About the Town of Morse

The Town of Morse is located in Northeastern Minnesota in St. Louis County and surrounds the City of Ely. The population was 1,213 at the 2010 census.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Town of Morse has a total area of 138.1 square miles (358 km2); 115.6 square miles (299 km2) is land and 22.5 square miles (58 km2), or 16.29%, is water.

The Burntside River flows through the west–central portion of Morse Township. The Dead River briefly flows through the north–central part of the township. The Shagawa River flows through the east–central part of the township. The Bear Island River flows through the southeast portion of the township. The Beaver River flows through the southwest part of the township.

Creeks that flow through the township include Armstrong, Crab, Longstorff, and Johnson.

Burntside Lake and Shagawa Lake are both located within the northern portion of Morse Township. White Iron Lake is partially located within the township. Part of the Town of Morse  is located within the Superior National Forest.

The southern 1/2 portion of the township is located within the Bear Island State Forest. Part of the township is also located within the Burntside State Forest. The northwest corner of Morse Township is located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

History of the Town of Morse