The Wilderness Course
Tower, MN, USA
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.
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
Public: #256
Best in USA
Public: #148
Best in MN
Public: #3
Golfers say the front nine delivers scenic, memorable routing that lives up to the course's wilderness name, with the short par-4 5th and its Biarritz green standing out as a highlight. Most praise the remote setting and strong value, noting Lake Vermilion views on the back nine add drama, though some find the inward stretch loses momentum as holes wind through condos and casino property. Reviewers note conditioning can be inconsistent and service modest given the location's staffing challenges, but the affordable greens fees and nearby casino entertainment make it a worthwhile add-on to a northern Minnesota golf trip.
8.2
38 players
Scenic. Unique. Remote. Value. The routing is maybe the prettiest up north. It isn’t the most challenging and the service kind of stinks, but I give it a pass for what you pay and knowing you aren’t going to get a lot of top tier talent all the way up in Ely at a casino. Nice to hit a $5 table though after the round!
Added it on to a Giants Ridge trip. Glad I checked it out, although I can’t see myself playing it again.
Front nine is awesome. It’s truly feels like what’s in the name. The short par 4 5th with a Biarritz green is a highlight. The back nine has some highs and lows, with 13 on Lake Vermilion being the high, but then a few holes winding through and around condos and the casino. Conditioning has been spotty in recent years but definitely worth a trip
Public courses closest to The Wilderness.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Wilderness has a Course Vaults score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 28 explicit golfer ratings.
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.
