Itasca Biological Station and 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. 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, the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Students may choose from 6 Field Biology courses including Microbiology, Mycology, Mammalogy, Ornithology, Animal Behavior, and Entomology. Some courses run 3 weeks (for 2026, May 17 through June 6) while others run 5 weeks (for 2026, May 17 through June 20).

Prerequisite: College-level Biology Course

Students pay in-state MN tuition ($620.50/credit) plus room and board ($860.50 for 3-weeks or $1463.50 for 5-weeks), plus a $75 transportation fee (per course) and $88 lab materials fee (per course).