Rediscover the Outdoors!
About the Program
The Wheaton College Field Station offers the College's longest-running off-campus program on fifty acres in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
The summer program offers courses to meet the Christ at the Core general education requirement (introductory geology, astronomy, meteorology, and/or environmental science), and required biology courses for environmental science and biology majors (zoology, botany, and ecology) every year. Courses required for the Certificate in Environmental Sustainability and Aequitas Sustainability Cohort are also offered every year. Field courses for geology majors are every other year.
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About the Wheaton College Field Station
There is probably no better locality in the U.S. offering the diversity of life and geological features as this mountainous “island in the plains.”
The Wheaton College Field Station was established for field instruction in the natural sciences in 1935. Located at 4400 feet above sea level, our beautiful 50-acre campus is surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest and scenic Rapid Creek. Here students have ample opportunity to study God’s creation under competent and enthusiastic instructors in the atmosphere of a friendly Christian community.
Courses
Courses are offered in astronomy, meteorology, biology, geology, and environmental science for both science and non-science majors. Biology and environmental science majors may complete 4 or 8 credit hours of major requirements while non-science majors can satisfy their general education science requirements at the Field Station.
Each course provides a unique experience in the study of Creation in a field setting.
Opportunities to Explore
Much can be learned on and around the Field Station campus, but frequent trips are taken to explore many nearby sites of scientific interest including woodlands, streams, and meadows in the Black Hills National Forest, several National Parks and Monuments (Badlands, Devil’s Tower, Wind and Jewel Caves, Mt. Rushmore), and State Parks (Custer and Bear Butte). Geology, environmental science, and biology majors journey to the Big Horn and Beartooth Mountains, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks. Opportunities abound for wilderness recreation at the Field Station and surrounding areas.
Not a Wheaton Student? You Can Still Study With Us!
Students from other colleges and universities are welcome to enroll in Wheaton College Field Station courses.
Contact Us
Wheaton College
Department of Earth and Environmental Science
501 College Ave.
Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone: 630.752.6000
Email: black.hills@wheaton.edu
Our contact information changes when our program begins. Reach us during the summer (late May to early August) through the following:
Wheaton College Field Station
10595 Wheaton Road
Rapid City, SD 57702
Phone: 630.752.6000
Visit the GoGlobal site and start your adventure in the Black Hills.