Located along the Pomme de Terre River in west central Minnesota, Morris combines small-town connection with education, recreation, economic opportunity, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Whether you live here, are planning a visit, or are considering Morris for your business or education, you will find a welcoming community with the amenities and opportunities to feel at home.
Morris is a community shaped by its prairie history, natural surroundings, educational institutions, local industries, and the people who call it home. From recreation and community events to business opportunities and sustainable innovation, Morris offers many ways to live, learn, work, and connect.
Explore the City of Morris website to learn more about community resources, upcoming events, local services, and opportunities to become part of life on the prairie.
Morris is located in the heart of Stevens County, approximately 50 miles southeast of the North Dakota–South Dakota border. As the county seat, Morris serves as a center for governmental, educational, agricultural, business, and cultural activity throughout the region.
The community is approximately two and a half hours from the Twin Cities metropolitan area, two hours from Fargo–Moorhead and St. Cloud, and one hour from Alexandria, Fergus Falls, and Willmar.
Morris offers the friendly atmosphere of a smaller community along with access to essential services, local businesses, healthcare, education, parks, recreation, and community activities.
Morris was platted in 1869 and officially founded in 1871. The city was named for Charles F. Morris, chief engineer of the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad.
From its beginnings as a prairie community, Morris has grown into an active regional center while maintaining the connections, character, and natural beauty that continue to define life in west central Minnesota. The Pomme de Terre River remains one of the community’s most notable natural features.
Residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation and community attractions throughout every season. Opportunities include fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, golfing, snowmobiling, exploring local gardens and museums, or simply relaxing in the surrounding prairie landscape.
City parks, the Pomme de Terre Campground, recreational facilities, cultural organizations, community events, and local businesses provide many ways to experience Morris and connect with the community. These resources are available through the city’s Community section, including dedicated pages for parks, the campground, the community calendar, local schools, and area organizations.
Morris has a strong and diverse economic base supported by agriculture, manufacturing, construction, education, healthcare, and other regional industries.
The city’s industrial park is home to international companies and businesses serving the construction and agricultural sectors. Morris is also surrounded by productive agricultural land, making agribusiness an important part of the local economy. Beef production, swine production, manufacturing, education, and healthcare also contribute significantly to the community and surrounding region.
The University of Minnesota Morris is an important educational, cultural, and economic presence in the community. As part of the University of Minnesota System, UMN Morris is a student-centered public liberal arts college known for its close-knit campus, community connections, research opportunities, and commitment to sustainability.
Morris is committed to building a resilient and sustainable future through the work of the Morris Model.
The Morris Model is an award-winning partnership of local organizations working toward a shared vision of advancing sustainability in Morris and throughout west central Minnesota. Through local, state, national, and global relationships, the partnership works to position Morris as a model rural community.
Its work focuses on energy conservation, clean and efficient energy, community resilience, transportation, waste reduction, recycling, education, cultural exchange, and community celebration.