UMD Large Lakes Observatory is the only institute in the world dedicated to the scientific study of large lakes throughout the earth. These new facilities will support the University in continuing to be the hub for the next phase of Great Lakes research with academic and non-academic partners, expand public outreach and visibility, and reinforce UMN Duluth’s leadership role as a regional research and undergraduate education institution. Swenson College of Science and Engineering - Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) consists of a two component project:

• A new 60,000sf research lab facility on the UMD campus, moving the institute onto campus to provide contemporary analytical laboratory space and integration with other College faculty and graduate students.
• A new ship-side, high-bay facility to amplify marine research operations. At a new side along Lake Superior, this would provide a permanent home for LLO's Research Vessels (ships), a facility to support marine research vessels and operations at the slip, and opportunities for Outreach to support public interest and education in freshwater and Lake Superior-related events.