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, the two of you could seek out the secret hot tub. The only clue I'm willing to share is the secret code to get in 2, 4 +3. My challenge to you is to come up to Cragun's for a week-end get away of your own. See if you can find it. You will also find it is the best week-end get away in Minnesota!

CHERYL – SAVAGE, MN

2012-01-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. The Secret Hot Tub?

2. Wonderful Family Tradition?

3. Our Honeymoon (20 Years Later)?

4. Family Reconnecting?

(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. The Secret Hot Tub

We LOVE "CRAGUN'S". One of our favorite memories is when we go on the Romantic get away weekend.The big indoor pool, hot tub, game area are all a nice place to go. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, the two of you could seek out the secret hot tub. The only clue I'm willing to share is the secret code to get in 2, 4 +3. My challenge to you is to come up to Cragun's for a week-end get away of your own. See if you can find it. You will also find it is the best week-end get away in Minnesota!

CHERYL – SAVAGE, MN

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2. Wonderful Family Tradition

Bringing my five year old granddaughter and snowmobiling, all the daily activities and the opportunity to bring all my kids and grand kids to enjoy a wonderful family tradition.

CINDY – MAPLE LAKE, MN

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3. Our Honeymoon (20 Years Later)

We have been married for 20 years, and never took a honeymoon. We are empty nesters now, and decided to take our honeymoon at Cragun's. Are we ever glad we did!! We're in our 60's and as much in love as the day we married.

We stayed in a room with a fireplace and a beautiful view of Gull lake. It was so romantic.

We were surprised that there was live entertainment at our free welcoming buffet on Friday night. We even got up and danced to what my husband calls "belly rubbing music." ;)

We went for a trolley ride and watched the kids paint. What a totally lovely weekend!! Thanks Cragun’s for a lovely honeymoon!

NANCY – MINNEAPOLIS, MN

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4. Family Reconnecting

We had spent a week here when my husband returned from Iraq in 2007, he is currently deployed in Kuwait and will be returning in February. This time was very important to us as a family to reconnect and focus on us. My children are now 14,12 and 10. I would love to have that experience again when he returns.

RACHEL – ST. FRANCIS, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Heather of Prior Lake, MN

2012-01-30T23:30:00.000-08:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Heather of Prior Lake, MN. Heather will be enjoying a three day, two night “Spring Break Weekend Package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. Take pleasure in a weekend of family activities including fun in our HUGE indoor pool. Pamper yourself by adding a spa treatment at Cragun's Gull Lake Spa and get rid of all the winter kinks. Our Spring Break Weekend Package includes Cragun's delicious Sunday breakfast buffet. Have a fun time at Cragun's Heather!

Tracy of Ramsey, MN

2012-01-30T23:00:00.000-08:00

Tracy of Ramsey, MN and her family will be enjoying a three day, two night “Sledder's Special Midweek Package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake with 1,200 miles of MN's finest groomed trails starting at our front door. Our Snowmo Center is the largest resort rental facility in MN, offering a large selection of Polaris sleds. Receive a 40% discount on sled and clothing rentals. Enjoy the huge indoor pool, whirlpools, sauna, indoor Sports Centre and fitness center. Add a spa treatment for an unbelievable midweek escape. Have fun Tracy!

Nice Romantic Evening

2012-01-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

With 54% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Nice Romantic Evening" from Tracy.

It was my first time going to Cragun's. My boyfriend (husband now) and I decided to go to Cragun's for a weekend and rent snowmobiles. We had just a great time, it was beautiful and we were newly in-love. After a long day out, we decided to go back to the room for a nice romantic evening in our room with a fire. I got all settled in while my husband started the fire (by the way, we were in the fireplace room (not a cabin). While I was waiting for my husband to light the fire, I realized something was terribly wrong. I could not see anything, I mean nothing. The entire room was filled with smoke. We had to call the office and have someone come in and take care of the venting. It was hilarious. I still tell that story and my husband swears it wasn't his fault. We've been going to Cragun's for years now, but now, we stay close to the pool. That's where our kids love it....thanks for making it such a great place with so many memories.

TRACY – RAMSEY, MN

2012-01-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Yearly Mid-Winter Getaway?

2. Nice Romantic Evening?

3. Just Spending Time Together?

4. Being Pampered?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Yearly Mid-Winter Getaway

I would bring my daughters and nephew to Cragun’s yearly for a mid-winter getaway...we all have terrific memories of cross country skiing and big fun in the pool area!

MATT – MINNEAPOLIS, MN

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2. Nice Romantic Evening

It was my first time going to Cragun's. My boyfriend (husband now) and I decided to go to Cragun's for a weekend and rent snowmobiles. We had just a great time, it was beautiful and we were newly in-love. After a long day out, we decided to go back to the room for a nice romantic evening in our room with a fire. I got all settled in while my husband started the fire (by the way, we were in the fireplace room (not a cabin). While I was waiting for my husband to light the fire, I realized something was terribly wrong. I could not see anything, I mean nothing. The entire room was filled with smoke. We had to call the office and have someone come in and take care of the venting. It was hilarious. I still tell that story and my husband swears it wasn't his fault. We've been going to Cragun's for years now, but now, we stay close to the pool. That's where our kids love it....thanks for making it such a great place with so many memories.

TRACY – RAMSEY, MN

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3. Just Spending Time Together

It's not one certain memory we have at Craguns, it's the memory of how close we all feel just spending time together. Our kids are all adults now, but we've been to your resort many times over the years, both in the summer to enjoy all the amenities, and in the winter to just get out of the house for a couple of days. We have loved the wild animal shows, the horse and buggy rides, NOT catching fish from the boat and fish-house, playing table tennis, games etc. We've just always enjoyed the times we've spent at Craguns so much. The welcome happy hour/meal and the "good-bye" breakfast are just awesome, and it's been a pleasure to meet Dutch; just great that he made the time to walk around and greet guests. We will not stay away just because our kids have grown; but look forward to coming back with them and our 2 grandsons. So many great memories, and we plan to make more!

JANE – FERGUS FALLS, MN

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4. Being Pampered

I remember going to Cragun's with good friends of ours, it was the four of us. We loved how we were pampered and loved the white robes that were left in the room for us and the fireplace made everything so romantic. We had such a good time with our friends especially when we went to dinner and played a game like family feud we had a blast. My husband and I also enjoyed our alone time together later that evening. A memory we have never forgotten.

CAROLE – OAKDALE, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Dave of Vadnais Heights, MN

2012-01-23T23:30:00.000-08:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Dave of Vadnais Heights, MN. Dave will be enjoying a three day, two night “Sledder's Special Midweek Package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake with 1,200 miles of MN's finest groomed trails starting at our front door. Our Snowmo Center is the largest resort rental facility in MN, offering a large selection of Polaris sleds. Receive a 40% discount on sled and clothing rentals. Enjoy the huge indoor pool, whirlpools, sauna, indoor Sports Centre and fitness center. Add a spa treatment for an unbelievable midweek escape. Have fun on the Dave!

Katie of Blaine, MN

2012-01-23T23:00:00.000-08:00

Katie of Blaine, MN and her husband will be will be enjoying a three day, two night “Romantic Weekend Package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. This package features 2 nights lodging in a cozy Fireplace Room, a Saturday dinner with complimentary bottle of wine or champagne and a delicious breakfast at our Lakeside Dining room on Sunday. For an unique winter experience, take a horse drawn trolley ride, or take part in the evening bonfire and marshmallow roast. Add a spa treatment for an unbelievable weekend of pampering and relaxation. Enjoy your “Romantic Weekend Package” Katie. We hope you enjoy your new memories at Cragun's and we keep you smiling!

Our Romantic Getaway

2012-01-23T22:00:00.000-08:00

With 51% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was " Our Romantic Getaway" from Katie.

To this day I cannot say Cragun's without a smile on my face. My husband and I stayed at Cragun's for our honeymoon in the Winter of 2010. We rented one of the very roomy cabins on the lake. Cragun’s offers a romantic getaway package that we took advantage of those couple of days. We had the most wonderful steak dinner with other getaway couples. The restaurant was overlooking the lake and we had a lot of drinks and laughs. We rented snowmobiles, sat by a roaring fire, went on a horse drawn carriage ride and cuddled in front of the fireplace and chatted. Thanks for the memories Cragun's, we want to come back!

KATIE – BLAINE, MN

2012-01-16T23:59:00.000-08:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Emily, Will You Marry Me?

2. Our Romantic Getaway?

3. First Family Winter Weekend?

4. The Big Announcement?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Emily, Will You Marry Me

My boyfriend and I have been living in separate states for a couple of years. He had been trying to get a job back in the Minneapolis area to put us closer together with little luck. He had asked if I wanted to take a fishing trip with him up to Cragun’s Resort to spend some quality time together. We got up there early Friday afternoon and were able to get an early check-in. We decided to hit the ice right away to get started on our "fishing" weekend. At about 5:00 pm he said we should head in and get ready for dinner. As I was getting ready for dinner, he told me he was going to the front desk to ask for dinner suggestions...little did I know he had much more up his sleeve!

He came back and told me that the front desk attendent told him about this path you can walk on right before sunset and that deer would walk right up to you. I was very excited about it but told him I’d rather go the next day as the weather would be better. He then stated that the front desk woman stated she would only tell us tonight, and wait until tommorow to tell the other guests, so we would be the only ones out there! So I decided we better go.

We started walking down this path, but I saw NO signs of deer. He kept telling me to be patient and they will come. We kept walking, and walking. He paused for a second. As he got down on one knee, he turned me to the woods, were both of our parents stood holding a sign that said, "Emily, Will You Marry Me?"

I could not believe it!!!!!! We always talked that we wouldn’t get engaged until he got a job! He some how was able to get my parents up there without me being none the wiser. In fact, we stopped on our way up to Cragun’s to see his parents since they live on the way. They never lead on to what was about to happen a few hours later. I had talked to MY parents on the phone that day and they stated they had a busy weekend of errands to do. So I was COMPLETLY blown away when I saw them standing there, and even MORE so to see them holding that sign.

When we got back to the room, it was filled with flowers, wine, and chocolate. He had it all coordinated with the staff!! After a few screaming and crying phone calls to family and friends we all went to dinner! As I sat there at the table, not touching my food because I was still in shock, my dad asked me if there was anything that could make this day even better. I said not a thing. My FIANCE than said that he was going to try to make it better. He told me he was going to quit his job. I told him I didn’t think that was a good idea. He said, "Well I don't think I can work two jobs at once!!"

He got a job back in Minneapolis!!! I could NOT believe it! After more crying and screaming with excitement! He said that he got a spa day for my mom and I the following day! The boys went out fishing and the girls had a nice relaxing weekend at Gull Spa! The last and following day we rented snowmobilies and went all over the resort.

It was by far the BEST weekend of my whole life, and one that I will always remember. When we left Cragun’s, I actually started to cry because of all the great memories there. I did not want to leave. I know that Cragun’s will be a place we will frequent from now one, and will always think of the resort with a smile!

EMILY – CHAMPLIN, MN

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2. Our Romantic Getaway

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3. First Family Winter Weekend

Our family visited Cragun’s for the first time this last winter. We LOVED the fireside room and the atmosphere it contributed to our family weekend. We had never been to Cragun’s and didn't know what to expect, but instantly fell in love with the ambience; it felt like we were part owners of our own retreat center! I was really surprised to see all the people on a weekend I thought would be slow, but it turned out we were there the same weekend as the Jaycees ice fishing tournament. There was a buzz of excitement that surrounded the resort, and we were able to create a memory in the minds of our children they'll never forget. We'll make sure to stay for more than a day next time! Thanks, Cragun’s!

JAKE – WADENA, MN

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4. The Big Announcement

We scheduled a post-Christmas getaway for the family during the winter of 2004/2005. My husband and I wanted a memorable event to tell our three kids that they would be getting a new sibling. Well, it turned out the kids were indifferent, and that what they remember most of the trip was that their dad broke his arm while ice skating on the lake the next day! Regardless, we had a great time and many wonderful memories were created at Cragun's.

VALERIE – ROSEVILLE, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Jeffrey of Farmington, MN

2012-01-16T23:30:00.000-08:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Jeffrey of Farmington, MN. Jeffrey will be enjoying a three day, two night “Romantic Weekend Package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. This package features 2 nights lodging in a cozy Fireplace Room, a Saturday dinner with complimentary bottle of wine or champagne and a delicious breakfast at our Lakeside Dining room on Sunday. For an unique winter experience, take a horse drawn trolley ride, or take part in the evening bonfire and marshmallow roast. Add a spa treatment for an unbelievable weekend of pampering and relaxation. Enjoy your “Romantic Weekend Package” Jeffrey!

Sarah of Spicer, MN

2012-01-16T23:00:00.000-08:00

Sarah of Spicer, MN and her family will be enjoying a three day, two night “Winter FUNFest Weekend Package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. Have a FUN winter weekend Sarah making "magical" moments!

Winter Wonderland Lake Walk

2012-01-16T22:00:00.000-08:00

With 45% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Winter Wonderland Lake Walk" from Sarah.

I love getting away with my husband. After scouring the internet for places within Minnesota that looked charming and inviting, we decided to go to Cragun's for a midwinter getaway. Our room was cozy, we walked the resort for hours and just relaxed. Our 'magical' moment at Cragun's occurred as we walked along the winter wonderland lake walk. It was a pleasant winter evening, as we walked arm in arm in silence we enjoyed the peace and quiet of the beautiful walk, the twinkling stars, and the crispy crunch of snow under our feet. Because the moonlight was so bright we were able to watch the people who were ice fishing out on the ice, and move in and out of their fish houses. It was an evening filled with peace and content. A special moment in time for us. We talked about coming back when we had kids, and visiting in the summer months. Our little one is almost 5 and we look forward to spending more time at Cragun's, making wonderful memories together, as a family.

SARAH – SPICER, MN

2012-01-09T23:59:00.000-08:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Synchronized Swimming?

2. Winter Wonderland Lake Walk?

3. So Much To Do?

4. Mom’s 80th Birthday Surprise Party?

(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Synchronized Swimming

This is a picture of myself, my sister-in-law and my niece having a great time in the pool doing a little "synchronized swimming". We had a large family gathering (15 of us) at Cragun's for the first time this winter, and we just had a wonderful time. Not only did we swim, but several of us ice fished, went on a trolley ride, and had wonderful massages at the spa.

LORI – FARGO, ND

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2. Winter Wonderland Lake Walk

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3. So Much To Do

The best time I have had is my first time visiting Cragun’s during the ice fishing contest. When we saw the outdoors and the indoors of the resort and all that Cragun’s offers, we were so excited. We only stayed for two nights and it was fun.

IVAN – HARTVILLE, OH

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4. Mom’s 80th Birthday Surprise Party

What a surprise it was to my mom, when her 6 daughters took her to Cragun's for her 80th birthday! We all enjoyed the spa and especially getting a massage and JUST plain relaxing and laughing while reminiscing over the good old days of our childhood!

It was VERY memorable and we all had LOTS of FUN!!!

LAURIE – AURORA, CO

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Renee of Glenwood, MN

2012-01-09T23:30:00.000-08:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Renee of Glenwood, MN. Renee and her family will be enjoying a three day, two night “Winter FUNFest Weekend Package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. This package starts with a Friday night "Welcome Reception" and dinner buffet. There’s evening family entertainment such as DJ & Karaoke in the Bear Trap Lounge. Enjoy lots of outdoor recreations including four free passes for Ricochet Alley snow tubing at Ski Gull Recreation Area--snow and tubes provided! Plus there's ice fishing, ice skating, broom ball, Cragun's SnoMo Centre with sled & clothing rentals and more! Have a FUN winter weekend Renee!

Alaina of Waseca, MN

2012-01-09T23:00:00.000-08:00

Alaina of Waseca, MN and her family will be enjoying a three day, two night “Winter FUNFest Weekend Package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. Have a FUN winter weekend Alaina! Let us know if it was another "best week(end) you remember!"

Best Week I Remember

2012-01-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

With 54% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Best Week I Remember" from Alaina.

I remember when I was eight years old and my parents took me to Cragun's for the first time, I was so excited. I can remember the teal and brown everywhere and how comfortable the rooms were. My younger brother and I went to the kids' program while my parents went for walks and relaxed by the pool. I can also remember playing with my father in the indoor pool and sitting on his shoulders while my brother swam around us. The Sunday breakfast buffet was so good and we got to meet Dutch and Irma, they were so nice. It was the best week I remember having when I was young.

ALAINA – WASECA, MN

2012-01-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Wild Animal Show?
2. Mother/Daughter Weekend?
3. Best Week I Remember?
4. Big Ice Fishing Tourney?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Wild Animal Show

We made our first trip to the Brainerd area last February and chose to stay at Cragun's. We were part of the Family Fun Fest Package. Everyone had so much fun, my boys will never forget being a human bowling ball during ice bowling. Trust me it's a lot harder then it looks. They had a blast on the Kiddie Kats, even if my youngest kept putting his helmet shield down as the gentleman from the marina was explaining the rules :-). The "Wild Animal Show" was one of their favorites but, we all enjoyed the dinner, bingo, pool, horse drawn carriage ride, marshmallows and hot chocolate, bowling, snowmobiling, the list goes on & on. I think I need a vacation from my vacation we had so much fun! Thanks Cragun's!

TONI – GLYNDON, MN

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2. Mother/Daughter Weekend

The weekend of December 3. We had our first annual Mother/Daughter Weekend. There were a total of 12 of us that stayed in a large Hilltop Cabin. We all had such an awesome time. A lot of memories have been made there at Cragun’s. We are hoping to do this again next year to continue this and each year to come. We sure had a lot of laughs and the employees of Cragun’s are awesome. They were all so nice. Thank you so much for a great weekend!

MARY – LONG PRAIRIE, MN

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3. Best Week I Remember

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4. Big Ice Fishing Tourney

Out of the past 20 years of the Jaycee's Ice Fishing Tournament, we have stayed at Cragun's approximately 10 times. It is a great place to go to, the Friday before the big tourney. We like to rent a fish house and practice--get in the mood, for the big day on Saturday. It is always just great fun at Cragun's.

RANDY – FARGO, ND

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Kristi of Bloomington, MN

2012-01-02T23:30:00.000-08:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Kristi of Bloomington, MN. Kristi and her family will be enjoying a three day, two night “Winter FUNFest Weekend Package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. This package starts with a Friday night "Welcome Reception" and dinner buffet. There’s evening family entertainment such as DJ & Karaoke in the Bear Trap Lounge. Enjoy lots of outdoor recreations including four free passes for Ricochet Alley snow tubing at Ski Gull Recreation Area--snow and tubes provided! Plus there's ice fishing, ice skating, broomball, Cragun's SnoMo Centre with sled & clothing rentals and more! Have a FUN winter weekend Kristi!

Darcy of North Branch, MN

2012-01-02T23:00:00.000-08:00

Darcy of North Branch, MN will be enjoying a three day, two night “Romantic Weekend Package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. This package features 2 nights lodging in a cozy Fireplace Room, a Saturday dinner with complimentary bottle of wine or champagne and a delicious breakfast at our Lakeside Dining room on Sunday. For an unique winter experience, take a horse drawn trolley ride, or take part in the evening bonfire and marshmallow roast. Add a spa treatment for an unbelievable weekend of pampering and relaxation. Enjoy your “Romantic Weekend Package” Darcy!

Annual Ice Fishing Extravaganza

2012-01-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

With 53% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Annual Ice Fishing Extravaganza" from Darcy.

My husband and I are excited to once again be planning a trip to Cragun's. This year will mark our 7th annual trip to Cragun's for the Jaycee's Ice Fishing Extravaganza. Each year we come up with friends. The guys go to the tournament and the girls go to the spa, have lunch by the pool and participate in the scavenger hunt. However, my husband is 0-6 at the Ice fishing contest. His friends have won things, but never him. I'm hoping this year brings him good luck. Come on lucky number 7! See you soon!

DARCY – NORTH BRANCH, MN

2011-12-26T23:59:00.000-08:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. New Year’s Resolution Reward?
2. Annual Ice Fishing Extravaganza?
3. Having Fun With Family and Friends?
4. Surprise Birthday Weekend?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. New Year’s Resolution Reward

In January some girlfriends and I embarked on a long journey of weight loss. As a goal we booked a girls' spa weekend for that August as a reward. I am proud to say I lost 60 lbs. in that time period. My reward was so memorable at Cragun's!! The spa was so relaxing, the beach was beautiful and the memories were priceless!!! For the first time I was "OK" with looking at photos of me again! What a wonderful memory!!! Thank you!!!

KRISITI – MONTGOMERY, MN

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2. Annual Ice Fishing Extravaganza

My husband and I are excited to once again be planning a trip to Cragun's. This year will mark our 7th annual trip to Cragun's for the Jaycee's Ice Fishing Extravaganza. Each year we come up with friends. The guys go to the tournament and the girls go to the spa, have lunch by the pool and participate in the scavenger hunt. However, my husband is 0-6 at the Ice fishing contest. His friends have won things, but never him. I'm hoping this year brings him good luck. Come on lucky number 7! See you soon!

DARCY – NORTH BRANCH, MN

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3. Having Fun With Family and Friends

I had won a Cragun's get away last year and we had a blast we took in the horse drawn carriage, the snowmobiling and the family activities, all of which were fantastic. We had a group of friends that joined us after the first day which was great because it gave us the opportunity for family time first, which is very important to me since I spent 20 years plus in the Army and retired from active duty in 2007. I have come to realize what is important to me and that is family and fun and that is just what Cragun's offers. There would not have been anyway I could have done 20 years in the service without my family's support, and we had a blast at Cragun's...thank you so much!

TED – DAWSON, MN

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4. Surprise Birthday Weekend

I planned a surprise birthday weekend for my husband. I ordered a cake through Cragun's to be delivered to our room. The fireside room was perfect, the cake was in the room when we got there. Our friends and kids joined us later in the day. It was a very nice weekend. We had a sled dog ride and went snowmobiling and ice fishing and at night, Karaoke. A weekend we won't forget!

MARCIA – FARMINGTON, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Tom of Forest Lake, MN

2011-12-26T23:30:00.000-08:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Tom of Forest Lake, MN. Tom will be enjoying a three day, two night “Romantic Weekend Package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. This package features 2 nights lodging in a cozy Fireplace Room, a Saturday dinner with complimentary bottle of wine or champagne and a delicious breakfast at our Lakeside Dining room on Sunday. For an unique winter experience, take a horse drawn trolley ride, or take part in the evening bonfire and marshmallow roast. Add a spa treatment for an unbelievable weekend of pampering and relaxation. Enjoy your “Romantic Weekend Package” Tom!

Sue of Avon, MN

2011-12-26T23:00:00.000-08:00

Sue of Avon, MN and her family will be enjoying a three day, two night “Winter FUNFest Weekend Package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. This package starts with a Friday night "Welcome Reception" and dinner buffet. There’s evening family entertainment such as DJ & Karaoke in the Bear Trap Lounge. Enjoy lots of outdoor recreations including discounted downhill lift tickets at Ski Gull Recreation Area, X-C skiing, ice fishing, ice skating, broomball, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, Cragun's SnoMo Centre with sled & clothing rentals and more! Have a FUN winter weekend Sue!

One Great Vacation, One Phenomenal Wedding

2011-12-26T22:00:00.000-08:00

With 46% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "One Great Vacation, One Phenomenal Wedding" from Sue.

It was 8 months ago when my sister Anne called to say she was getting married at Cragun’s Resort and was wondering if I would like to be a bridesmaid. I was so happy. I decided that we would make that our annual family vacation, leaving early to spend time skiing and snowmobiling. I immediately rented a cabin for myself, my husband, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren- Jayden 8 and Lauren 3.

Anne and I do things a bit different than each other, I look at the price tag first, she looks at doing things with an added touch of class- befitting of her style. It turned out that Cragun's was the perfect fit for both of us. The cabin made for an affordable family vacation, the resort for the most beautiful, detail oriented wedding I have ever seen. What made it so great, the facility- she used the Legacy; the planner- Carrie; or the bride and groom themselves?

The days preceding the wedding we were treated to the most incredible trails I have experienced in the state of MN, the kids had an endless supply of events- between swimming and dog sled rides, skiing and skating. My daughter enjoyed the luxury of working out in a fully furnished exercise area. I appreciated the fact that everything we asked for, from every Cragun’s/Legacy employee was met with the same answer- “we would be happy to take care of that for you”. Great service. Karaoke in the bar on Friday was super fun too.

With the oddity of Oklahoma battling a blizzard that almost kept Anne’s best friend and maid of honor from making the trip to Minnesota it was surprising that the remainder of the event was pulled off without any bloopers or blunders, it was just one great vacation, and one phenomenal wedding.

It is difficult to put into words. It is Anne and my brother-in-law Scott’s way of bringing people together. A new experience to start a new life. It was so powerful and overwhelming. The friends and family who traveled from every corner of Minnesota, North Dakota, Arizona, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. The children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews… all converging in the little town of Brainerd for the biggest event of the year.

SUE – AVON, MN

2011-12-19T23:59:00.000-08:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Jaycee’s Ice Fishing Tourney?
2. New Enjoyment on MN Winters?
3. One Great Vacation, One Phenomenal Wedding?
4. Finding the Golden Star?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Jaycee’s Ice Fishing Tourney

The Jaycee's Ice Fishing Tourney is always a favorite vacation to Cragun's, for us. We have been there for about 8 of the last 10 years and thoroughly enjoy it every year. We always rent a fish house, the night before, to get the lines all warmed up for the next day. Always a great time at Cragun's.

RANDY – FARGO, ND

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2. New Enjoyment on MN Winters

My wife and I did the following: pizza by the lobby fire, listened to bar music, swimming, workout room, great breakfast, snowmobile, ice fishing, ice skating, snow shoeing, and had a great dinner. All of this on one property...Cragun's! Cragun's gave us a new enjoyment perspective on Minnesota winters!

TIM – WOODBURY, MN

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3. One Great Vacation, One Phenomenal Wedding

It was 8 months ago when my sister Anne called to say she was getting married at Cragun’s Resort and was wondering if I would like to be a bridesmaid. I was so happy. I decided that we would make that our annual family vacation, leaving early to spend time skiing and snowmobiling. I immediately rented a cabin for myself, my husband, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren- Jayden 8 and Lauren 3.

Anne and I do things a bit different than each other, I look at the price tag first, she looks at doing things with an added touch of class- befitting of her style. It turned out that Cragun's was the perfect fit for both of us. The cabin made for an affordable family vacation, the resort for the most beautiful, detail oriented wedding I have ever seen. What made it so great, the facility- she used the Legacy; the planner- Carrie; or the bride and groom themselves?

The days preceding the wedding we were treated to the most incredible trails I have experienced in the state of MN, the kids had an endless supply of events- between swimming and dog sled rides, skiing and skating. My daughter enjoyed the luxury of working out in a fully furnished exercise area. I appreciated the fact that everything we asked for, from every Cragun’s/Legacy employee was met with the same answer- “we would be happy to take care of that for you”. Great service. Karaoke in the bar on Friday was super fun too.

With the oddity of Oklahoma battling a blizzard that almost kept Anne’s best friend and maid of honor from making the trip to Minnesota it was surprising that the remainder of the event was pulled off without any bloopers or blunders, it was just one great vacation, and one phenomenal wedding.

It is difficult to put into words. It is Anne and my brother-in-law Scott’s way of bringing people together. A new experience to start a new life. It was so powerful and overwhelming. The friends and family who traveled from every corner of Minnesota, North Dakota, Arizona, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. The children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews… all converging in the little town of Brainerd for the biggest event of the year.

SUE – AVON, MN

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4. Finding the Golden Star

I have visited Cragun’s a number of times. My first experience was at the Apperts Foodshow a few years back. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to treat my family to your Thanksgiving vacation package. My family had so much fun. From the swimming pool, sports centre and my wife found the Golden Star and that's what keeps us coming back. So many things to do, wonderful staff and great food. I look forward to our Christmas trip this year. Keep up the good work.

BRIAN, TAMMY, ELIJAH AND JACOB – NEW ULM, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Laura of Anoka, MN

2011-12-19T23:30:00.000-08:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Laura of Anoka, MN. Laura and her family will be enjoying a three day, two night “Winter FUNFest Weekend Package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. This package starts with a Friday night "Welcome Reception" and dinner buffet. There’s evening family entertainment such as DJ & Karaoke in the Bear Trap Lounge. Enjoy lots of outdoor recreations including discounted downhill lift tickets at Ski Gull Recreation Area, X-C skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice skating, broomball, snowmobiling, Cragun's SnoMo Centre with sled & clothing rentals and more! Have a FUN winter weekend Laura!

Jan of Menomonie, WI

2011-12-19T23:00:00.000-08:00

Jan of Menomonie, WI and her family will be enjoying a three day, two night “$150,000 Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, only one ice fishing contest is quite like this! Held in January on Gull Lake, it is an ice fishing contest where anglers compete for well over $150,000 in cash and prizes. Good luck Jan!

Christmas Gift ... New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

2011-12-19T22:00:00.000-08:00

With 59% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Christmas Gift ... New Year’s Eve Extravaganza" from Jan.

When our two children were first married our Christmas gift to them was the Cragun's New Years Eve Extravaganza for several years. We snowmobiled, experienced the dog sled ride and wagon ride, relaxed with massages and danced the night away New Year's Eve. One night we played a game where we shared our dreams - having children was the reply by both girls. Now four grandchildren later and one more on the way, it would be fun to return to relive those special times, try out some summertime activities and make more memories.

JAN – MENOMONIE, WI

2011-12-12T23:59:00.000-08:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Christmas Gift ... New Year’s Eve Extravaganza?
2. A Winter Wonderland?
3. Son’s First Ice Fishing Trip?
4. Gather Family and Friends to Celebrate the Holidays?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Christmas Gift ... New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

When our two children were first married our Christmas gift to them was the Cragun's New Years Eve Extravaganza for several years. We snowmobiled, experienced the dog sled ride and wagon ride, relaxed with massages and danced the night away New Year's Eve. One night we played a game where we shared our dreams - having children was the reply by both girls. Now four grandchildren later and one more on the way, it would be fun to return to relive those special times, try out some summertime activities and make more memories.

JAN – MENOMONIE, WI

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2. A Winter Wonderland

We attended a "marriage retreat" at Cragun's quite awhile ago. It was our first time to the area, but fell in love with the beauty of not only the Cragun's Resort, but the landscape in the area itself. We've always wanted to go back with our family, as Cragun's has so much to offer to all ages. I hope we can get back to Cragun's soon. It's a winter wonderland!!

BOBBI – PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WI

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3. Son’s First Ice Fishing Trip

My favorite Cragun's memory is my son's first ice fishing trip. We woke up in the morning headed out to Cragun's, it was a perfect day! The sun was out, and the snow was crisp white. We cheer every time we make the turn off of 371 onto the long road to get into Cragun's Resort. The best is having the fireplace welcome you - the warmth and the smell on a cool winter day is the best. Our catch of the day was what our child caught, a little tiny fish but his smile says it all. We have had years and many more of excitement, laughter, fun, and most of all memories!

ERIN – SAUK RAPIDS, MN

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4. Gather Family and Friends to Celebrate the Holidays

We decided a few years ago to forgo gift giving and pick a resort to gather family and friends and celebrate the holidays spending quality time together. We spent a few days over New Year's at Cragun's our first year. What a wonderful time we had, snowmobiling, ice skating, fishing and cross country skiing. Your resort offers a wide variety of outdoor activities to satisfy our need for physical challenges and fresh air. The warmth from the fireplaces and heated pool was much appreciated after days spent outdoors. We also took advantage of the dog sledding. Our children enjoyed the teen activities and the family night of bingo. We all still talk about how great it was to not have to cook. Dining with family and friends at the restaurant was convenient and yummy! Thanks Cragun's for helping the Weimert family build a special memory!

JODY – JANESVILLE, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Dustin of Inver Grove Heights, MN

2011-12-12T23:30:00.000-08:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Dustin of Inver Grove Heights, MN. Dustin will be enjoying a three day, two night “$150,000 Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza package” at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, only one ice fishing contest is quite like this! Held in January on Gull Lake, it is an ice fishing contest where anglers compete for well over $150,000 in cash and prizes. Good luck Dustin!

Wendy of Ellendale, MN

2011-12-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

Wendy of Ellendale, MN and her family will be enjoying a three day, two night “Holiday Break Getaway” at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. This is the perfect time to gather with family and friends and enjoy the spirit of the season. Have a wonderful Holiday Break Getaway Wendy!

Finding the Perfect Place

2011-12-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

With 56% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Finding the Perfect Place" from Wendy.

We visited your resort in September with our family for our 29th anniversary and my 50th birthday!! Our kids wanted to give me a party but, I just wanted to go some place nice with family atmosphere and family activities and spend time with my favorite people--our kids! We found the perfect place, Cragun's!! We have looked for many years for a nice, clean, family resort for us to make it "our yearly vacation spot" and we all agree we've found it. We live on a farm and only get off this place four days a year so it has to be SPECIAL. Our oldest daughter and her husband just informed us that we are going to be grandparents in May!!! First time for us!! We've been hoping we could be able to come to your resort for a winter outing being we may not be able to come this summer because of the baby. Hopefully, we could win and make this happen for our family because we save all year to just have enough money for four days in the summer.

Thank you for having such a beautiful, family resort.

WENDY & MARTY – ELLENDALE, MN

2011-12-05T23:59:00.000-08:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. 1st Time Snowmobiling - Absolute Blast?
2. Most Memorable and Special Holidays We Ever Had?
3. Wonderful Wonderland at Cragun’s?
4. Finding the Perfect Place?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. 1st Time Snowmobiling - Absolute Blast

Cragun's was the first getaway of my boyfriend and I, where we made great memories on the lakes and trails on and near Cragun's. It was also my first time on a snowmobile and we had an absolute blast and could not ask for the weather to be more perfect. Please view the pictures of us having an amazing time at Cragun's and vote for us so we could have a 2nd annual trip to Cragun's!

KARI – MAPLE GROVE, MN

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2. Most Memorable and Special Holidays We Ever Had

We made a very quick decision way back in 1993 to celebrate Christmas differently that year. Our extended family is small and this particular year my wife saw one of your advertisements and suggested at the last minute that it would really be fun to see if we could drive up to Cragun's from Eden Prairie and rent a cabin for Christmas Eve and day. You were just opening new cabins for winter rental that year and did not even know if we could get a reservation this late. So we called early Christmas Eve morning and a cabin was available. We were excited to make the reservation and left for Cragun’s about 1:00 p.m.

It was so cold about -5 when we left and got progressively colder as we drove farther north. I remember it was more than -20 when we arrived about 5:00-6:00 p.m.and your staff checked us into a newly completed (but very cold) cabin. However, your staff fixed us up with a great fire and we were ready to go.

We started unpacking the presents and realized we did not have a Christmas tree and wondered what we could do to get one so late on Christmas Eve. So we drove into town and everything was closed (of course). Then, we happened to drive by a closed Christmas tree lot with a few trees left and a sign that said: "HELP YOURSELF." We were excited and grabbed a tree and drove back to the cabin that by now was nice and warm with a great fire going. Then, it dawned on us that we did not have a stand and we could not put up the tree.

In desperation we stopped at the Lodge to see if you had an extra stand for our tree and no luck. However, your reservation desk was kind enough to page your on-call (Christmas Eve) maintenance man. He promptly stopped over to the cabin and was kind enough to take the tree over to your maintenance shed and build us a stand for our tree. That was special, especially since it was then about 7:00 p.m.Christmas Eve. The courtesy of your staff and maintenance man made that Christmas Eve one of the most memorable and special holidays we ever had.!

We had our tree (we at least remembered to bring lights and some decorations) and had a neat fire and lots of presents to share. As an unexpected surprise our eldest daughter and fiancée also drove up to Cragun’s to join us that cold cold Christmas Eve to make the evening perfect.

I guess it has been nearly 20 years since our Cragun's experience and we have since moved to Kansas. Funny how things work out but, the family often reflects on our Cragun's Christmas as one of our best ever. I have often thought about sending Cragun's a thank you note for the wonderful time we had due to your great staff and the extra effort extended by all to make this great Christmas memory possible.

Many thanks from our family to all of you at Cragun's and please have a Merry, Merry Christmas!

GARY – LEAWOOD, KS

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3. Wonderful Wonderland at Cragun’s

My children left Minnesota over 25 years ago and live in Texas so they have not had a snowy Christmas since that time. One of my daughter's family came home along with her husband's father (from Virginia) who had not been here before in the winter. We were at Cragun's over the holiday and had the most wonderful and magical time with the three children. Cragun's showed us again what family times really means. They outfitted us for snowmobiling, dogsled rides and evenings by the outdoor fire and roasting marshmallows. The setting was so beautiful and enchanting that my daughter's father-in-law who has traveled extensively told us it was the best family vacation ever. I was so proud of Minnesota and especially of Cragun's for putting a dream into reality. None of us will ever forget this wonderful wonderland at Cragun's. Thanks so much for the family event of our reunion.

KAREN – BROOKLYN PARK, MN

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4. Finding the Perfect Place

We visited your resort in September with our family for our 29th anniversary and my 50th birthday!! Our kids wanted to give me a party but, I just wanted to go some place nice with family atmosphere and family activities and spend time with my favorite people--our kids! We found the perfect place, Cragun's!! We have looked for many years for a nice, clean, family resort for us to make it "our yearly vacation spot" and we all agree we've found it. We live on a farm and only get off this place four days a year so it has to be SPECIAL. Our oldest daughter and her husband just informed us that we are going to be grandparents in May!!! First time for us!! We've been hoping we could be able to come to your resort for a winter outing being we may not be able to come this summer because of the baby. Hopefully, we could win and make this happen for our family because we save all year to just have enough money for four days in the summer.

Thank you for having such a beautiful, family resort.

WENDY & MARTY – ELLENDALE, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Jean of Oakdale, MN

2011-12-05T23:30:00.000-08:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Jean of Oakdale, MN. Jean will be enjoying a three day, two night “Holiday Break Getaway” at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. This is the perfect time to gather with family and friends and enjoy the spirit of the season. Have a wonderful Holiday Break Getaway Jean!

Kristine of St. Paul, MN

2011-12-05T23:00:00.000-08:00

Kristine of St. Paul, MN and her family will be enjoying a four day, three night “New Year's F.U.N (Family Ultimate Night).” Cragun's is the perfect place to ring in the New Year with three festive New Year's Eve parties, including a Family Entertainment Extravaganza with music, entertainment, games, prizes, food and more. There's fun seasonal activities including horse drawn trolley rides, ice skating, bonfires, X-C skiing, snowshoeing, evening entertainment, dog sled rides, ice fishing and more! Your family will make New Year memories that last a lifetime at Cragun's. Have a wonderful holiday Kristine!

Last New Year’s Eve

2011-12-05T22:00:00.000-08:00

With 47% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Last New Year’s Eve" from Kristine.

My favorite Cragun's memory was last New Year's Eve. Our family needed a holiday get-away, so we decided on Cragun's because of all the family-friendly activities it offered. One of our favorites was the sleigh ride around the resort. We had a chance to visit with other families and also take in the beauty of the winter wonderland!

KRISTINE – ST. PAUL, MN

2011-11-28T23:59:00.000-08:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Celebrate Christmas Holiday?
2. Nine Pairs of Long Johns?
3. Last New Year’s Eve?
4. Chair Ice Skating?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Celebrate Christmas Holiday

My favorite Cragun's memory is when our entire family booked a weekend to celebrate the Christmas holiday! It gave us all a chance to really visit with each other! It also allowed us time to visit & rekindle relationships with all of our nieces & nephews & their families without having to worry about rushing through everything. The sleigh ride was beautiful, the pool area was lots of fun & the food was fabulous! The people working there were so nice & ready to service us at any time! And with our group they had their hands full! I would recommend Cragun's to anyone who is looking for fun family get together any time of the year!

MARY – AITKIN, MN

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2. Nine Pairs of Long Johns

Our favorite Cragun's vacation memory took place over Christmas holidays 2010.

In our Christmas letter, we wrote that our entire family of nine: two daughters and son-in-laws, three grandchildren {ages 8, 8 and 5} and ourselves were going to Cragun's for Christmas and Santa would be bringing this bunch nine pairs of long johns.

The comments we received were that of disbelief that we would go north and what would we do in the cold? That question was easy to answer - we never did finish all the activities we had planned.

Between all of us, we rode mini snowmobiles, rode the big snowmobiles, went cross-country skiing, dogsled riding, ice skated, played broom ball and hockey on the rink, snowshoed, skied downhill at Ski Gull, met friends from Oklahoma, swam, rode the horse trolley and enjoyed hot chocolate, checked the ice fish houses out, sled down some of the resorts hills, ate and snacked, opened our stocking gifts and had slumber parties in gramma's and grampa's room - all this in 4 days/4 nights. This sounds like an expensive vacation shown in the movies but it wasn't.

Since our vacation, we have had so many questions on what did we do? Our enthusiasm on what we did and how we all enjoyed the Christmas break started others to think about a Cragun's winter vacation as a Christmas gift to their families. This is one gift you do not have to wonder how you are going to get it home or what you are going to do with it when you get home. The only place it clutters is your mind with the great memories and how soon can we go back?

JANET – FARIBAULT, MN

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3. Last New Year’s Eve

My favorite Cragun's memory was last New Year's Eve. Our family needed a holiday get-away, so we decided on Cragun's because of all the family-friendly activities it offered. One of our favorites was the sleigh ride around the resort. We had a chance to visit with other families and also take in the beauty of the winter wonderland!

KRISTINE – ST. PAUL, MN

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4. Chair Ice Skating

A few years ago some friends and myself went to Cragun's for a winter weekend getaway. All the girls brought either skis or skates. I had neither since I had never done either. One of the girls was bound and determined I was going to learn to skate since her skates fit me. My friends helped us sweep a spot clean of snow. I tried and tried but couldn't stand up. She left and a couple of minutes later she came to the lake with a chair. Soon I was up and off I went pushing a chair around a small circle of ice. We still laugh about it when we get together.

LINDA – SAINT MICHAEL, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Patrick of Cottage Grove, MN

2011-11-28T23:30:00.000-08:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Patrick of Cottage Grove, MN. Patrick will be enjoying a four day, three night “New Year's F.U.N (Family Ultimate Night).” Cragun's is the perfect place to ring in the New Year with three festive New Year's Eve parties, including a Family Entertainment Extravaganza with music, entertainment, games, prizes, food and more. There's fun seasonal activities including horse drawn trolley rides, ice skating, bonfires, X-C skiing, snowshoeing, evening entertainment, dog sled rides, ice fishing and more! Your family will make New Year memories that last a lifetime at Cragun's. Have a wonderful holiday Patrick!

Linda of Andover, MN

2011-11-28T23:00:00.000-08:00

Linda of Andover, MN and her family will be enjoying a four day, three night “Christmas Holiday Celebration” at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. Your family will savor the memories of a lake country Christmas at Cragun's Linda! Have a wonderful holiday!

Christmas Weekend Get Together

2011-11-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

With 45% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Christmas Weekend Get Together" from Linda.

Around 1990, our entire family came to Cragun's for a Christmas weekend get together. We loved it, I always hoped I could bring my own kids there when I had them. In 1999 I brought my twins who were age five for a family weekend at Cragun's. I have video of them... on rented Kiddy Kat snowmobiles... going dog sledding... skating and more. Cragun's is a great family place. My kids love to come and play tennis also in the dome. They are now age 17 and still love Cragun's just as much as I do!

LINDA – ANDOVER, MN

2011-11-21T23:59:00.000-08:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Best Family Destination in the North?
2. Our Kids Sharing Their Dreams?
3. Hearing the “Jingle Bells”?
4. Christmas Weekend Get Together?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Best Family Destination in the North

I brought my three daughters to Cragun's when they were in their teens. They are now grown with families of their own. It is always nice for them to get away as a couple without the children. So, as a Christmas gift to them and their spouses, along with my step-children, we gave them a weekend at Cragun's and we all went ice fishing. We had a great time relaxing, hanging at the pool, playing games and just enjoying our time together ... oh and ice fishing too! My kids were excited that things were as they remembered and had the best time "showing" Cragun's to their spouses. I would highly recommend Cragun's as the best family destination in the North!

BETTY – PLYMOUTH, MN

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2. Our Kids Sharing Their Dreams

When our two children were first married our Christmas gift to them was the Cragun's New Years Eve Extravaganza for several years. We snowmobiled, experienced the dog sled rides and wagon rides, relaxed with massages and danced the night away New Year's Eve. One night we played a game where we shared our dreams -- having children was the reply by both girls. Now four grandchildren later and one more on the way, it would be fun to return to relive those special time, try out some summertime activities and make more memories.

JAN – MENOMONIE, MN

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3. Hearing the “Jingle Bells”

Our winter stay when we rented a room at Cragun's last December. It was the weekend the Metro Dome collapsed. It was Brainerd's Christmas Ball that night and there were reports of a BIG snow storm heading our way. To be safe we decided to stay over with the kids so they would not have to drive on dangerous roads. What a wonderful evening! We had a cozy fireplace in a lakeside room, but the very best part was the "jingle bells" we heard when the horse drawn sleigh or buggy went by our room. Very nice memory. We never did get any snow but I am still glad we decided to stay.

MARIA – FORT RIPLEY, MN

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4. Christmas Weekend Get Together

Around 1990, our entire family came to Cragun's for a Christmas weekend get together. We loved it, I always hoped I could bring my own kids there when I had them. In 1999 I brought my twins who were age five for a family weekend at Cragun's. I have video of them... on rented Kiddy Kat snowmobiles... going dog sledding... skating and more. Cragun's is a great family place. My kids love to come and play tennis also in the dome. They are now age 17 and still love Cragun's just as much as I do!

LINDA – ANDOVER, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Margaret of Maple Grove, MN

2011-11-21T23:30:00.000-08:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Margaret of Maple Grove, MN. Margaret and her family will be enjoying a four day, three night “Christmas Holiday Celebration” at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. Your family will savor the memories of a lake country Christmas at Cragun's Margaret! Have a wonderful holiday!

Stacey of Eden Prairie, MN

2011-11-21T23:00:00.000-08:00

Stacey of Eden Prairie, MN and her family will be enjoying a three day, two night “Holiday Break Getaway” at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. This is the perfect time to gather with family and friends and enjoy the spirit of the season. Have a wonderful Holiday Break Getaway Stacey!

Last Thanksgiving--Best Weekend Ever

2011-11-21T22:00:00.000-08:00

With 73% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Last Thanksgiving--Best Weekend Ever" from Stacey.

Our family Thanksgiving weekends started way back in the 1970s when my cousins, brother and I were young. Our grandparents, Harold and MaryAnn Moll, gathered their four daughters and families together for the whole weekend. It wasn't until college where I found out other people just celebrated on Thanksgiving Day and actually cooked a turkey! No, not us, we had a huge buffet dinner at each hotel we went to and had too much fun to only spend one day together.

The past six years we have returned to Cragun's because of the amenities and special events Cragun's provides its guests, the buffet is really good and it has an expansive pool area for our 50+ family members to gather. We truly take in all the resort has to offer!

Last year, I think was one the best weekends we've had. We enjoyed the magician, the horse drawn ride, the kiddy's carnival, bingo, the Thanksgiving buffet, Sunday breakfast, the pool and the gymnasium, but it was the family gathering that touched our hearts.

When we were kids, we would put on performances for our parents. As we aged we were coerced to keep the tradition going. And now, we have the joy of watching our own kids perform for us. What is really special is having great grandma and great grandpa in the front row watching each one of their 21 great children perform (well almost all of them). The Cragun's wagon in the pool area was a perfect stage for the little ones to get up and do their thing.

The highlight of the weekend was a new addition, a Chinese Auction. We all brought items to auction off; YES, to our other family members. We knew of a family that lost their home and would be homeless. It was determined that all of the money raised would be donated to help this family. Again, we used the wagon in Cragun's pool area for the auction area and away the auctioneer went. We started with the children and then to us big kids. If you've never seen a Chinese Auction at work, well, it's quite amazing and exciting. So exciting, we had other people, not family, who were in the pool area and wanted to join in on the fun. When all the money was totaled we raised $619 to pass along to this family.

These few words only touch a little bit on how incredible this family is. Our time together is so limited, but so special. Cragun's makes it easy, affordable and inviting for us to return year after year. Thank you!

STACEY – EDEN PRAIRIE, MN

2011-11-14T23:59:00.000-08:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Last Thanksgiving--Best Weekend Ever?
2. Christmas With Our Kids & Grandkids?
3. Spending Time at Cragun’s?
4. Yearly Family Christmas?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Last Thanksgiving--Best Weekend Ever

Our family Thanksgiving weekends started way back in the 1970s when my cousins, brother and I were young. Our grandparents, Harold and MaryAnn Moll, gathered their four daughters and families together for the whole weekend. It wasn't until college where I found out other people just celebrated on Thanksgiving Day and actually cooked a turkey! No, not us, we had a huge buffet dinner at each hotel we went to and had too much fun to only spend one day together.

The past six years we have returned to Cragun's because of the amenities and special events Cragun's provides its guests, the buffet is really good and it has an expansive pool area for our 50+ family members to gather. We truly take in all the resort has to offer!

Last year, I think was one the best weekends we've had. We enjoyed the magician, the horse drawn ride, the kiddy's carnival, bingo, the Thanksgiving buffet, Sunday breakfast, the pool and the gymnasium, but it was the family gathering that touched our hearts.

When we were kids, we would put on performances for our parents. As we aged we were coerced to keep the tradition going. And now, we have the joy of watching our own kids perform for us. What is really special is having great grandma and great grandpa in the front row watching each one of their 21 great children perform (well almost all of them). The Cragun's wagon in the pool area was a perfect stage for the little ones to get up and do their thing.

The highlight of the weekend was a new addition, a Chinese Auction. We all brought items to auction off; YES, to our other family members. We knew of a family that lost their home and would be homeless. It was determined that all of the money raised would be donated to help this family. Again, we used the wagon in Cragun's pool area for the auction area and away the auctioneer went. We started with the children and then to us big kids. If you've never seen a Chinese Auction at work, well, it's quite amazing and exciting. So exciting, we had other people, not family, who were in the pool area and wanted to join in on the fun. When all the money was totaled we raised $619 to pass along to this family.

These few words only touch a little bit on how incredible this family is. Our time together is so limited, but so special. Cragun's makes it easy, affordable and inviting for us to return year after year. Thank you!

STACEY – EDEN PRAIRIE, MN

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2. Christmas With Our Kids & Grandkids

We have been visiting Cragun's at least one to two times a year and were hoping for an opportunity to have our kids and grandkids experience a great time at Cragun's. They never quite understood what would be "fun" about a central Minnesota get away especially over Christmas. So this year we went - they had a perfect cabin and together we took in all that we could from bingo to dog sledding, trolley rides and ice fishing. As a family of eight, it was pretty hilarious trying to get all of us to fit into a fish house for 2-4. For the fun of it we did and it was part of the highlights of this trip along with the beautiful Christmas Dinner and awesome brunch.

KIMBERLY – MAPLE GROVE, MN

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3. Spending Time at Cragun’s

I have such good memories of Cragun's. Our whole family, three generations, would reserve rooms around the pool at Christmas time, which would be four to six rooms. We would set up tables outside our rooms full of food and drinks for our stay. We would enjoy the pool, hot tub, Sports Center, the massage services, games and restaurant for three days/two nights. If you ask any of our family what our most favorite Christmas-time memory was, it would be time spent at Cragun's Resort!! Thanks Cragun's...we LOVE your resort!

DEBBIE – PINE RIVER, MN

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4. Yearly Family Christmas

We are looking forward to our third family Christmas celebration at Cragun's Resort. The group size varies from 29-35, depending on who can make it and ranges in age from 2-88. The youngsters look forward to the pool. My family enjoys many available amenities; spa, karaoke, track walking, games, sleigh ride and other activities.

We also have our own events of potluck, dice game, white elephant exchange, card games, gift exchanges and socializing.

Our family has celebrated at several hotels for over 15 years; our stays at Cragun's have been great and we look forward to more.

MAGGIE – HAM LAKE, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Karen of Ramsey, MN

2011-11-14T23:30:00.000-08:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Karen of Ramsey, MN. Elaine will be enjoying a three day, two night “Holiday Break Getaway” at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. This is the perfect time to gather with family and friends and enjoy the spirit of the season. Have a wonderful Holiday Break Getaway Karen!

Michele of North Mankato, MN

2011-11-14T23:00:00.000-08:00

Michele of North Mankato, MN and her family will be enjoying a four day, three night “Thanksgiving Family Holiday” at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. On Thursday, take pleasure in big screen football games, movies or swimming followed by our famous Thanksgiving Harvest Dinner. On Friday and Saturday delight in family entertainment, Cragun’s Walk of Lights and the one-of-a-kind Nisswa City of Lights festival featuring shopping, holiday carolers, hay rides and a fireworks display. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Family Holiday Michele!

70-Year-Old Dad Bobbing For Apples

2011-11-14T22:00:00.000-08:00

With 62% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "70-Year-Old Dad Bobbing For Apples" from Michele.

Life gives us brief moments with each other...but sometimes in those brief moments we get memories that last a lifetime.

I often wish that my children could spend more quality time with their grandparents. Cragun's made that wish come true! My mom couldn't believe that our room even had a fireplace in it! Our 14-year-old son golfed with his grandpa for the first time ever! Our 8-year-old daughter spent hours painting pumpkins for all of us. The highlight of the weekend was watching my 70-year-old dad bob for apples on the beach of Gull Lake! We laughed so hard, we had tears in our eyes!

We had so much fun - we cannot wait to plan another trip to Cragun's Resort to make more memories!

MICHELE – NORTH MANKATO, MN

2011-11-07T23:59:00.000-08:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. 70-Year-Old Dad Bobbing For Apples?
2. Last Thanksgiving at Cragun’s...Amazing?
3. Smiles On Every Ones Face?
4. Awesome Time For National Guard?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. 70-Year-Old Dad Bobbing For Apples

Life gives us brief moments with each other...but sometimes in those brief moments we get memories that last a lifetime.

I often wish that my children could spend more quality time with their grandparents. Cragun's made that wish come true! My mom couldn't believe that our room even had a fireplace in it! Our 14-year-old son golfed with his grandpa for the first time ever! Our 8-year-old daughter spent hours painting pumpkins for all of us. The highlight of the weekend was watching my 70-year-old dad bob for apples on the beach of Gull Lake! We laughed so hard, we had tears in our eyes!

We had so much fun - we cannot wait to plan another trip to Cragun's Resort to make more memories!

MICHELE – NORTH MANKATO, MN

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2. Last Thanksgiving at Cragun’s...Amazing

Over the past several years, I've been blessed to be able to resort to Cragun's various times. I have so many memories that I will never forget.

This last Thanksgiving my huge family (about 30 people) and I stayed at Cragun's. The Thanksgiving dinner was delicious! The turkey was absolutely amazing. It was the best turkey I have ever tasted. Chefs prepared the meal so we didn't have to do a single thing! It was great to just relax and have a splendid time with my family. We used the Sports Centre like crazy from football, to basketball to ping-pong tournaments!

LYNDSAY – STILLWATER, MN

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3. Smiles On Every Ones Face

I have been at Cragun's for conferences, a honeymoon, an anniversary, many Easter holidays and a Christmas holiday! I cannot say what time is my favorite; something always brings me back. It has been special each time. However, I must say my favorite common memory is being welcomed into the Cragun's Resort just like family by each and every staff member from check-in to check-out. How much better could it be spending time with co-workers, immediate family and extended family only to be welcomed by more family. I also love watching the smiles on every ones face as they enjoy the company and facilities; it gives me a peaceful feeling each time I think about past vacations and business trips!

SANDRA – ST. JOSEPH, MN

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4. Awesome Time For National Guard

We had an awesome time there for the National Guard meetings. It was very nice and relaxing the night before the meetings. We loved having a fire in the fireplace, using the hot tub and swimming. Listening to karaoke and kicking back with a cocktail. Everything was clearly marked and I felt so welcome! It made me feel so much more comfortable with the time I got to spend with my son there!! My son accidentally locked his keys in the car and the staff was very helpful and it was just a happy experience!! Keep up the good work. I would love to be able to come back there once more before he deploys, but money is tight right now.

MICHELLE – ELK RIVER, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Jennifer of Gonvick, MN

2011-11-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Jennifer of Gonvick, MN. Jennifer will be enjoying a four day, three night “Thanksgiving Family Holiday” at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. On Thursday, enjoy big screen football games, movies or swimming followed by our famous Thanksgiving Harvest Dinner. On Friday and Saturday enjoy family entertainment, Cragun’s Walk of Lights and the one-of-a-kind Nisswa City of Lights festival featuring shopping, holiday carolers, hay rides and a fireworks display. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Family Holiday Jennifer!

Register To Win Free Vacation Packages!

2011-11-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

We’re celebrating 71 years of making friends and vacation memories and starting our biggest winter vacation giveaway today. Click here to learn more about Cragun’s “Make A Memory Vacation” Sweepstakes and Contest with 50 chances to win a free vacation to Cragun's this season!

Peter of Fox Point, WI

2011-11-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Peter of Fox Point, Wisconsin! Your contest entry received the most votes in last week's poll so you will be enjoying a three day, two night spa package at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. The pampering features a face massage, a Sole Sensations foot and lower leg treatment and a 60-minute Full Body Relaxation Massage for two adults. Plus, Cragun's full resort amenities are at your disposal, including a huge heated indoor pool, whirlpools and sauna. Play in the 22,000 sq. ft. indoor Sports Centre with tennis, basketball, running track, exercise room and games area. Come relax and enjoy your spa experience Peter!

Nature At Extremes

2011-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

With 42% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Nature At Extremes" from Peter.

I was there only one time and it was in the fall when all the leaves were changing, but it was an unseasonably warm day in the 80's!! The next day was in the 30's and we loved it! To see nature at it's extremes and not have to climb mountains or anything. Awesome!

PETER – FOX POINT, WI

2011-10-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Big One Got Away?
2. Nature At Extremes?
3. Spa Was Amazing?
4. Wonderful Honeymoon?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Big One Got Away!

Fall Getaway 2010

MIKE – NEW PRAGUE, MN

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2. Nature At Extremes

I was there only one time and it was in the fall when all the leaves were changing, but it was an unseasonably warm day in the 80's!! The next day was in the 30's and we loved it! To see nature at it's extremes and not have to climb mountains or anything. Awesome!

PETER – FOX POINT, WI

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3. Spa Was Amazing

We had a great girls' weekend at Cragun's three years ago! The spa was amazing and our cabin was perfect overlooking the beautiful lake. We had a blast and made great memories! I hope to bring my family to Cragun's I know my boys would have a blast!

JAMIE – ROSEVILLE, MN

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4. Wonderful Honeymoon

My husband and I went to Cragun's for our honeymoon. It was the most enjoyable experience we have ever had at a resort. The spa was fantastic and we were treated like royalty. The Hot Stone massage that my husband got and the Sea Salt massage I received was so wonderful and relaxing that we have been talking about it ever since. The fireplace was romantic. The view of the lake from our room was perfect. The restaurant was great as well. We really had a wonderful honeymoon. Thank you Cragun's!

DIANE – DILWORTH, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Connie of Blaine, MN

2011-10-24T23:30:00.000-07:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Connie of Blaine, MN. Connie and a friend will be enjoying a three day, two night “Girlfriends Spa Package” at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. The “Girlfriends Spa Package” is a special way to get away to the beautiful lake country with friends. Have a great time Connie!

Tammy of Golden Valley, MN

2011-10-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

Tammy of Golden Valley, MN will be enjoying a three day, two night “Ahhhh Spa Getaway Package” at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. Relax and enjoy your spa experience Tammy!

Mother Son Weekend

2011-10-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

With 53% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Mother Son Weekend" from Tammy.

Last fall my son and I visited Cragun’s to have our first "mom/son weekend".

(My daughter and I have had mom/daughter weekend several times with Girl Scouts and he was beginning to feel left out).

It was a chilly fall weekend, and I was nervous we wouldn't have much to do. Much to our delight, there was a Halloween Carnival. We played games and decorated pumpkins. My son had so much fun, he was running from one station to the next to see how many tickets he could win. My face hurt from smiling so much.

Our evenings were spent swimming, sitting in the hot tub and playing ping pong.

The best part of the weekend was when my son and I were cuddling by the outdoor fire pit. He said it was the best weekend he ever had and I am the best mommy in the whole world.

Thank you Cragun’s for creating a destination for people to come and turn off all the noise of daily life and just simply relax and enjoy the moment.

I know my son and I will never forget our weekend, it was indeed one of the best weekends ever!

TAMMY – GOLDEN VALLEY, MN

2011-10-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Mother Son Weekend?
2. Most Peaceful Day?
3. Laughing Til’ Our Bellies Hurt?
4. Fall Colors on Beautiful Blue Lake?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Mother Son Weekend

Last fall my son and I visited Cragun’s to have our first "mom/son weekend".

(My daughter and I have had mom/daughter weekend several times with Girl Scouts and he was beginning to feel left out).

It was a chilly fall weekend, and I was nervous we wouldn't have much to do. Much to our delight, there was a Halloween Carnival. We played games and decorated pumpkins. My son had so much fun, he was running from one station to the next to see how many tickets he could win. My face hurt from smiling so much.

Our evenings were spent swimming, sitting in the hot tub and playing ping pong.

The best part of the weekend was when my son and I were cuddling by the outdoor fire pit. He said it was the best weekend he ever had and I am the best mommy in the whole world.

Thank you Cragun’s for creating a destination for people to come and turn off all the noise of daily life and just simply relax and enjoy the moment.

I know my son and I will never forget our weekend, it was indeed one of the best weekends ever!

TAMMY – GOLDEN VALLEY, MN

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2. Most Peaceful Day

Our first time at Cragun's was in the fall of 2010. We stay with our two children for a fall getaway weekend. It may be the last family getaway we have as our son is now 20 and being deployed in March. Pray for peace.

GREG – MOORHEAD, MN

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3. Laughing Til’ Our Bellies Hurt

My favorite Cragun's memory is from about 5 years ago, a girls' weekend in the fall. It was so nice, beautiful and relaxing. We ate good food and read magazines all weekend laughing til' our bellies hurt. We are all married and have children now so I cherish that memory.

JANINE – MAPLEWOOD, MN

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4. Fall Colors on Beautiful Blue Lake

My husband and I went to Cragun's in the evening when it was dark and rainy we could not see anything out our window. We had the fireplace going, it was so nice and warm on a cool fall night. When morning came, we opened the curtains and could not believe our eyes, it was out of this world, the fall colors on the beautiful blue lake. We tell everyone what a great time we had!

MARIE – EDEN PRAIRIE, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Outhith of Brooklyn Park, MN

2011-10-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Outhith of Brooklyn Park, MN. Outhith will be enjoying a three day, two night “Ahhhh Spa Getaway Package” at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. Relax and enjoy your spa experience Outhith!

Jen of Burnsville, MN

2011-10-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

Jen of Burnsville, MN and her family will be enjoying 2-nights up at the lake this fall. Fun activities include bonfire and marshmallow roasts, huge indoor heated pool, saunas, whirlpool, games area, fitness center, basketball, canoes and more! Plus, the first round of golf on Legacy Reversible Par 3 course is included. Have fun FIRST!

Fall Get Away From The Stresses

2011-10-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

With 54% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Fall Get Away From The Stresses" from Jen.

My husband, 18 year old daughter and I don't have much time together as a family due to our conflicting work and school schedules. We had the opportunity to get away to Cragun's for a weekend last fall and even brought one of our daughters' friends. It was great to see the girls enjoy themselves away from computers and cell phones and just laughing and relaxing. My husband and I also enjoyed some R&R from the stresses of work life and Cragun's made it easy to do just that!

JEN – BURNSVILLE, MN

2011-10-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Loved All The Activities?
2. 5th Wedding Anniversary?
3. Fall Get Away From The Stresses?
4. Relaxing Hot Stone Massage?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Loved All The Activities

Our first Cragun's Resort vacation... fabulous is all I can say. Loved all the activities for the family.

AMY – ST. CLOUD, MN

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2. 5th Wedding Anniversary

My husband and I recently celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary at Cragun's. We started our day with an early lunch overlooking one of the beautiful golf courses. Soon after we found ourselves on hole #1 on the 5- star Dutch course, one of the most spectacular courses I have ever played. After dinner that evening, we took a walk and found an abandoned camp fire still burning. We cuddled up and enjoyed the beautiful night! We couldn't have had a better day together!

JENNI – PRIOR LAKE, MN

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3. Fall Get Away From The Stresses

My husband, 18 year old daughter and I don't have much time together as a family due to our conflicting work and school schedules. We had the opportunity to get away to Cragun's for a weekend last fall and even brought one of our daughters' friends. It was great to see the girls enjoy themselves away from computers and cell phones and just laughing and relaxing. My husband and I also enjoyed some R&R from the stresses of work life and Cragun's made it easy to do just that!

JEN – BURNSVILLE, MN

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4. Relaxing Hot Stone Massage

My fiance's family has been going to Cragun's for about 20 years now (the Dodge's) and three weeks ago was my first time going with them. Needless to say, Cragun's by far exceeded my expectations. Even with the Dodge's rave reviews. While they went golfing, my fiance spoiled me with a one hour hot stone massage at the spa. Within minutes I was in a deep relaxing trance listening to classical music. The massage therapist was very soothing, kind and extremely professional. That was my favorite memory thus far and hope to have many more to come!

MARY – COON RAPIDS, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Ann of Minnetonka, MN

2011-10-10T23:30:00.000-07:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Ann of Minnetonka, MN. Ann and her family will be enjoying 2-nights up at the lake this fall. Fun activities include bonfire and marshmallow roasts, huge indoor heated pool, saunas, whirlpool, games area, fitness center, basketball, canoes and more! Plus, the first round of golf on Legacy Reversible Par 3 course is included. Have fun Ann!

Erin of Duluth, MN

2011-10-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

Erin of Duluth, MN and her family will also be enjoying 2-nights up at the lake this fall. Fun activities include bonfire and marshmallow roasts, huge indoor heated pool, saunas, whirlpool, games area, fitness center, basketball, canoes and more! Plus, the first round of golf on Legacy Reversible Par 3 course is included. Have fun Erin!

If Daddy Came, We Could Live Here

2011-10-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

With 44% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "If Daddy Came, We Could Live Here" from Erin.

We visited Cragun's for the first time this fall for a weekend with my two daughters (ages 1 yr and 3 yrs) and my mom. My sister also had a "girl's weekend" with three of her high school friends, so we were all able to get together throughout the weekend. Everything was great! My girls loved the family activities from the moment we arrived with the live music at the welcome dinner, horse drawn trolley rides, fall fun activities on the beach, bonfire, wild animal show, and at least three trips to the swimming pool. My three year old said that if daddy came with us we could live here! We will definitely return for a longer vacation in the future.

ERIN – DULUTH, MN

2011-10-03T23:59:00.000-07:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. If Daddy Came, We Could Live Here?
2. Kissing The Fish?
3. Fall Girlfriends Getaway?
4. Time Away With Family?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. If Daddy Came, We Could Live Here

We visited Cragun's for the first time this fall for a weekend with my two daughters (ages 1yr and 3yrs) and my mom. My sister also had a "girl's weekend" with three of her high school friends, so we were all able to get together throughout the weekend. Everything was great! My girls loved the family activities from the moment we arrived with the live music at the welcome dinner, horse drawn trolley rides, fall fun activities on the beach, bonfire, wild animal show, and at least three trips to the swimming pool. My three year old said that if daddy came with us we could live here! We will definitely return for a longer vacation in the future.

ERIN – DULUTH, MN

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2. Kissing The Fish

Our family went to Cragun's last fall and had a great time! The kids couldn't get enough of the beach, feeding the ducks or fishing. My little one was almost three at the time of our trip. One of her favorite toys was a pretend fishing pole...she would catch her plastic fish, then proceed to hug and kiss it before she threw it back to catch again. Our family often questioned if she would do the same thing with a REAL fish...we got our answer fishing off the dock at Cragun's... Yes, she did the same thing! It was very cute!

PAM – WEST ST. PAUL, MN

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3. Fall Girlfriends Getaway

We all arrived on Friday night beat from getting our families ready for our departure. Then, we all totally relax and unwind in front of the bonfire. We sat by the fire with a glass of wine or hot chocolate, swapping stories and enjoying the cool brisk fall air.

RENEE – MINNETONKA, MN

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4. Time Away With Family

My favorite memory of Cragun’s was when we visited there in the fall as the beautiful leaves were at the peak of changing colors. It was so beautiful on the resort grounds and especially on the golf course. With a busy family it is so precious to be able to spend time away with no outside distractions. The staff there was wonderful we would love to have the chance to visit again soon.

JULIE – ROSEVILLE, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Jim of Minneapolis, MN

2011-10-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Jim of Minneapolis, MN. Jim will be enjoying a two-day, one-night Legacy Golf Package at one of the “Best Places to Play.” Golf Digest ranked the Dutch Legacy 5-Stars and says “Superb...golf at its absolute best...Pay any price to play at least once in your life.” Enjoy your golf getaway Jim!

Lora of Maple Grove, MN

2011-10-03T23:00:00.000-07:00

Lora of Maple Grove, MN and her family will be enjoying 2-nights up at the lake this fall. Fun activities include bonfire and marshmallow roasts, huge indoor heated pool, saunas, whirlpool, games area, fitness center, basketball, canoes and more! Plus, the first round of golf on Legacy Reversible Par 3 course is included. Have fun Lora!

Feeding The Ducks

2011-10-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

With 29% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Feeding The Ducks" from Lora.

Our children loved feeding the ducks each morning! We began to name some of them during our stay.

LORA – MAPLE GROVE, MN

2011-09-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Feeding The Ducks?
2. Sisters Weekend”?
3. Kayaking Adventure?
4. Trails...Leaves...Pumpkins?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Feeding The Ducks

Our children loved feeding the ducks each morning! We began to name some of them during our stay.

LORA – MAPLE GROVE, MN

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2. “Sisters Weekend”

We had a great "Sisters Weekend" and the Karoke Bar was alot of fun!

KATHLEEN – INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN

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3. Kayaking Adventure

I don't have a photo, but oh how I wish I do! We (my husband, son (7), and I) had gotten up early to go down to the Marina to go paddle boating. My husband decided to go kayaking instead. As we're approaching the water he says, "here, will you hold my glasses and wallet in your purse?" "Do you plan on falling in?" I jokingly replied. "No!" He said with a grin.

He had never been kayaking before. With a kiss and a "stay safe," we were off, my son and I in the paddle boat and my husband in the kayak.

We stayed near one another for quite some time. Enjoying the peaceful morning. After a while, my husband got a bit cocky (since he could now master the kayak). He rowed faster...he turned more...until finally he...SPLASH! Right in he went as the kayak fully tipped over. The best part was that he couldn't get it flipped back over. He climbed on the side of the paddle boat and nearly tipped US over! We finally all made it safely back to shore. What a memory :)

DAWN – CHASKA, MN

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4. Trails...Leaves...Pumpkins

One of our families first vacation was to Cragun's Resort last fall. The kids loved to walk to trails and look at all the colored leaves. They had fun decorating their pumpkins and were totally stoked when we got to take them home and set them in front of our house! We really enjoyed our time there and hope to come back soon.

JILL – NICOLLET, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Therese of Cottage Grove, MN

2011-09-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Therese of Cottage Grove, MN. Therese and her family will be enjoying a three-day, two-night Fall Fun Weekend package at Cragun’s. Autumn is the ideal time for families and friends to get together to enjoy one last getaway. Savor the cool, crisp weather and enjoy the spectacular fall beauty of our northern lake country. Cragun’s makes it fun and affordable with planned indoor and outdoor activities. Have fun at the lake Therese!

Mike of Winona, MN

2011-09-26T23:00:00.000-07:00

Mike of Winona, MN and his family will be enjoying 2-nights up at the lake this fall. Fun activities include bonfire and marshmallow roasts, huge indoor heated pool, saunas, whirlpool, games area, fitness center, basketball, canoes and more! Plus, the first round of golf on Legacy Reversible Par 3 course is included. Have fun Mike!

Most Enjoyable Vacation Ever

2011-09-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

With 40% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Most Enjoyable Vacation Ever" from Mike.

I'd like to thank you for one of the most memorable and enjoyable vacations ever! The guys at the marina and bait shop showed us on the lake map where the fishing was good. We took a few pictures of the fish, but we were catching so many, we were too busy baiting the hook and taking off fish to do much else other than enjoy the beautiful scenery, wonderful weather and the loons that were everywhere calling across the lake. The staff and security people were very friendly and helpful with our questions and needs. I felt very confident that my boat was safe tied to the dock in front of our room with security driving around the entire resort so frequently.

MIKE – WINONA, MN

2011-09-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Most Enjoyable Vacation Ever?
2. From Golf To Kayaking?
3. So Much Fun Just Us Girls?
4. Sitting Around The Campfire?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Most Enjoyable Vacation Ever

I'd like to thank you for one of the most memorable and enjoyable vacations ever! The guys at the marina and bait shop showed us on the lake map where the fishing was good. We took a few pictures of the fish, but we were catching so many, we were too busy baiting the hook and taking off fish to do much else other than enjoy the beautiful scenery, wonderful weather and the loons that were everywhere calling across the lake. The staff and security people were very friendly and helpful with our questions and needs. I felt very confident that my boat was safe tied to the dock in front of our room with security driving around the entire resort so frequently.

MIKE – WINONA, MN

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2. From Golf To Kayaking

After a long day of championship golf at Cragun’s, a couple of us decided to kayak for a while. We were already tired from golf, so kayaking for over an hour was pushing it. The video we took shown how Shawn struggled to get out when we were done - why didn't he fall in!!!

JONATHAN – RAYMORE, MO

P.S. The video was too big to send (126MB), so here is a pic.

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3. So Much Fun Just Us Girls

When my mom brought my daughter and I for a little fall getaway at Cragun’s. We had so much fun just us girls, when went to the spa, put in lots of swim time and just plain fun and relaxation. When we get the chance to get away for a weekend we always pick Cragun’s!! Great hospitality and service. Love it!!

LORA – BUFFALO, MN

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4. Sitting Around The Campfire

Sitting around the campfire with my three girls roasting marshmallows and s'mores looking at the pretty view from the campfire and pretty fall leaves.

THERSE – COTTAGE GROVE, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Jesse of Chisholm, MN

2011-09-19T23:30:00.000-07:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Jesse of Chisholm, MN. Jesse will be enjoying 2-nights up at the lake this fall. Fun activities include bonfire and marshmallow roasts, huge indoor heated pool, saunas, whirlpool, games area, fitness center, basketball, canoes and more! Plus, the first round of golf on Legacy Reversible Par 3 course is included. Have fun Jesse!

Betsy of Woodbury, MN

2011-09-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Betsy of Woodbury, MN and her family will be enjoying a three-day, two-night Fall Fun Weekend package at Cragun’s. Autumn is the ideal time for families and friends to get together to enjoy one last getaway. Savor the cool, crisp weather and enjoy the spectacular fall beauty of our northern lake country. Cragun’s makes it fun and affordable with planned indoor and outdoor activities. Have a great time Besty and family!

Watching Her Enjoy Something So Simple

2011-09-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

With 50% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Watching Her Enjoy Something So Simple" from Betsy.

Our family spent a fun-filled fall weekend at Cragun's last September. We had a great time and especially enjoyed the carriage ride around the resort and roasting marshmallows at the beach bonfire. But our 5-year-old daughter most enjoyed swinging on the giant swings on the beach! I snapped a picture of her flying high in the air on the swing, looking out over the lake. It was so much fun watching her enjoy something as simple as swinging!

BETSY – WOODBURY, MN

2011-09-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Watching Her Enjoy Something So Simple?
2. “Perfect” Wedding Venue?
3. Girls Spa Weekend?
4. MJ’s Special Spa Treatments?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Watching Her Enjoy Something So Simple

Our family spent a fun-filled fall weekend at Cragun's last September. We had a great time and especially enjoyed the carriage ride around the resort and roasting marshmallows at the beach bonfire. But our 5-year-old daughter most enjoyed swinging on the giant swings on the beach! I snapped a picture of her flying high in the air on the swing, looking out over the lake. It was so much fun watching her enjoy something as simple as swinging!

BETSY – WOODBURY, MN

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2. “Perfect” Wedding Venue

My husband and I were married seven and a half years ago at my family's cabin on Crosslake. We had our wedding reception at Cragun's. It was the perfect venue. The staff were great, we had perfect weather and the food was fantastic. We love to look at all of the beautiful photos we had taken out on the greens.

JEN – MONTROSE, MN

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3. Girls Spa Weekend

Last October I brought my daughter to Cragun's for the girls spa weekend to celebrate her 19th birthday. It was a great drive and a terrific thing to get us to be "friends" as adults. We played games on Friday night in which my daughter won prizes, the next morning went for spa day and totally had a great time. Took a nap and then went to go for wagon rides in the brisk air. Again, the best way for mother and daughter to relax together and get to be friends. Something we plan to do again soon. My daughter totally enjoyed herself and appreciated the fun you can have as an adult and be pampered and enjoy the company or your mom at the same time. Thanks for the memories.

PAM – RICHFIELD, MN

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4. MJ’s Special Spa Treatments

Out of all the memories I carry with me from our many annual family Labor Day Weekends at Cragun's, here's my own personal (as contrasted with 'family') favorite.

Massage is often considered a luxury — and I suppose it is. But each year I budget for a full body massage with MJ at Cragun's Spa, and each year I say a little thank-you to me for being so kind to myself. That luxury has become a self-affirmation — my way of patting myself on the back (with MJ's hands!) for putting away another year in good faith.

This year I added MJ's special foot exfoliation and massage, and I cannot put into words what a delight that was. Here, I am back at home, being my own ordinary self, and I'm walking on the feet of a princess!

Those feet and that pampered body will get me through whatever challenges the upcoming year has in store, and already I'm looking forward to next year's visit to Cragun's — and the spa.

SHAWN – BLOOMINGTON, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Kristin of Cottage Grove, MN

2011-09-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Kristin of Cottage Grove, MN. Kristin will be enjoying a three-day, two-night Fall Fun Weekend package at Cragun’s. Autumn is the ideal time for families and friends to get together to enjoy one last getaway. Savor the cool, crisp weather and enjoy the spectacular fall beauty of our northern lake country. Cragun’s makes it fun and affordable with planned indoor and outdoor activities. Have a great time Kristin and family!

Andrew of Medina, MN

2011-09-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Andrew of Medina, MN and his family will be enjoying 2-nights up at the lake this fall in a 1-bedroom cabin. Cragun's cabins are located on or overlooking our huge sandy beach, playground and picnic area with grills and fire rings. There’s a HUGE indoor pool, saunas, whirlpool, indoor Sports Centre, hiking and biking trails and the first round of golf on Legacy Reversible Par 3 course is included. Have fun at the lake this fall Andrew!

"Cragun’s 2011"

2011-09-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

With 42% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Cragun’s 2011" from Andrew.

We had our annual family week long trip to Cragun’s. The video montage is of the entire family enjoying Cragun’s and saying "Cragun’s 2011!" in various capacities.

ANDREW – MEDINA, MN

2011-09-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Ladies Weekend?
2. “Cragun’s 2011”?
3. The “Neighborhood”?
4. Fall Getaway With The Boys?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Ladies Weekend

We were just up to the resort and have come up for the past four years. We enjoy spending a 'Ladies Weekend Away' every year where we go boating, golfing, head to the spa, and sing karaoke. We look forward to coming every year!

MELISSA – ROSEMOUNT, MN

P.S. A beautiful sunrise picture, taken from the deck of our cabin...we’re having so much fun, we don’t go to bed until the sun comes up!

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2. “Cragun’s 2011”

We had our annual family week long trip to Cragun’s. The video montage is of the entire family enjoying Cragun’s and saying "Cragun’s 2011!" in various capacities.

ANDREW – MEDINA, MN

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3. The “Neighborhood”

Our favorite Cragun's memory is the same one every year...

Where we live for 51 weeks of the year is very nice, but our house is on a small dead end street off a rather busy road. There are no other kids on our street and our kids cannot get to anywhere on their own. We don't really have a neighborhood.

The first time we came to Cragun's it was a whole new world for them. They could walk out of the cabin and find other kids playing on the beach...best friends within hours. By our second summer they could walk to the playground on their own, play with other kids until I hollered for them at dinnertime and then play flashlight tag on the beach until bedtime.

Eight summers later their independence is still such a treat for them. They scooter around on their own, encounter new kids every day and wander around freely having wonderful adventures.

My friends often ask why we keep coming back to Cragun's and for eight years my answer has been the same. For one week out the year, Cragun's is the neighborhood we wish we lived in.

LISA – EDINA, MN

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4. Fall Getaway With The Boys

Last fall we decided at the last minute to take a quick weekend get away as a family. We took advantage of all of the activities that Cragun’s had to offer. We took a beautiful pontoon ride and saw all the leaves at their peak of color. We had a wonderful round of golf where the leaves were also at their peak of beauty!! The best part about the trip was that our teenage boys actually participated in all of the family stuff and even did it with smiles on their faces!!

JULIE – ROSEVILLE, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Rose of Prior Lake, MN

2011-09-05T23:30:00.000-07:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Rose of Prior Lake, MN. Rose and her family will be enjoying 2-nights up at the lake this fall in a 1-bedroom cabin. Cragun's cabins are located on or overlooking our huge sandy beach, playground and picnic area with grills and fire rings. There’s a HUGE indoor pool, saunas, whirlpool, indoor Sports Centre, hiking and biking trails and the first round of golf on Legacy Reversible Par 3 course is included. Have fun at the lake this fall Rose!

Pat of Waite Park, MN

2011-09-05T23:00:00.000-07:00

Pat of Waite Park, MN and his family will be enjoying a two-day, one-night Legacy Golf Package at one of the “Best Places to Play.” Golf Digest ranked the Dutch Legacy 5-Stars and says “Superb...golf at its absolute best...Pay any price to play at least once in your life.” Enjoy your vacation Pat!

End of the Summer Bash + the Surprise

2011-09-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

With 60% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "End of the Summer Bash + the Surprise" from Pat.

We decided that we needed an end of the summer get together with our "getting to be adult" kids and their significant others. So we planned out first annual "Brown - End of the Summer Bash" at Cragun's Resort. This would be our first time staying at Cragun's and were very excited about all the activities that would be available. We sent out emails, text messages and phone calls planning our event. We decided to "help" our daughter from Arizona make the trip home even though her husband would not be able to take time off of work to join us. The other three kids live close and two would be bringing boyfriends to join us in our family fun. Well, our son-in-law got time off and a great deal on airline tickets and was coming too. This was great and we all were excited we'd ALL be together.

Well, the surprise came when finally our daughter and son-in-law joined us late Saturday after a long ordeal of finally getting to the resort. The "hi's" and "how are you's" were interrupted by cards to all of us from them. The card was a "Save the Date" card because there was going to be an addition to our great family next April...yes our surprise was the announcement of our first grandchild!

What a wonderful weekend we had playing golf, pontooning, paddle boat and hydro-biking, eating and sharing stories of the past and future around the bonfire.

We hope to spend many more years having "surprises" at Cragun's!

PAT – WAITE PARK, MN

2011-08-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. End of the Summer Bash + the Surprise?
2. Catching Two Fish at One Time?
3. Cragun’s In the Fall?
4. Mother Son Weekend?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. End of the Summer Bash + the Surprise

We decided that we needed an end of the summer get together with our "getting to be adult" kids and their significant others. So we planned out first annual "Brown - End of the Summer Bash" at Cragun's Resort. This would be our first time staying at Cragun's and were very excited about all the activities that would be available. We sent out emails, text messages and phone calls planning our event. We decided to "help" our daughter from Arizona make the trip home even though her husband would not be able to take time off of work to join us. The other three kids live close and two would be bringing boyfriends to join us in our family fun. Well, our son-in-law got time off and a great deal on airline tickets and was coming too. This was great and we all were excited we'd ALL be together.

Well, the surprise came when finally our daughter and son-in-law joined us late Saturday after a long ordeal of finally getting to the resort. The "hi's" and "how are you's" were interrupted by cards to all of us from them. The card was a "Save the Date" card because there was going to be an addition to our great family next April...yes our surprise was the announcement of our first grandchild!

What a wonderful weekend we had playing golf, pontooning, paddle boat and hydro-biking, eating and sharing stories of the past and future around the bonfire.

We hope to spend many more years having "surprises" at Cragun's!

PAT – WAITE PARK, MN

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2. Catching Two Fish at One Time

My daughter catching two fish at one time! Funny and weird! And that same day, my hubby caught a fish with the tackle he lost the day before.

ANN – BLAINE, MN

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3. Cragun’s In the Fall

Cragun's in the fall is great. That was the first time my wife and I went to the resort back in 2005. We had a great time there. The last time it was in the winter and we went for walks. There is just so much to do there for all ages and now that we have kids, we have taken them there so they can have fun and meet people. There is no place I would rather be than at Cragun's. The staff is wonderful and always do their best to make sure your stay is enjoyable. I thank Cragun's for making long lasting memories that I will cherish as I grow old!

TIM – ALBERTVILLE, MN

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4. Mother Son Weekend

Last fall my son and I visited Cragun’s to have our first "mom/son weekend".

(My daughter and I have had mom/daughter weekend several times with Girl Scouts and he was beginning to feel left out).

It was a chilly fall weekend, and I was nervous we wouldn't have much to do. Much to our delight, there was a Halloween Carnival. We played games and decorated pumpkins. My son had so much fun, he was running from one station to the next to see how many tickets he could win. My face hurt from smiling so much.

Our evenings were spent swimming, sitting in the hot tub, and playing ping-pong.

The best part of the weekend was when my son and I were cuddling by the outdoor fire pit. He said it was the best weekend he ever had, and I am the best mommy in the whole world.

Thank you Cragun’s for creating a destination for people to come and turn off all the noise of daily life and just simply relax and enjoy the moment.

I know my son and I will never forget our weekend, it was indeed one of the best weekends ever!

TAMMY – GOLDEN VALLEY, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Denise of Fridley, MN

2011-08-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Denise of Fridley, MN. Denise will be enjoying a two-day, one-night Legacy Golf Package at one of the “Best Places to Play.” Golf Digest ranked the Dutch Legacy 5-Stars and says “Superb...golf at its absolute best...Pay any price to play at least once in your life.”

Lisa of Excelsior, MN

2011-08-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

Lisa of Excelsior, MN and her family will be enjoying a three-day, two-night Fall Fun Weekend package at Cragun’s. Autumn is the ideal time for families and friends to get together to enjoy one last getaway. Savor the cool, crisp weather and enjoy the spectacular fall beauty of our northern lake country. Cragun’s makes it fun and affordable with planned indoor and outdoor activities. Have a great time Lisa and family!

Cousins Getting Together

2011-08-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

With 73% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Cousins Getting Together" from Lisa.

Bringing cousins from California together with the Minnesota cousins at Cragun’s is the best. All 10 kids got to learn to fish, swim, tube and enjoy our beautiful summers. And the adults and grandparents did not have to cook! Now the California cousins are going to college....in Minnesota!

LISA – EXCELSIOR, MN

2011-08-22T23:59:00.000-07:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Perfect Fun Family Vacation?
2. Cousins Getting Together?
3. Great Golf?
4. Many Wonderful Times?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Perfect Fun Family Vacation

Weather cannot bum out your family vacation while staying at Cragun’s.

Rain hit hard bringing mosquitoes and humidity, but the fun teen camps mixed with indoor pool fun making new friends was rewarding and the perfect way to slow down and relax! Comfortable rooms, friendly service and plenty of activities to keep us busy -- perfect!

Hearing the loons each evening along with our fantastic meals was soothing -- thank you Cragun’s!

COLENE – MONTROSE, MN

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2. Cousins Getting Together

Bringing cousins from California together with the Minnesota cousins at Cragun’s is the best. All 10 kids got to learn to fish, swim, tube and enjoy our beautiful summers. And the adults and grandparents did not have to cook! Now the California cousins are going to college....in Minnesota!

LISA – EXCELSIOR, MN

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3. Great Golf

Great golf at Bobby's with my best bud. 36 on Friday, 36 on Saturday and 18 on Sunday. Amazing weekend, great weather, food and location. Thanks!

CABOT – EDINA, MN

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4. Many Wonderful Times

How many vacations have we all taken and felt we didn't get what we were expecting? At Cragun's I can remember the first time, and it was a long time ago. The feeling of being important to them is your first impression and your last. They go so far out of their way to see to all your needs, you wonder if you're not the only one there. It's a place that offers so much that at times it’s amazing how they do it. I can tell you of many wonderful days, but to really know what it is go there, and then I will quit bragging about how wonderful it is.

RICK – ROCKFORD, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Michael of Litchfield, MN

2011-08-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Michael of Litchfield, MN. Michael and his family will be enjoying a three day, two night, Summer Saver Package. It's family fun at an incredible value. Swim in Cragun's HUGE indoor pool, soak in the whirlpool, schedule a spa appointment - just relax and enjoy! You’ll finish your getaway adventure relaxed and reconnected knowing you made memories that will last a lifetime. Have fun at the lake Michael!

Jeanette of Crookston, MN

2011-08-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

Jeanette of Crookston, MN and her family will be enjoying a three day, two night, Summer Saver Package. It's family fun at an incredible value. Swim in Cragun's HUGE indoor pool, soak in the whirlpool, schedule a spa appointment - just relax and enjoy! You’ll finish your getaway adventure relaxed and reconnected knowing you made memories that will last a lifetime. Have fun feeding the ducks Jeanette!

Something For Everybody

2011-08-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

With 59% of the votes, the winner of last week’s "Favorite Cragun's Memory" poll was "Something For Everybody" from Jeanette.

Some of our family came down to stay at my brother's cabin, but it was so unbearably hot and he didn't have air conditioning! So we got on the phone and we called Cragun's and sure enough, they had rooms for all of us! So we packed the car and got there as fast as we could! The kids had so much fun doing all of the activities! Feeding the ducks was really a hit! I even got my husband out for a canoe ride! There was something for everybody to do! It was awesome. And the staff was always so helpful and caring! Dutch even came over and talked to us! We decided that next year, we would rent a cabin and stay the whole week there!! Thanks for saving our vacation!!

JEANETTE – CROOKSTON, MN

2011-08-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

Cragun's
"Making Friends & Fun Memories For 71 Years"

What's Your Favorite Cragun's Memory?

1. Labor Day...Tubing, Swimming, Hanging?
2. Something For Everybody?
3. Making Horse Noises ?
4. Wonderful Moments By The Water?
(Cast Your Vote Below)

Have another favorite Cragun's memory? (submit here)

1. Labor Day...Tubing, Swimming, Hanging

Last summer my family took our first family vacation together where all of us were able to make it! We hung out for four days over Labor Day weekend... tubing, swimming, hanging around the bonfire, and just enjoying each other's company.

The most hilarious part of the vacation was tubing behind the pontoon. Lots of great pics were taken, including the one below. (I was scared, OK?! ha-ha!)

ERIN – MINNEAPOLIS, MN

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2. Something For Everybody

Some of our family came down to stay at my brother's cabin, but it was so unbearably hot and he didn't have air conditioning! So we got on the phone and we called Cragun's and sure enough, they had rooms for all of us! So we packed the car and got there as fast as we could! The kids had so much fun doing all of the activities! Feeding the ducks was really a hit! I even got my husband out for a canoe ride! There was something for everybody to do! It was awesome. And the staff was always so helpful and caring! Dutch even came over and talked to us! We decided that next year, we would rent a cabin and stay the whole week there!! Thanks for saving our vacation!!

JEANETTE – CROOKSTON, MN

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3. Making Horse Noises

We brought our three boys to Cragun's last summer, and they loved it. They were so excited to go on the horse and wagon ride. Unfortunately, they made horse noises the entire time, but they did get quite a few laughs from other guests that we rode by. Thanks Cragun’s Resort, we had a really good time!

ALYSIA – ST. JOSEPH, MN

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4. Wonderful Moments By The Water

We had our two military adult kids with us and we spent family time away from the stress of having one's life on the line for one's country instead getting to enjoy water, waves, and wonderful food. Our kids told us it's their favorite place anywhere in Minnesota and what can be better than to relax at a great resort and forget the guns and guts it takes to stand shoulder to shoulder to protect our freedom to have those wonderful moments by the water at Cragun's.

KELLY – MINNEAPOLIS, MN

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CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY!

Sondra of Sauk Rapids, MN

2011-08-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

This week's lucky sweepstakes winner is Sondra of Sauk Rapids, MN. Sondra and her family will be enjoying a three day, two night, Summer Saver Package. It's family fun at an incredible value. Swim in Cragun's HUGE indoor pool, soak in the whirlpool, schedule a spa appointment - just relax and enjoy! You’ll finish your getaway adventure relaxed and reconnected knowing you made memories that will last a lifetime. Have fun at the lake Sondra!

Jeremy of Rochester, MN

2011-08-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

Jeremy of Rochester, MN and his family will be enjoying a four-day, three-night Labor Day Weekend Package filled with family fun on the lakes, links and outdoors. It’s the kind of getaway you remember long after the summer is over. Have fun fishing with your son and watching Landon playing at the beach Jeremy!