Whiteside County
Morrison
Morrison is Whiteside County’s seat, a classic Illinois courthouse town with Lake Carlton and the 1,164-acre Morrison-Rockwood State Park just to the north for fishing, camping, and paddling. Downtown keeps a walkable grid of shops and diners around the square.
Fuel the day
Eat & Drink
- MorrisonDairy Queen Grill & Chill - MorrisonServing DQ burgers, chicken strip baskets, soft-serve treats, BLIZZARD treats and cakes at 200 N Sawyer Road in Morrison. This Grill & Chill location offers dine-in, drive-through, takeout, online ordering and outdoor seating; check the official location page for current hours and specials.
- MorrisonIsle of RhodesIsle of Rhodes is a family-owned downtown Morrison favorite serving pizza, spaghetti, other Italian-American comfort food, sandwiches, and burgers. The cozy dining room and busy carryout counter have been part of the community since 1982. Dine in or order takeout, and check Facebook for current hours and specials.
- MorrisonForest Inn Restaurant & LoungeClassic steakhouse since 1934, known for steaks, seafood, spirits, and a huge salad bar. Cozy setting, great food, on the historic Lincoln Highway. Open Tues-Sat 4-10pm, Sun 4-9pm. Menu available online.
Out and about
Things to Do
- MorrisonRKR & Associates ArboretumSeven-acre mini arboretum with over 250 varieties of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Includes prairie grass and pine tree plantings for wildlife habitat. By appointment only.
- MorrisonRobert A. Millikan ParkPark named for Nobel laureate Robert A. Millikan. Downtown Morrison. Features icons of Morrison’s past: hitching post, railroad crossing, horse trough, historic brick paths. Developed with help from the Historic Preservation Commission.
- MorrisonKelly ParkKelly Park is a 3.4-acre Morrison city park featuring a professionally designed nine-hole disc golf course, a quarter-mile walking path, a large playground, and a picnic shelter. Tennis and pickleball courts are also available near the water tower. The park sits just off East High Street beside Grove Hill Cemetery and offers an easy stop for active family recreation.
Home base
Stay
- MorrisonMorrison-Rockwood State Park Campground1,152-acre state park with fishing, boating, concessions, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and more. 92 camping sites (electricity, grill, table), shower building, equestrian trail (14 miles, seasonal), year-round camping.
- MorrisonThe TailorThe Tailor is a beautifully restored 1892 loft in downtown Morrison's national historic district. The 800-square-foot studio sleeps up to four guests and blends Victorian character—original Douglas fir floors, 10-foot ceilings, pocket doors, and a clawfoot tub—with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, queen bed, sofa bed, dedicated workspace, Roku TV, Wi-Fi, self check-in, and one parking space. The second-floor loft is above an art gallery and requires climbing 21 stairs.
- MorrisonParkview Motel15 rooms, cable TV, A/C, kitchenette, fridge, microwave, direct-dial phone, truck parking, friendly rates.