Winter in Morris, MN
Winter in Morris doesn’t mean slowing down. It means stepping outside, bundling up, and making the most of all the things that make this community shine. Whether you’re visiting a student at the University, back home for the holidays, or just passing through, Morris offers a winter mix of outdoor adventure, cozy cafés, local shopping, and family-friendly fun.
Here’s your guide to spending winter in Morris, the warmest kind of prairie town.
Ice Skating at the Lee Community Center
Few things feel more like winter than ice skating. The Lee Community Center offers open skate nights each week on Sundays (6-7:30 pm) and Wednesdays (7-8:30 pm), which are free and open to the public. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just along for the laughs, it’s a great way to embrace the season.
Bring your own skates if you can. Check the schedule online before heading out, as hours can shift due to events or weather.
Snow Shoeing & Cross Country Skiing
Morris makes it simple to get outside in the snow, even if you don’t own the gear. The Regional Fitness Center offers rental cross-country skis and snowshoes so you can explore area trails without needing to invest.
Once you’re geared up, head to one of several nearby trails. Start with the walking and biking path at Columbia and Green River Road. For something more scenic, Pomme de Terre Park offers river views and quiet spaces to snowshoe or walk. If you're looking for open prairie and wildlife, the Morris Wetland Management District offers groomed areas for peaceful winter exploration.
Dress in layers, pack a thermos, and let winter show offer a quieter, more beautiful side of Morris.
Shop Local
Winter is the perfect excuse to duck into local shops and Morris has some great ones. Inherit Clothing and The Homestead offer gifts, clothing, and curated goods with a cozy, small-town feel. The Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance (PRCA) sells locally made art, crafts, and gift items year-round. Even after the holiday rush, these spots offer one-of-a-kind finds and plenty of small-town charm. See all the places to shop in Morris.
Warm up with Coffee
A winter visit to Morris isn’t complete without a hot drink in hand. Luckily, there are plenty of places to warm up:
Common Cup Coffeehouse serves up espresso and baked goods in a welcoming space downtown. Don’s Café offers bottomless mugs alongside hearty breakfast fare. If you’re grocery shopping, there’s a Caribou Coffee inside Willie’s Supervalu. At The Homestead Grounds, the boutique experience includes its own coffee nook. And on the UMM campus, Turtle Mountain Café is a great stop for students and visitors alike.
Whether you’re thawing out after a walk or grabbing something to go before a movie, Morris’s coffee spots are worth the detour.
Indoor Options: Swimming and Movies
When temperatures dip, you can still stay active indoors. The Regional Fitness Center offers open swim hours throughout the week—ideal for families, lap swimmers, or anyone in need of a warm splash.
For a more laid-back option, Morris Theatre continues to show new releases all season long. It’s a great way to wind down after a day outdoors, or just escape the cold for a couple of hours.
Check schedules before you go, especially around the holidays.
Explore at Your Own Pace
Not every winter activity has to be structured. Sometimes, the best moments happen during a slow walk through snow-covered trees or while watching wildlife move across frozen wetlands.
Take time to explore Morris’s parks and public spaces at your own pace. Pomme de Terre Park and the Wetland Management District are both open year-round and provide space to reflect, breathe, and enjoy the season in peace.
Bundle up, step outside, and see what makes winter in Morris feel so good.