Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories

To fulfill our mission, academic and research users take priority over all other users of the station. If necessary, visits may be cancelled or re-scheduled to accommodate academic and research activities.

A reservation is not finalized until the formal reservation confirmation has been sent from IBSL. Cabins will not be held for unconfirmed reservations.

Payment information is required in order for IBSL to confirm a reservation. For internal UMN stays, an EFS chartstring is required. A physical billing address and e-mail contact is required for external invoices. Cancellation after confirmation will result in cancellation fees (see Cancellation Policy). 

The on-site lead must be designated and communicated to IBSL prior to reservation confirmation.

All non-University of Minnesota groups must sign a Facilities Use Agreement and provide proof of insurance prior to occupancy at the station. This proof of insurance must show general liability coverage with limits of not less than $1,000,000, naming Regents of the University of Minnesota as an additional insured. Email [email protected] to prepare the Facilities Use Agreement, and consult with your organization to procure the appropriate proof of insurance.

The Facility Use Agreement (FUA) details:

• all cabins and lab and/or classrooms spaces that are reserved for a non-UMN visitor or group
• station fees due to the station based on the number of visitors
• meals arranged to be provided by the station's dining hall

Non-UMN visitors should attempt to accurately describe their rental need and group size for the preparation of the FUA. However, all visitors will be charged for actual space usage at the station, and the agreed upon number of meals to be provided by the station dining hall prior to the 3-week deadline, in accordance with the station's published rates.

Many organizations have Commercial General Liability Insurance. Groups from an organization that carries their own insurance may provide a Certificate of Insurance evidencing general liability coverage with limits of not less than $1,000,000, naming Regents of the University of Minnesota as an additional insured.

State and other governmental agencies that are self-insured can provide a letter stating that fact, and the coverage limits for such insurance, on departmental letterhead to satisfy the proof of insurance requirement.

If a group does not have its own coverage, it may purchase Tenant User’s Liability Insurance Policy (TULIP). This program is designed for third-party facility users who need to purchase general liability insurance for an event. TULIP is a General Liability policy that protects both the facility user and the University. The policy provides coverage for bodily and personal injury or property damage arising out of the use of University premises by external users. See the University's TULIP coverage instructions.