The abundant natural beauty of the northern lakes and forests of Lake Superior country provide the perfect setting for a school like Northland. Over twenty five years ago the faculty of committed themselves to a new vision: a liberal arts/environmental college. Since then the idea that our natural and social worlds — and the knowledge they support — are inextricably connected, has flourished and matured at Northland. A premise of Northland's educational mission is that we must strive to free ourselves from the alienating and self-destructive assumption that humans live in isolation from the natural environment.

Northland is unique in that it does not restrict its study of the relationship between humanity and nature to a few courses in ecology or environmental studies. Almost a third of Northland's courses may be said to have some clear relevance to environmental issues. If the human and the natural world are as intimately interwoven as we believe, that relationship can and should be, analyzed and appreciated from all perspectives: scientific, political, anthropological, philosophical, literary, artistic, and recreational. Northland gained national recognition by receiving the Certificate of Environmental Achievement from Renew America in association with the National Environmental Awards Council.

A small college, Northland fosters an atmosphere in which there is a distinctive concern for both the individual human being and the natural world. Northland focuses on the study of our interactions with the environment, ranging from aesthetic and spiritual values derived from the great Northwoods and Lake Superior, to complex social and scientific issues. There is also emphasis on the study of human behaviors and interaction through traditional majors and interdisciplinary programs in such areas as environmental studies, outdoor education, cross-cultural and global understanding, education, and business.

The faculty is committed to including environmental subject matter or methodologies in their classes whenever appropriate. Several classes are team taught in a multidisciplinary approach. Northland's 4-4-1 calendar year offers many opportunities for travel to other countries.

Northland's Environmental Living & Learning Center residence was designed with hundreds of environmental considerations in mind. Among the special features are a 20 kilowatt wind tower, three photovoltaic arrays, fourteen solar hot water panels, and composting waterless toilets. The apartments have passive solar design and share two greenhouses operated by the residents. Students joined the architects to select the most environmentally friendly materials. The College has adopted a goal of achieving zero-discharge for eliminating waste materials, and an environmental energy audit is done once a year.

Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands, Chequamegon National Forest, and dozens of freshwater lakes offer a natural setting for field studies. Outdoor Education majors may spend a full semester at the Audubon Center of the North Woods. Academic adventures abroad provide in-depth exposure to international culture and environments. Examples include the study of rainforest ecology in Costa Rica, tropical lowland ecology of Mexico, the mammals of Kenya, and natural history of the Galapagos.

At Northland, students participate in many outdoor activities and excursions, from sea kayaking and biking to backpacking and cross country skiing. The outdoor orientation program for freshmen gives new students an opportunity to canoe or kayak, to study native woodland skills, or to participate in other small group outdoor experiences.