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College of biological sciences

Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories

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  • About the station
    • Overview
    • Station facilities
    • Big River Continuum artist exchange
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  • Field biology courses
    • Courses offered
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    • Research opportunities
    • Publications
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    • Student research papers
    • Lab safety plan
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Itasca

  • Itasca Biome Center
  • Itasca buildings by year
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IBSL Cabins

Around the station

The station's rustic buildings are situated on the eastern shore of Lake Itasca within sight of the headwaters of the Mississippi river. There are over 60 buildings on site.  These buildings are either cabins, labs, admin buildings, or maintenance buildings. The newest facility is the Itasca Campus Center which houses three laboratories, the ISBL library/computer lab, and an auditorium.  The Station also has a state-of-the-art dining hall that can seat 120 people.

Registered visitors may use the Station’s canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Motorized boats owned by the station are available for research or course purposes only.

There is recreation equipment (ping-pong, foosball, and various board games) in the assembly hall, adjacent to the dining hall. Volleyball, softball, soccer, basketball, badminton and horseshoe equipment are available for use on the David Parmelee Memorial Field. 

Opportunities to explore extend well beyond the Station limits. Swimming, fishing, canoeing, biking and hiking within Itasca State Park are excellent. If possible, bring your bike to ride the 17-mile paved bike path in the park and for quick trips around the Station. A limited number of bicycles will be available for short-term checkout at the station office on a first-come basis.  Bikes, pontoons, fishing boats and other equipment are also available for rental at the Itasca Sports Rental, located in the Park just 1/2 mile from the Station. For more information on Itasca State Park offerings, visit the Department of Natural Resources website.

 

College of Biological Sciences

123 Snyder Hall
1475 Gortner Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

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3-104 MCB
420 Washington Ave. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
United States

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  • About the station
    • Overview
      • Flora and fauna
      • Geological history
      • Mississippi river
      • Human history
      • Minnesota’s Lake, Itasca
    • Station facilities
      • Itasca Biome Center
      • Itasca buildings by year
      • Research and education facilities
      • Station maps
    • Big River Continuum artist exchange
    • Support our work
  • Field biology courses
    • Courses offered
    • Student scholarships
    • Student experience
  • Research
    • Research opportunities
    • Publications
    • Data resources
    • Student research papers
    • Lab safety plan
  • Plan your visit
    • Directions
    • Lodging
    • Dining
    • Policies and forms
    • NOL information for staff
    • Frequently asked questions
  • News
    • New from Itasca
    • Upstream newsletter
  • Contact us