Hydrocamp (Field Hydrogeology)

Hydrocamp is a three-week summer field course centered around the University of Minnesota’s well field near Akeley, Minnesota. Students gain hands-on experience with key hydrogeology concepts and techniques, including pumping tests, slug tests, stream gauging, groundwater–surface water interactions, well bailing and sampling, surveying, modeling, and much more. We typically host students from multiple institutions across the U.S., and this diversity enhances the overall learning experience. Teamwork is a core element of the course, and students not only collect real-world data but also engage in data interpretation and technical writing. Students stay at the beautiful U of MN Itasca Biological Station & Laboratories (IBSL) located inside Itasca State Park. 

Established in 1995, Hydrocamp is one of the longest-running field hydrogeology courses still active in the U.S. In July 2025, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Hydrocamp with a dedicated workshop held on July 11. The event brought together approximately 30 participants from state and federal agencies, academia, and industry, reaffirming the program’s strong reputation and its vital role in hydrogeology training.