Morris has several employers and a focus on sustainability
The city of Morris is the county seat of Stevens County. “It’s the biggest small city around,” says Mitchell Rohloff, a Realtor with Pomme de Terre Realty, LLC, who was born and raised in Morris. “We have lots of employers. There are several manufacturers and a dairy, and the university also brings many people to the area.”
In recent years, Morris has also become a model for sustainable energy programs. The city has already installed solar panels on some government buildings, and the University of Minnesota Morris uses wind turbines and biomass to produce electricity and heat. By 2030, Morris aims to have renewable energy sources for 80% of its power needs.
Access to local jobs and transportation options
With major employers within the community, long commutes aren’t an issue for many residents. Westmor Industries rests at the southern edge of the city, along U.S. Route 59, and Superior Industries borders state Route 28. Sidewalks lead past the Stevens Community Medical Center and the UMN Morris campus, enabling some hospital and university employees to walk to work.
Although sidewalks connect to many city destinations, locals often rely on cars for travel, especially during cold weather. Community members without transportation can request rides from Morris Transit. Freight tracks run through the center of Morris, but there is no passenger service. Fargo Hector International Airport, just over 100 miles northwest, is one of the closest airports with commercial flights.
Some Victorians but mostly mid-to-late 1900s builds, and low inventory
The center of the city is laid out in a grid, with sidewalks in front of most houses and alleys behind. Newer developments have a more suburban layout, with curving streets, cul-de-sacs and private driveways. There are a few remaining Victorian-era residences and some post-2000 builds, but cottages and ranch-style homes from the mid-to-late 1900s are the most prevalent. “We are short on inventory with all the businesses around,” Rohloff says. “There isn’t a lot of new construction either.” Single-family prices tend to fall between $100,000 and $350,000. Morris has a few townhouse developments that were built in the early 2000s, and they often sell between $280,000 and $360,000. Townhouse owners typically pay between $100 and $270 in monthly HOA fees. Some parts of the city lie within flood zones, and lenders may require flood insurance.
Indoor and outdoor recreation throughout the year
Morris offers a variety of recreation options throughout the year. During the warmer months, some residents head to Pomme de Terre Park to camp, fish or cool off in the splash park. Golfers can play the 18-hole course at the Pomme de Terre Golf Club, which is open to the public. Spring and fall bring hunters to the region’s many waterfowl production areas and wildlife management areas. During the chilly winter months, there are snowmobile trails to explore and ice fishing in nearby lakes. The Lee Community Center’s ice rink is also open in fall and winter. Residents have year-round access to indoor facilities, including the Morris Theater, Crystal Lanes & Entertainment Center and the Regional Fitness Center.
Morris has public and private schools, as well as a university
Children may attend prekindergarten through sixth grade at Morris Area Elementary School, which earns a B-plus on Niche. Morris Area High School serves seventh through 12th grades and gets a B rating. It has a variety of extracurricular sports, such as gymnastics, ice hockey and golf. Some families choose to send their kids to the unrated St. Mary’s Catholic School, which has preschool through sixth grade. The University of Minnesota Morris offers a liberal arts education with a strong focus on sustainability. The university currently generates some of its energy by converting local farm waste into biofuel, and it is working with the city to develop solutions for renewable energy sources.
Music gatherings and the popular Stevens County Fair
Residents gather for events throughout the year. In April, UMN Morris hosts the annual Jazz Fest, with clinics for local middle and high school students, as well as performances by nationally known jazz musicians. During the summer months, there are concerts at the band shell in East Side Park. The Stevens County Fair is held each August, featuring farm animals, carnival rides and live performances. “We are known for our big fair,” Rohloff says. “There are events every night, and they’re all well attended.” Each September, Prairie Pioneer Days activities take place around the city, including cow pie bingo at the fairgrounds and an evening street dance beside Old No. 1 Bar & Grill.
Locally owned restaurants and shops anchor downtown Morris
There are a few shops and boutiques in downtown Morris, but “people don’t come here for the shopping,” Rohloff says. “We’re out in the sticks — the closest Walmart or Target is about 45 minutes away.” Willie’s SuperValu is the main grocery store, and The Homestead is a small department store at the northern end of the city. Many residents periodically make trips to Alexandria or Fargo.
The city also has several locally owned restaurants, including the Old No. 1 Bar & Grill and Don’s Café. “Don’s Café has got a lot of history for people. They’ll call me and ask, ‘Is Don’s Café still around?’” Rohloff says. “They do cheeseburgers, breakfast and the best shakes in the world, but it’s just a simple, old-timey diner.”
