One island. Unmatched opportunities.

Exploration, adventure and college … on an island

Imagine what it would be like exploring the natural environment while earning college credit on a pristine jewel of an island in northern Lake Michigan. You can at CMU’s Biological Research Station on Beaver Island.

Whatever course you choose – and the selection varies beyond just science – your CMU Beaver Island experience will include discovering extraordinarily varied natural habitats on this 58-square-mile island northwest of Charlevoix. You’ll explore both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, accessible but remarkably untouched by human development. You’ll survey the azure freshwater ecosystems of the Great Lakes basin and return to study your findings in CMU’s new state-of-the-art James C. Gillingham Academic Center.

Whether on the island or navigating the clear-blue surrounding Great Lakes waters, you’ll be joined on Beaver Island by CMU’s most curious, creative and motivated students and faculty members. When you leave, you’ll have made friends for life, and you will have learned a lot more about the career you wish to pursue. And you’ll be resolved to come back. Guaranteed.