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
- Brent's Firehouse Coffee - MorrisonBrent's Firehouse Coffee serves the Morrison community from a convenient walk-in and drive-through shop on West Lincoln Way. The menu centers on hot, iced, and blended coffee drinks, seasonal flavors, and quick café selections for mornings and afternoon pick-me-ups. The Morrison location is part of the growing Brent's Firehouse Coffee family. Check the active Facebook page or online ordering menu for current drinks, food choices, hours, and specials.
Brick Block PubDowntown Morrison pub serving American favorites, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, domestic and craft beer, wine, and mixed drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. A party room and regular community events are also available.
China HouseDowntown Morrison Chinese restaurant offering dine-in and takeout favorites, including fried rice, wontons, crab rangoon, and classic Chinese-American entrées.
Out and about
Things to Do
Benson’s on Lake CarltonLocated in the heart of Morrison-Rockwood State Park on the beautiful 77-acre Lake Carlton. Home to fishing, hiking, and camping. We offer a great menu of food & drinks served in our restaurant or on our screened-in deck. Our bait shop offers worms, leeches, minnows, and fishing tackle. Watercraft rentals include kayak, pedal boats, and motorboat rentals. Hours: Open 11 am - 7 pm Tuesday through Sunday, Closed Mondays.
French Creek ParkMorrison’s newest 16-acre park with soccer fields, walking path, playground, community garden, and picnic area. Used for fall youth soccer program.
Kelly 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.
Morrison-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.
Parkview Motel15 rooms, cable TV, A/C, kitchenette, fridge, microwave, direct-dial phone, truck parking, friendly rates.
The 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.
