Fortune Bay Resort & Casino – A Few Miles North Of Ordinary

By By Libby Mehaffey

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay, part of Northern Minnesota’s premiere vacation destination at Fortune Bay Resort Casino, is located just hours north of the Twin Cities. If you are looking for the perfect weekend away – The Wilderness is the ideal retreat offering luxury, excitement and relaxation all in a beautiful Midwest setting. The fun doesn’t stop when you leave the course. There’s much more to enjoy, including their 24-hour action-packed casino, delectable menus at three on-site restaurants and easy access to hiking and biking trails or relax in the Jacuzzi or sauna all in a relaxing beautiful northwoods setting. Anglers will enjoy the challenge of reeling in a trophy fish from Lake Vermilion. This year-round fishing paradise offers walleye, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass.

The Course
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay sits atop high granite ridges offering spectacular panoramic views from the shores of the magnificent Lake Vermilion. Wrapped around picturesque Minnesota woodlands, which include majestic white and red pines, thick evergreens and dramatic rock outcroppings, the challenging course is as visually stimulating as it is enjoyable to play, making it a true golfer’s dream. Wildlife abounds, from bald eagles to white-tailed deer, and even an occasional moose. Golfers see these animals in their natural environment and their natural interactions is a privilege you cannot enjoy at an urban course.

Designed by renowned architect Jeffery D. Brauer, The Wilderness measures approximately 7,207 yards from the back tees and is a long hitter’s dream, while also catering to golfers of all skill levels by offering four additional sets of tees. In addition, all carts at The Wilderness come equipped with a GPS system designed to maintain a sufficient pace of play and enhance the experience of those playing the course for the first time.

“We deliver a first-rate experience because we operate within a first-rate resort”, General Manager, Tom Beaudry humbly said. “When you’re part of such a diverse, award-winning team, you keep improving each other supporting each other, teaching each other, continually raising the bar.”

Accommodations
Choose the getaway you’re looking for, whether it’s business or pleasure. Fortune Bay offers a variety of accommodations, all with easy access to the many resort activities: boating, canoeing, fishing, golf, outdoor games, walking and snowmobile trails, and cross-country skiing.

Pamper yourself in the comfort of deluxe hotel rooms complete with room and bell service, voicemail, wireless Internet access, cable TV, indoor heated pool, whirlpool, children’s pool, sauna, exercise room and plenty of video arcade action for the kids.

Steal away for a romantic getaway in a luxurious whirlpool or fireplace suite with a breathtaking view of beautiful Lake Vermilion.

Dining
After an exciting day of golf, the beautiful 6,100-square-foot Wilderness Clubhouse beckons, luring guests with its elegant architecture and magnificent indoor spiraling fountain. The newest restaurant on Lake Vermilion, The Wilderness Grill offers a wide array of fine cuisine, beverage options and amenities to meet your every need.

Have lunch on the beautiful patio and enjoy the spectacular atmosphere of Northern Minnesota, along with a great view of The Wilderness Golf Course. If it gets a little chilly outside, come inside to The Wilderness Grill. With windows all around and a spectacular view of the course, you will be sure to have an out-of-the-ordinary dining experience.

The Tamarack Dining Room offers a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu seven days a week and fantastic weekend buffets.

Enjoy a drink in a quiet relaxed atmosphere in the Tamarack Lobby Lounge. This cozy lounge features an intimate atmosphere for those wanting to get away from the action of the casino floor. Stop by and visit with the bartenders in a nice quiet, relaxed atmosphere, without all the noise and flash. Be sure to check out their New Martini Menu and “Wall of Stars.”

For those of you who want excitement North Star Bar has two large screen televisions that face the casino floor.

The Baystreet Deli has a good selection for those on the go. They serve breakfast, hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, soups, appetizers and made-to-order pizzas.

The Casino
At Fortune Bay Resort Casino, it’s not only how you play the game, it’s how you win – with jackpots reaching more than one million dollars. Fortune Bay Resort Casino features a wide selection of slots, blackjack and poker tables, and high stakes Bingo.

There are lots of ways to win. If you want to get everything you can out of everything you do, you’ve got to place your bets and get things spinning. It’s the only way to find out what you’ve won!

In addition to enjoying great food and a refined atmosphere, your will have easy access to casino gaming, fabulous rooms, The Wilderness Golf Course and 40,000 acres of Lake Vermilion. You can also take advantage of their many resort amenities and nearby attractions including fishing, snow sports, hiking and biking. Fortune Bay is truly a ‘Few Miles North of Ordinary.’