Whether it was for a wedding party, a corporate event, or if you were just looking for a good time, Destiny Cruises were a great way to enjoy Gull Lake. Although Destiny Cruises recently sold their business, the party boat isn’t going too far as it was purchased by Cragun’s Resort.

“We were approached toward the end of the year by the current owners of Destiny Cruises, and they were wondering if we were interested in purchasing their business as well as the boat,” Eric Peterson, Cragun’s Resort General Manager, said. “As we looked into it, we thought it would be a great fit for the resort.”

The first order of business for Cragun’s was to change the name.

“We are going to change the name to Gull Lake Cruises,” Peterson said. “It’s more applicable to the area, and better for everybody to be aware of what it’s all about, but we will be doing the same type of cruises.”

Gull Lake Cruises will host private events for groups trying to get away on the lake as well as many public themed events for anyone that wants to enjoy the massive boat.

“It’s a wonderful boat, it can hold 120 passengers,” Peterson said. “It has a lower level that is completely weather proof in a controlled environment, as well as a great upper deck.”

The boat is currently being covered for storage in the winter, but once the summer hits, Cragun’s plans on adding an awning to the top deck to make the entire vessel weather proof.

“So, the upper deck will actually have sides on it, zipper sides,” Peterson said. “We’ll have heaters upstairs, so rain or shine we will be able to get out on the lake.”

Cragun’s newest amenity brings back memories of when Dutch Cragun had his own party boat.

“Years ago, Dutch Cragun had what was called the ‘Naughty Gull,’” Peterson said. “It was not quite the size as this vessel, but it was the same kind of concept, so we are excited to bring it back.”

Now they just have to wait for the snow to melt.

Gull Lake Cruises is accepting reservations for the summer, and they expect to be fully operating by Memorial Day.

By — Anthony Scott