UF Logo

Location & Driving Directions

From Gainesville to Melrose
  1. Head east on University Ave (SR26) for ≈ 8 miles until you come to a stop sign at the intersection of SR26 & SR222.
  2. Turn RIGHT and follow SR26 east until you come to Melrose (≈ 11 miles)
From Jacksonville metro area to Melrose
  1. From I-295, take SR-21 S/Blanding Blvd heading south
  2. Follow to Melrose – 43.0 mi
Coming from the Orlando metro area to Melrose
  1. Take Florida Turnpike north – 43.2 mi
  2. Merge onto I-75 N – 29 mi
  3. Take Exit 358 for FL-326 and turn RIGHT and continue to US-301 N/US-441 N/N US Highway 441 – 8.1 mi
  4. Turn LEFT and head NORTH on US-301 N/US-441 N/N US Highway 441 – 5.5 mi
  5. Merge RIGHT onto US-301 N (signs for Starke) – 20.6 mi
  6. Take Slight RIGHT onto Co Rd 219A – 2.5 mi
  7. Continue onto NE County Road 219a – 6.5 mi
  8. Turn RIGHT onto FL-26 E/State Road 26 E – 1.1 mi

Entrance Gate Locations

NOTE: The Station is not open to the public except for arranged visits, therefore entrance gates require a code for access.
To North Entrance Gate – 693 SR 26, Melrose FL
  1. Go through the traffic light in Melrose (intersection of SR26 & SR21) staying on SR26.
  2. Go approximately 2.7 miles past the light on SR26.
  3. The Station sign and entrance gate will be on your RIGHT.
To West Entrance Gate – 590 N SR21, Hawthorne, Fl
  1. Turn right at the light in Melrose (intersection of SR26 & SR21) onto SR21.
  2. Head south for 2.6 miles.
  3. The Station sign and entrance gate will be on your LEFT.

Directions Map:


Liability Waivers


Directions Map

Copyright 2000-2023, Ordway-Swisher Biological Station
Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611
Contact UsContent Last Revised: September 24, 2023