The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay sits on the shores of Lake Vermilion near Tower, deep in Minnesota’s north woods and owned by the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa as part of Fortune Bay Resort Casino. Designed by Jeffrey D. Brauer, it was named one of America’s best new upscale public courses by Golf Digest in 2005, and it has been on national best-of lists ever since. In 2025–26 it’s #72 among Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public Courses and #8 in Minnesota. The course winds through thick forest and over granite ledgerock, stretching past 7,200 yards from the back tees. It’s dramatic from the first hole, a par 5 split by boulders and rock outcroppings, and there’s plenty more to remember: two downhill par 3s, greens tucked against the lake, an island green at No. 12 and a short par 4 at No. 13 that tempts you to cut the corner of the lake. Golfweek has called it the best casino golf course in the country. It’s a true destination round. Stay at the resort, eat at The Wilderness Grill, and keep an eye out for deer, bears and the occasional moose along the way.
Course facts
- Par
- 72
- Back tees
- 7,204 yds
- Architect
- Jeffrey D. Brauer
- Opened
- 2004
- Operated by
- Bois Forte Band and Fortune Bay Resort Casino
Practice & amenities
- Driving range
- Yes
- Putting green
- Yes
- Walking
- No
- Carts
- Yes
- Club rental
- Yes
- Food & drink
- Yes
Green fees and tee times: see the course website.
Golfer tips
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