In 1934, Merrill K. Cragun Sr. and his wife, Louise, embarked on a journey by registering the name of Paul Bunyan Inc. Their vision was to cultivate and boost tourism in central Minnesota, with a special focus on the breathtaking Brainerd Lakes region. They achieved remarkable success in this endeavor until their lives were touched by the European Conflict in 1939.

The Paul Bunyan venture ignited Merrill and Louise’s passion for resort development, and in 1940, they constructed a handful of cabins at the site. The original lodge took shape in 1945, with the war years posing considerable challenges. Yet, their unwavering determination prevailed, and by the close of 1947, they had realized their vision, boasting a lodge and 12 cabins—one of the first Gull Lake resorts.

Louise Cragun assumed the operational reins of the property, with support from her father-in-law, Virgil Cragun, while Merrill Sr. held a full-time position in the Twin Cities and visited on weekends. The resort’s “season” spanned from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and a young Merrill Jr., affectionately known as “Dutch,” embarked on his first job at the age of nine—in charge of worms and minnows!