About Morrison County
Morrison County is located in central Minnesota, covering approximately 1,152 square miles of diverse scene characterized by rolling hills, lakes, and the Mississippi River corridor. Morrison County seat is Little Falls, a city of approximately 34,000 residents situated along the Mississippi River and best known as the boyhood home of aviator Charles Lindbergh. Morrison County was established in 1856 and named after two brothers, William and Allan Morrison, who were early fur traders in Morrison County. Morrison County's total population is approximately 34,000 residents, making it a mid-sized Minnesota county with a blend of rural and small-town communities. Major municipalities include Little Falls, Pierz, Royalton, and Upsala. The Charles A. Lindbergh State Park and Historic Site attracts visitors year-round, preserving the childhood home of the famous aviator along the Mississippi River. Morrison County is traversed by State Highway 10 and U.S. Highway 71, providing important transportation corridors. Morrison County government offices are centralized in Little Falls, with Morrison County Courthouse located at 213 1st Avenue SE, Little Falls, MN 56345. Key county agencies include Morrison County Recorder, responsible for land records and property documents; Morrison County Clerk, handling vital records and court administration; Morrison County Assessor, managing property valuations and tax assessment; and Morrison County Auditor-Treasurer, overseeing financial operations and tax collection. Morrison County's economy historically relied on agriculture, timber, and paper manufacturing, with Verso Corporation operating a major paper mill in Sartell until its closure following a 2012 explosion. Today, the economy is diversified across manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and tourism sectors.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Morrison County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Morrison County's unincorporated areas. It oversees the operation of Morrison County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing efforts and offers various programs, such as crime prevention and safety education.
Police Departments
In addition to Morrison County Sheriff's Office, several city police departments operate within Morrison County, including the Little Falls Police Department, Pierz Police Department, and Royalton Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits. These agencies collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional initiatives, making sure of a coordinated approach to public safety across Morrison County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Morrison County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency serving unincorporated areas and providing countywide services, Little Falls, MN 56345. The agency operates Morrison County Jail, a detention facility housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website, which provides a searchable jail roster including current inmates, booking dates, charges, and bond information.
- Booking photographs (mugshots) are generally considered public data and may be obtained through formal data requests to the arresting agency.
- Processing times and fees may apply for copies of records.
The roster is updated regularly and is available to the public without charge. Municipal police departments operate in Little Falls (Little Falls Police Department) and other incorporated cities within Morrison County. The Little Falls Police Department serves the county seat and can be contacted for Arrest records in Morrison County are public records under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13), which classifies most law enforcement data as public unless specifically exempted.
Morrison County does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized reservations within county boundaries. Citizens seeking arrest history or criminal records may also access Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension records through authorized channels.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Morrison County, MN are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Civil Process & Records | Morrison County, MN.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Morrison County, MN are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Morrison County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.
- Look up current inmates and booking information at Custody.
- Sheriff's Office: Sheriff | Morrison County, MN.
- The bond and bail process allows release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.
Courts & Case Records
Morrison County is served by the Seventh Judicial District Court of Minnesota, with Morrison County Courthouse located at 213 1st Avenue SE, Little Falls, MN 56345. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Morrison County Court has general jurisdiction over criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters arising in Morrison County. Minnesota's District Courts are trial courts of general jurisdiction, handling felonies, gross misdemeanors, civil cases exceeding $15,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, estates and conservatorships, and appeals from administrative agencies.
- The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides online access to court records through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system at mncourts.gov/Access-Case-Records.
- Basic case information is available free of charge, though detailed document viewing requires a subscription fee or per-document charge.
- For certified copies of court documents, requesters must contact the Court Administration office at Morrison County Courthouse.
- Fees for certified copies are established by Minnesota Statutes Section 357.021 and typically range from $14 for the first page to additional fees for subsequent pages.
Court records are accessible to the public under Minnesota Court Rules and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). Most court records are classified as public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific statute, such as certain juvenile records and domestic abuse filings. This system allows users to search civil, criminal, family, and probate case information by name, case number, or attorney.
Morrison County does not maintain a separate municipal or justice court system; all court matters are handled through the District Court structure. Probate records, including wills and estate inventories, are public and maintained by the Court Administrator. Hours of operation for the clerk's office are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Property & Public Records
Morrison County Recorder's Office maintains land and property records for Morrison County, located at 213 1st Avenue SE, Little Falls, MN 56345. The Recorder can be contacted through the office operates under the authority of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 386. The Recorder's Office is responsible for recording and preserving real estate documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens, mechanic's liens, judgments, easements, plat maps, and certificates of real estate value.
- The office maintains an online search portal accessible through Morrison County website, allowing users to search recorded documents by name, parcel number, document type, or date range.
- Many counties in Minnesota contract with private vendors for online access; Morrison County provides document images and indexing through its system.
- Some basic searches may be performed free of charge, while document retrieval and certified copies require payment of statutory fees.
- Recording fees are established by Minnesota statute and vary based on document type and page count.
- Property tax information, including current and delinquent taxes, can be accessed through Morrison County website.
These records create the chain of title for all real property in Morrison County and are essential for title searches and property transfers. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by Morrison County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse complex. The Assessor's Office conducts property valuations, maintains parcel data, and administers property classification for tax purposes.
Morrison County provides a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer that displays property boundaries, ownership information, assessment values, tax history, and aerial imagery. This GIS system is a valuable tool for researchers, real estate professionals, and property owners. To obtain certified copies of recorded documents, requesters must visit the Recorder's Office in person or submit written requests with appropriate fees.
The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for most transactions.
Vital Records
Vital records for Morrison County, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both Morrison County Public Health Department and the Minnesota Department of Health. Birth certificates for births occurring in Morrison County can be requested through Morrison County Public Health office located at 213 1st Avenue SE, Little Falls, MN 56345 The fee for a certified birth certificate is $26 for the first copy and $19 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Processing time is typically 5-10 business days for in-person requests and 2-3 weeks for mail requests.
- Death certificates are available through the same office with identical fees and requirements.
- The marriage license fee is $115, and there is no waiting period in Minnesota.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek, an authorized vendor, with additional service fees.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Minnesota Statutes Section 144.225. Records less than 100 years old are subject to privacy restrictions. Marriage licenses are issued by Morrison County Court Administration office at Morrison County Courthouse, 213 1st Avenue SE, Little Falls, MN 56345.
Couples applying for a marriage license must appear in person with valid identification. Marriage records and divorce decrees are maintained by the Court Administrator as part of court records. Divorce records are accessible through the District Court filing system.
For people unable to access records locally, the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records in St. Paul is the central repository for all Minnesota vital records. Their office can be reached at or through their website at health.state.mn.us/vitalrecords.
Applicants must provide proof of identity and relationship to the person named on the certificate. Genealogical researchers may access older records with fewer restrictions once the privacy period has expired.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Morrison County involves multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Morrison County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, located at 213 1st Avenue SE, Little Falls, MN 56345, handles certain local business registrations and licenses. For Doing Business As (DBA) or fictitious name filings, businesses typically register at Morrison County level for proprietorships and partnerships. The phone number for the Auditor-Treasurer is.
- However, formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited partnerships are registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
- This database is free to search and provides real-time information on business status and registered agents.
The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us where users can search for registered business entities, view filing history, obtain certificates of good standing, and access annual reports. Sales tax permits and employer identification are handled through the Minnesota Department of Revenue, not at Morrison County level. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by respective Minnesota state licensing boards.
Building permits and zoning approvals in unincorporated Morrison County are managed by Morrison County Planning and Zoning Department, contactable for Individual cities within Morrison County maintain their own building inspection and business licensing requirements. For example, Little Falls requires certain business licenses and permits through its city offices. Morrison County Economic Development Authority works to attract and retain businesses, providing resources for entrepreneurs and expanding companies.
The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, accessible at littlefallschamber.com, is a business networking and promotion organization for Morrison County seat and surrounding area. Researchers seeking full business records should check both county-level offices for local permits and the Minnesota Secretary of State for corporate filings.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Morrison County, Minnesota?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Morrison County, Minnesota?
How do I get a criminal background check in Morrison County, Minnesota?
How can I look up sex offenders in Morrison County, Minnesota?
How do I register to vote in Morrison County, Minnesota?
How do I look up property records in Morrison County, Minnesota?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Morrison County, Minnesota?
How do I find business license records in Morrison County, Minnesota?
Cities & Towns in Morrison County
Economy & Demographics
Morrison County's economy has transitioned from heavy reliance on paper manufacturing and timber processing to a more diversified base including healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and retail sectors. Historically, the paper industry dominated local employment, with the Verso Paper mill in neighboring Sartell being a major employer until its 2012 explosion and eventual closure devastated Morrison Countyal economy. Today, major employers include St.
- The median household income in Morrison County is approximately $60,000, slightly below the Minnesota state median.
Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls, providing healthcare services and employing several hundred workers; AMCON Distributing Company, a wholesale distributor; Grede Foundries, operating a metal casting facility; and various school districts. Agriculture remains economically significant, with dairy farming, corn, soybeans, and hay production comprising substantial portions of rural income. Lindbergh Historic Site, Pine Grove Park and Zoo in Little Falls, and recreational opportunities on the Mississippi River and numerous lakes. Morrison County has over 300 lakes providing fishing, boating, and seasonal tourism revenue.
Manufacturing facilities in Morrison County produce auto parts, metal castings, and food products. Small business retail and service sectors are concentrated in Little Falls, Pierz, and Royalton. Morrison County Economic Development Authority actively recruits new businesses and supports entrepreneurship through grants, tax increment financing, and workforce development partnerships.
Recent economic development initiatives have focused on broadband expansion to rural areas, downtown revitalization in Little Falls, and supporting value-added agricultural enterprises. The unemployment rate in Morrison County typically ranges between 3-5%, tracking closely with state trends. Workforce challenges include attracting younger workers and addressing skills gaps in technical trades and healthcare.
Morrison County is not home to any federally recognized tribal nations, so tribal economic contributions are not a factor in the local economy.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Morrison County are administered by Morrison County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which serves as Morrison County's election authority. The office is located at 213 1st Avenue SE, Little Falls, MN 56345, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Morrison County's election information is available through the official Morrison County website at morrisoncountymn.gov. Voter registration in Minnesota is available online through the Minnesota Secretary of State at mnvotes.org, in person at Morrison County auditor's office, by mail, or on Election Day at polling places.
- Minnesota allows Election Day registration, meaning eligible residents can register and vote on the same day by providing proof of residence.
- However, voters are encouraged to register at least 21 days before an election to ensure their registration is processed and to receive advance notice of polling location and ballot information.
- To register, voters must be U.S.
- Citizens may request these records through Morrison County Auditor-Treasurer or the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board for state-level campaign data.
- Morrison County provides detailed election results by precinct on its website following each election, typically within days of certification.
Citizens, at least 18 years old on Election Day, residents of Minnesota for 20 days, and have completed any felony sentence if applicable. Voters can verify their registration status and find their polling place by visiting the Minnesota Voter Information Portal at mnvotes.org or by contacting Morrison County Auditor-Treasurer's Office. Morrison County operates multiple polling places throughout its townships and cities, with locations published before each election on Morrison County website and through local media.
Absentee voting is available to all Minnesota voters without requiring an excuse. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through mnvotes.org, by mail, or in person at Morrison County auditor's office beginning 46 days before an election. Absentee ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted; postmarks do not extend the deadline.
S. Senate seat, Minnesota Governor and state constitutional officers, state legislative seats, and various county offices.
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 and Chapter 201 govern public access to election records, balancing transparency with privacy protections.
Morrison County uses a combination of optical scan voting equipment and paper ballots, with post-election audits conducted to verify accuracy as required by Minnesota law.