Morrison, Illinois Homes For Sale & Real Estate

The first settlers arrived in Morrison in 1831 and the town was platted in 1855. Named after a wealthy New York merchant John H. Morrison, the city was officially incorporated under state laws in 1873—a process that started in 1857. 

The biggest reason for the city's growth was the Galena-Chicago Railroad. However, it wasn’t the original plan to build the railroad through the city. In fact, it was supposed to run through Unionville and have a stop in the city. Unionville requested a high sum for the right-of-way through their town, so the privately funded railroad decided to build it through other towns, including Morrison, instead. In the end, it would have cost less to pay Unionville than redirect the route, but Morrison still benefits today from this decision.

For 20 years, Morrison vyed for the Whiteside County seat. Finally, in 1857, the town won its bid and is currently the county seat.

CAPA Paint the Town: This event brings over 6,000 people—more than the the town’s population—to experience and create art. Canvases are displayed around town and visitors can paint on them. The art remains throughout the year until it fades and is repainted at the next year’s festival.

City-Wide Garage Sale: Held in June, anyone who lives in the town can participate in this event.

Farmers Market: Open every Saturday morning from May-September, the market features delicious, local produce for purchase.

Firecracker Weekend: This annual event is a Demolition Derby hosted on the July 4th weekend at the local Bike Barn. It features Bogs, Drags, MotoX and a fireworks display. The Bike Barn is open throughout the year for off-road racing events with vehicles such as M/C’s, ATV’s and 4×4 Trucks.

Whiteside County Fair: The fair started in 1856 in Union Grove and traded between Sterling and Morrison. Now, a long standing and popular tradition that takes place here in August, it has everything from carnival rides to a cake and pie walk.

Christmas Walk: “Hometown Christmas” features a lighted parade, window displays, holiday entertainment, and of course, time to visit with Santa! There are many other holiday events in town including a Halloween parade and an Easter Egg Hunt. All of the information can be found here.

Historic Downtown: Enjoy the beautiful architecture of the town while shopping and dining in the historic downtown area.

Morrison-Rockwood State Park: This park has over 1,000 acres for visitors to enjoy. You can try horseback riding, go camping or practice archery. You can also spend time by or on Lake Carlton. This lake located inside the park is known as a prime fishing and boating location.

Covered Bridge: Although it may look like a throwback to the past, this covered bridge is one of the newest ones constructed. Most people don’t notice the difference, but the length of the bridge gives it away.

Blue Goose Corn Maze: Open August through September each year, people enjoy visiting this corn maze. However, it is big, so make sure not to get lost!

Annan Grist Mill & Malvern Roller Mill: Now privately-owned, these mills are among the oldest in the state. Although you can’t tour the inside, visitors always stop by to admire and take photos of the structures. The Annan Grist Mill was built in 1858, is two and a half stories, and is made entirely out of stone. The Malvern Roller Mill—also known as the Appel Mill—was also constructed in the 19th century and is on the National Historic Registry.

• City of Morrison
• CAPA Paint the Town
• Whiteside County Fair
• Historic Downtown
• Morrison-Rockwood State Park
• Covered Bridge
• Annan Grist Mill & Malvern Roller Mill