What to do in Morris, MN during graduation weekend

Congratulations to all the University of MN Morris students graduating on May 11 this year! If you’re a parent of a UMN student, this means you may be spending some time in our charming town soon and we know you’ll want to make the most of it. 

Here’s a short guide to what Morris has to offer.

How do you start your day off right? With coffee of course! 

There are several great coffee spots in Morris that offer some of the best drinks to start the day off right. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up before heading to the University of Minnesota Morris for the brunch buffet or are looking for the full breakfast experience there are several great options. 

Common Cup Coffeehouse

Common Cup is nestled in one of Morris' historic brick buildings on the south end of Atlantic Avenue. Here, you'll find delicious options to fuel your day. Indulge in their signature caramel cow mocha and creme bru-latte, or cool off with refreshing frappes and Italian sodas.

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Grounds inside The Homestead 

Treat yourself to handcrafted coffee and freshly baked pastries while browsing The Homestead’s decor, housewares, furniture and toys.

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you want something on the go, swing by Caribou Coffee inside Willie’s Supervalu. Detoy’s Family Restaurant and Don’s Cafe both have you covered for a traditional small-town cafe experience with hearty food and great coffee to get you going. 

Celebrate Mother’s Day 

It may be your child’s big day, but we’re not forgetting about mom’s big day either! Celebrate Mother’s Day at Inherit Clothing Company, a local boutique that offers a unique selection of fashionable clothes and accessories for women. 

From 10 am to 1 pm with any in-store purchase, you'll have the opportunity to get a photo taken by Missy Jones Photography. Capture a cherished memory with your mother, daughter, son, family member, neighbor, niece, nephew or grandmother, and join us for some enjoyable shopping. Missy Jones Photography will capture your special moment against a beautiful backdrop set up in the space, and you'll receive a digital copy to treasure forever.

If your shopping spirit is still sparked, explore the many other shops and boutiques in Morris, with many located steps away from Inherit. 

Lunch + Dinner

Morris has an array of dining options to suit every palate. Indulge in award-winning grilled cheese at Don's Cafe (no really, they won an award!), a local favorite that never disappoints. For those craving authentic Mexican cuisine, Mi Mexico is the place to visit, serving up delicious and traditional dishes that will transport you south of the border. And of course, you can find a good selectino of pizza as well, including the Hudson Inn Bar & Grill, Pizza Ranch and Pizza Hut.

See all the places to eat in Morris. 

Get Outdoors

Summers in the Midwest are short, so we know getting outdoors as often as we can is important. Morris has several great ways to enjoy this short season. 

Pomme de Terre Park offers scenic trails, kayaking opportunities (get your rental at the Regional Fitness Center), and picnic spots along the Pomme de Terre River. Here you’ll also spot several Barn Quilt plaques that are part of the Stevens County Barn Quilt Trail.

For stunning views, head to the Pomme de Terre Overlook, where you can marvel at the picturesque landscape. Just a little further down the road is the Morris Wetland Management District, that has walking and driving trails for immersing yourself in nature. 

Additionally, you can spot plenty of art in and around Morris, including impressive murals and handcrafted pieces available for purchase at Prairie Arts & Gifts.

Where to Stay

Still need to book your home away from home for the weekend? Morris has several hotels to choose from with great accommodations, including the Grand Stay Hotel & Suites, The Hudson Inn and the Super 8.