
The Wilderness Course
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay

About this course
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.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in MN
Quick facts
- Location
- Tower, MN, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 2004
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Jeff Brauer
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,207 yards
- Difficulty
- 75.3/142
- Course Vaults score
- 8.2
Getting there
The journey to The Wilderness at Fortune Bay begins at Duluth International Airport, roughly ninety minutes southwest of the club, where the transition from urban Minnesota to the remote North Woods unfolds gradually along Highway 169. The route traces the edge of Superior National Forest, passing through old iron range towns before arriving at the shores of Lake Vermilion, one of Minnesota's most storied wilderness waters. The final miles wind through dense stands of birch and pine, the landscape growing quieter and more elemental, until the road delivers you to Fortune Bay's lakeside setting - a fitting threshold to one of the state's most secluded golf experiences.

FAQ
Common questions about The Wilderness
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Wilderness has a Course Vaults score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 38 logged golfers.
The Wilderness was designed by Jeff Brauer.
Yes. The Wilderness is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at The Wilderness is 72.
The Wilderness plays 7,207 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Wilderness is 142.





