The Wilderness at Fortune Bay

Overview: The Wilderness at Fortune Bay is an 18-hole resort course on the shores of Lake Vermilion near Tower. Jeffrey D. Brauer routed the course through northern Minnesota woodland, with rock outcroppings, lake views, rolling fairways, and greens that ask for control on the approach and the putt that follows. From the tips it measures 7,207 yards, while the surrounding pines and open water give the course its sense of scale. The setting is an active part of the design rather than a backdrop behind it.

History: The Bois Forte Band approved development of The Wilderness in 2002 as an addition to Fortune Bay Resort Casino. The 18-hole course was completed in May 2004 and opened to play that season. Its creation expanded Fortune Bay from a casino and resort property into a golf destination, with the course soon appearing in national public-course rankings and regional golf coverage.

Did You Know? Lake Vermilion comes directly into the strategy on the course, including the long tee shot at the 13th hole. Water also appears on several other holes, while the rock outcroppings and undulating greens give the course a visual and playing character that could not be reproduced on a flat inland site.