Itasca Biological Station & Laboratories (IBSL) is a University of Minnesota field station dedicated to research and teaching on how ecosystems work, with an eye to cultivating an appreciation of their value and preservation for future generations. IBSL has been in operation since 1907 and is one of the oldest continuously operational field station in the United States of America. Our 49-acre campus lies completely inside of Itasca State Park, on the eastern shore of Lake Itasca. Three ecosystems converge at Itasca: coniferous forest, eastern deciduous forest and tall grass prairie. Plants and animals native to each are abundant in the 50 square miles of Itasca State Park.
- Year Founded
- 1906
- Year Joined OBFS
- 1966
- Size of Field Station (hectares)
- 1-100
- FSML Web Address
- https://cbs.umn.edu/itasca
- Private nonprofit organization?
- No
- Universities affiliated / Parent Organization
- University of Minnesota
- Federal, state, or local governmental partners?
-
Other: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Member of the Virtual Field
- Yes
News And Updates
2025 Field Courses in the Northwoods of Minnesota – Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories
Come take a field course at one of the oldest continually operating field stations in the country!  Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories has been offering field courses since 1909,…
2024 Field Biology courses at Itasca Station
Interested in a hands-on, immersive biology experience? Registration for field biology courses at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories is now open! Taking a field biology course at Itasca is truly…