The University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment (IonE) is a nationally recognized interdisciplinary institute advancing sustainability through collaborative research, learning and development programming, public-interest storytelling and communications.
A core part of this work is bringing people together across disciplines and sectors. IonE welcomes UMN scholars, staff, students and community partners to gather, connect and collaborate. Located in the Learning & Environmental Sciences (LES) building on St. Paul campus, our spaces offer both individual and communal areas designed to support meetings, events and day-to-day work.
Getting to IonE
Suite 325 Learning & Environmental Sciences
1954 Buford Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
By Car
The hourly Gortner Avenue Ramp is located directly behind our building. For visits longer than one hour, Lot 104 and Lot 101 offer the most affordable parking. The State Fair Lot (Lot 108) currently offers free parking between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. as part of a pilot program.
By Public Transit
The University’s 121 Campus Connector and Metro Transit Route 87 stop on the corner of Buford Avenue and Gortner Avenue directly outside our building. Additionally, Metro Transit Route 61 and Route 3 stop on the north and south ends of the St. Paul campus, both of which require a 10-15 minute walk.
By Bicycle
Bike racks are located on the west side of our building.
Hours
University Hours (U Card Required)
Mon–Fri: 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Public Hours
No Public Hours
More Detailed Directions
Accessibility and Inclusivity Information
Accessibility
The LES building has accessible entrances (ground-level flat entrance or power door opener) via the east side basement level entrance and the west side of the building by the Gortner Avenue Parking Ramp. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions regarding accessibility or require specific accommodations.
*Please note that the elevators in the LES building will be under construction in order to meet required building codes and will not be functioning from May to August 2026.
Inclusivity
You can find all-gender restrooms at the following locations on campus::
- Hallway between Magrath Library and Ruttan Hall, Restroom 54 (accessible through the Gopher Way from LES)
- Coffey Hall, basement (accessible through the Gopher Way from LES)
- McNeal Hall, basement Room B32
- Biological Sciences Building, 2nd floor
- Peters Hall, lower level
Explore our Meeting & Event Spaces page for more details.
Contact Us
Suite 325 Learning & Environmental Sciences
1954 Buford Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 612-624-6973
Fax: 612-626-5555
Email: [email protected]