Home of the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Itasca is the starting point for more than a major waterway. It’s also a vast natural laboratory that has provided inspiration for generations of students as they start down the path to becoming biologists.
Students and researchers from around the world study diverse organisms in undisturbed habitats across three ecosystems: coniferous forest, eastern deciduous forest and tall grass prairie. They are immersed in courses ranging from botany and ecology to molecular biology and neuroscience at Itasca. It’s the quintessential experience for biologists at the University of Minnesota where many students have their first exposure to designing and completing independent research projects.
“I just can’t get over how great [Itasca]
was and how much I want to go back.”
– CBS undergraduate student
Here are some of the academic programs offered at the field station:
But as one of the oldest field stations, Itasca’s facilities need your help. Consider donating to the Itasca Improvement Fund.
