Course History:
"America's Best New Upscale Public Golf Course" -- Golf Digest 2005

Discover the scenic beauty of the new 18-hole Wilderness at Fortune Bay, part of Northern Minnesota’s premiere vacation destination at Fortune Bay Resort Casino. Carved from the beautiful landscape surrounding the shores of Lake Vermilion, the course offers some of the most scenic panoramas of any Midwest golf resort. But don’t be too drawn in by its dramatic views, this Minnesota golf getaway can serve up some of the most challenging play you’ve ever experienced.

Designed by Texas golf course architect Jeffrey D. Brauer, The Wilderness measures 7,207 from the back tees, giving long hitters all they can handle. With fours sets of tees, golfers of all abilities can pick a challenge best suited to their skill level. In addition, all carts at The Wilderness come equipped with a GPS system designed to maintain a sufficient pace of play and enhance the experience of those playing the course for the first time.

Located just hours North of the Twin Cities, few areas in Minnesota can match the scenic beauty of Tower and the Iron Trail region. Spectacular views of Lake Vermillion atop a high granite ridge are just one of the many wonders to discover at The Wilderness. The surrounding woodlands make for an enjoyable experience even on days when par is rare.

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay with its vast array of amenities is also the perfect venue for outings and special events. This Minnesota resort features comfortable accommodations, casual dining, pool, fitness center, game room, a newly remodeled casino and much more. For your next Midwest golf getaway, just head North and experience all that The Wilderness at Fortune Bay has to offer for yourself.

Course Description:
The view from the tees of the par-4, 464-yard 6th hole named “The Bear” is spectacular. From this point you can see across the eighth fairway below you, and beyond that to the large wetland and Lake Vermilion. The #1 handicap hole on the course, this is a long and uphill hole, making it difficult and a test of strength, in contrast to its surrounding holes. Play directly at the larger fairway bunker, or with a draw for more distance. Your approach should avoid missing left. Favor missing the right, where a comfortable chipping area exists. The last challenge is a rolling green.

The signature par-4, 340-yard 13th hole named “The Muskellunge”, located alongside the shores of Lake Vermillion. A big hitter could reach this short par 4, but your options include deciding just how much of the lake you can carry. The fairway gets narrower the farther you carry and a bunker pinches in from the right. The approach is difficult from any distance. The green is small and well guarded, but may be most difficult from just in front or right of the green. Sightings of ducks, loons, eagles, and ospreys are common here along the lake.

The most challenging hole on the back nine is the par-5, 540-yard 16th hole, named The Eagle.” There are some easy to carry fairway bunkers off the tee, which define the line of play. The fun begins on the second shot, which may, despite the hole’s length, allow you to reach this hole in two shots. The fairway splits into an upper and lower. Play the upper above the rock outcropping to get a significant downhill “assist” in reaching the postage stamp green. Alternately, play safely down the lower left approach and leave yourself with an intimidating uphill pitch. The green is perched high above the surrounding terrain, and offers a spectacular view across the large pond on #8 and the wetland beyond.

The par-4, 473-yard 18th is a strong finishing hole featuring the most difficult approach shot on the course. A wide fairway encourages long tee shots, which you will need. The approach must negotiate a pond on the left, and a bunker back right. There is an adequate bail out area for the timid to the front right of the green. Discretion may be the better part of valor, if your tee shot is not long and perfect.
As you approach the green you will have a great view of a waterfall cascading into the pond. The clubhouse is behind and to the right of the green, so you will likely have a gallery to watch you putt out to finish your round.

 

Tee	Par	Yardage	Rating (US)	Slope (US)
Championship	72	7207	75.3	144
Men's	72	6772	73.0	133
Ladies'	72	5324	71.9	127

Golf tee times are subject to availability and black-out dates
and some restrictions may apply.

*All descriptions, costs and amenities are subject to change.