Morrison County Record 2025 Winter Guide | Page 12

12 • 2025-2026 • Morrison County Record • www. mcrecord. com • Winter Guide

Pierz: Tradition, trails and hometown pride

In Pierz, winter doesn’ t slow life down— it just gives it a new rhythm. Snow settles softly on Main Street, Christmas lights twinkle on the old storefronts, and neighbors pause on the sidewalk to visit as if time itself moves a little slower here.

With a population of just over 1,400, Pierz blends small-town charm with a strong sense of tradition. Located midway between St. Cloud and Brainerd, it’ s a natural stop for travelers headed to Minnesota’ s northern lake country— a place to fill the gas tank, grab a hearty meal, or browse the shops that line its welcoming downtown.

Visitors soon find that Pierz offers much more than convenience. It’ s a community proud of its retail, recreational and religious heritage, where business owners greet you by name and a handshake still means something. Skilled professionals provide medical, dental, chiropractic, pharmaceutical and eye care services right in town, while local police and volunteer firefighters keep the community safe. The Pierz Public Library serves as a cozy gathering place year-round— the perfect spot to warm up with a good book on a winter afternoon.

High on a hill overlooking the town stands St. Joseph’ s Catholic Church— a stunning Gothic buff-brick landmark built between 1886 and 1888 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its towering spire and stained glass windows are a reminder of Pierz’ s deep

roots and enduring faith. Recreation here comes naturally. The Pierz Golf Course— a beautifully landscaped nine-hole course— turns into a playground for winter sports when the snow flies. Skaters take to the city’ s two outdoor rinks, anglers head to nearby Pierz Fish Lake to drop a line through the ice, and cross-country skiers glide across the course’ s rolling terrain. Snowmobilers will find easy access to the Soo Line Recreation Trail in nearby Genola, connecting to a web of well-groomed Morrison County trails that stretch all the way to Duluth.

And when the day’ s adventures are done, Pierz’ s restaurants and taverns offer warm food and good company— the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like you’ ve always belonged here.

Hillbilly Haven

Motel

• Gasoline

• Diesel

• LP Gas

• Convenience

• Picadilly Pizza & Subs

• Short Order Food

• MN State Lottery

• Licenses

• Full Line Tackle

• Live Bait

• ATM

• Service Shop

• Wheel Alignment

• Tires Car / Truck

• Touchless Car Wash

• Big Game Registration Center

Locally owned by Red and Pam Sitzman Open Daily 5 am- 10 pm; Fridays 5 am- 11 pm Main Street, Pierz •( 320) 468-6478

Book 1 Room or all 15 Rooms!

NO Pets • NO Smoking • 24 Hour Cancellation

Affordable Rates

Welcome Visitors, Weddings,

Family Reunions, Hunters & Fishermen, Construction Workers

& Snowmobilers

Hillbilly Haven and Bootleggers bar are for Sale!

Hwy. 25- Downtown Pierz

320-468-2095 Motel