Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories was established nearly 100 years ago to train forestry students and expanded in 1935 to include biology students. The Station lies within Itasca State Park, on the eastern shore of Lake Itasca near the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Minnesota’s oldest park is a pristine site for the study of diverse organisms in undisturbed habitats.
There are 70 buildings within the complex—including classrooms, laboratories, a library, cabins, and a dining hall—all surrounded by majestic 200-year-old red and white pines. The quiet environment and isolation provide an ideal setting for intensive laboratory courses in molecular and cellular biology techniques, neuroscience and other key growth areas in biology.
Three great ecosystems converge at this unique site: coniferous forest, eastern deciduous forest, and tall grass prairie. Plants and animals native to each ecosystem are abundant in the 50 square miles of the Park. Just 40 miles west of the Station, forests give way to prairies on the bed of an ancient glacial lake. Red Lakes bog country, yet another distinct ecosystem, is found north of the Station. The spectacular variety of undisturbed habitats makes Itasca an outstanding site for field research and training.
Over the past century, tens of thousands of students—from incoming freshman through postdoctoral fellows from across the nation and around the world—have worked with faculty at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories. At Itasca, all the concepts students learn about in biology textbooks come to life. From molecules to ecosystems, Itasca offers a unique understanding of the biological world that is not available anywhere else in Minnesota. It is experiential learning at its best, in a retreat-like atmosphere where students are immersed in courses ranging from botany and ecology to molecular biology and neuroscience. Students often have their first exposure to designing and completing independent research projects at Itasca, and more than 2,500 student papers are on file in the Station library. For many students, coursework at Itasca is the most memorable part of their experience at the University.
In addition, Itasca has inspired generations of teachers and scientists in their work. More than 900 peer-reviewed publications and dissertations have resulted from research at the Station since its founding.
Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories is an important component of the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota, available to all CBS undergraduate and graduate students. The Station also serves the University community at large, hosting programs from other colleges and departments. Outside academic institutions and groups may use the Station as well. Research at Itasca is the quintessential experience for biologists at the University of Minnesota and elsewhere!
