Housing and Dining

Exterior view of the Faculty/Researcher cabins at the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island. — Faculty and Researcher Housing at the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island.

Exterior view of the lodge and dormitory at the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island. — Dormitory and Lodge at the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island.

Exterior view of one of the campground cabins at the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island. — Campground Cabins at the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island.

Housing

The station provides housing for students, faculty, visiting researchers and other external groups in campground cabins, dorms and campsites. Faculty and visiting researchers are housed in faculty/staff housing, campground cabins or campsites. Laundry facilities are available for all those staying at the station. See housing prices on the Costs page, noting that pricing follows the priority basis noted on the Groups page.

During the registration process for students, or via the online query and subsequent communications for researchers or external groups, the station staff will assign housing and confirm via email. Requests for specific units should be made with initial inquiries to check availability.

Dormitories – Separate men’s and women’s wings are adjacent to the main lodge and dining hall with bathrooms and shower facilities. Bunk beds with dividers and storage provides space for personal belongings.
Campground cabins – Cabins are located at the campground area, with a walk of 1/3 mile to the main campus. Cabins can house from 2-6 people and include bunk beds, desks and chairs. Bunk beds include mattresses but other bedding must be provided by the occupants. Men’s, women’s and unisex restrooms and shower facilities are centrally located among the cabins.
Campground sites - These include electrical access, picnic tables and a fire pit. All other camping gear must be provided by the occupants.
Faculty/staff housing – These units include 2-3 bedrooms with twin beds (two units have full or queen beds); kitchen with stove, small refrigerator, coffee pot and microwave; shared bath for the unit; and several include a fireplace or wood stove.

Dining

All residents at the station must take the full meal plan. The kitchen provides three meals a day, with a cold buffet breakfast and hot meals at lunch and dinner. Healthy snacks are available at all times. Vegetarian options are always provided.

Any special dietary needs should be communicated at least 2 weeks prior to your arrival.
Those who expect to be in the field over lunchtime can arrange for sack lunches and should order these at least 2 weeks ahead of your arrival.

Coffee and tea, as well as a microwave, are always available to residents.