ARCHITECTS
Course info
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Course Report
The course is built on land owned by the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and is part of the Fortune Bay Resort Casino, giving players easy access to gaming, dining, and lakeside accommodations.
About
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay, designed by Jeff Brauer, is an acclaimed 18-hole resort course located on the granite ridges framing Lake Vermilion. Consistently ranked among Minnesota’s best resort courses, it offers stunning forest, water, and rock vistas. The course blends naturally with the rugged northern landscape, providing a memorable and challenging experience for players of all levels.
Caddie Tip
Keep your tee shots in play by choosing lines that favor the generous fairways, especially on the holes bordered by dense forest. Trust the yardages and be mindful of elevation changes—several holes play dramatically uphill or downhill, which can affect club selection more than you’d expect.
The Main Challenge
The course’s greatest challenge lies in its forced carries, elevation changes, and strategic bunkering throughout the routing. Greens are large but heavily contoured, demanding precise approach shots and confident putting. Natural hazards—pine forests, rock walls, and marshes—keep shot values high across all 18 holes.
The Good
Golfers most love the spectacular Northwoods scenery, striking granite outcroppings, and the peaceful atmosphere free from houses or development. The course flows seamlessly through thick forests and lakeside ridges, providing a feeling of remoteness and tranquility you rarely find at resort courses. Excellent service and attention to golfer experience stand out as well.
The Not So Good
Some players wish the greens were maintained a bit faster, as the undulations can feel less challenging at slower speeds. Pace of play can lag during peak times, especially given the dramatic terrain, and the remote location means limited amenities outside the resort complex.
Signature Hole:
#
3
The signature third hole is a scenic par 3 playing dramatically downhill to a green set against granite outcrops and framed by towering pines. With Lake Vermilion as a distant backdrop, this hole is as beautiful as it is demanding, requiring a precise tee shot to avoid deep bunkers and tricky green contours.
Clubhouse
The impressive northern lodge-style clubhouse features a pro shop, locker rooms, upscale restaurant and bar, as well as banquet and event space. Guests can relax indoors or on an outdoor patio with panoramic views, and the nearby resort adds pool, marina, and casino access.
Practice Facilities
Comprehensive practice offerings include a full grass driving range, short-game area with sand bunkers, and a large putting green. Players can warm up thoroughly before a round or hone specific skills, and staff are available for lessons and clinics.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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