The Wilderness at The Wilderness at Fortune Bay

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay sits in the forested lake country of northern Minnesota, near the town of Tower and the edge of the Boundary Waters region. Designed by Jeff Brauer and opened in the late 1990s, the course occupies rugged, heavily wooded terrain that required substantial clearing and earthwork to carve fairways through dense stands of pine, birch, and aspen. The routing takes advantage of the natural topography, with elevation changes and rock outcroppings that are characteristic of the Canadian Shield geology extending into this part of Minnesota.

Brauer's design emphasizes strategic options from the tee, with fairways that often bend around trees or present risk-reward angles for players willing to challenge hazards. The holes move through corridors of forest, and water comes into play on several holes, reflecting the abundance of lakes and wetlands in the region. Greens are typically elevated or protected by bunkers and natural contours, requiring accurate approach shots. The isolation and wilderness setting distinguish the course from more manicured resort layouts, giving it a remote, northern character.

The Wilderness is part of the Fortune Bay Resort Casino, which caters to visitors seeking golf alongside other recreational activities in Minnesota's Iron Range. The course serves both resort guests and regional golfers looking for a challenging layout in a distinctive natural environment. Its location makes it one of the more remote golf destinations in the state, appealing to those who value solitude and rugged beauty over convenience.