You’re driving down Route 47 or maybe cruising along I-80 near Morris, Illinois, and you see that massive, unmistakable logo. It’s the Costco sign. Naturally, your brain goes straight to $1.50 hot dogs, giant rotisserie chickens, and maybe picking up a 48-pack of toilet paper because, hey, why not? But here is the thing that trips up almost everyone: if you pull into the lot at 3800 N Division Street hoping to flash your membership card and buy a flat-screen TV, you’re going to be disappointed.
Honestly, it’s one of the most common mix-ups in Grundy County. People see the building, they see the trucks, and they assume it’s a standard warehouse. It isn't.
The Costco in Morris Illinois isn't a retail store. It’s a massive logistical powerhouse that keeps the rest of the Midwest stocked. Specifically, Morris is home to a Costco Wholesale Distribution Center (often called a "Dry Depot") and a sophisticated Meat Production Plant.
The Meat Plant and the Massive Depot
The facility at 7320 Lisbon Road is actually pretty legendary in the supply chain world. It’s a 255,000-square-foot industrial beast. This isn't just a warehouse; it’s one of only two Costco meat processing and packaging facilities in the entire United States. Think about that for a second. When you buy those 10-pound ground beef chubs or the frozen hamburger patties at a Costco in Chicago, Indianapolis, or even up in Minnesota, there is a very high chance that meat was processed right here in Morris.
They have five specific production lines. They handle:
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- Ready-to-eat hot dogs (the ones that go into the world-famous combo).
- Meatballs.
- Organic raw ground beef.
- The massive "chubs" of beef used by restaurants and large families.
It’s a high-efficiency operation. The City of Morris approved the downsized design back in 2015—it was originally supposed to be even bigger—but it still employs over 150 people regularly. During peak times like the lead-up to the Fourth of July or Labor Day, that number jumps closer to 220.
Why isn't there a retail warehouse?
It’s a question that gets asked at every town hall and on every local Facebook group. "If we have the distribution center, why can’t we have the store?"
Basically, Costco is extremely picky about where they put their retail warehouses. They look at population density within a 5-to-10-mile radius, median household income, and proximity to other locations. Morris is a growing hub, but for a retail giant like Costco, the numbers usually have to hit a specific threshold that a smaller city—even a booming one—might not reach compared to suburbs like Plainfield or Naperville.
That said, having the distribution center is actually a massive win for the local economy. It brings in significant property tax revenue without the same level of consumer traffic congestion that a retail store would create. Plus, the jobs are steady and generally pay better than standard retail roles.
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Where to actually shop if you live in Morris
If you’re a member and you need your Costco fix, you’re going to have to drive. It’s a bit of a trek, but for most people in the Grundy County area, it’s a monthly pilgrimage.
- Plainfield/Joliet: This is usually the go-to. It’s about a 25-to-30-minute drive depending on how heavy the traffic is on I-55.
- Bolingbrook: A little further north, but a solid option if you’re already up that way for other shopping.
- Coralville or Peoria: If you’re heading further out, these are the other regional anchors, but for a Morris local, the Joliet/Plainfield corridor is your best bet.
Navigating the Morris "Dry Depot" Area
If you are a truck driver or someone making a delivery to the Costco in Morris Illinois, the setup is actually pretty driver-friendly. The facility at 3800 N Division St is known for having plenty of overnight parking, which is a rarity these days.
Most drivers report fast unloading times, but the check-in process happens at the front of the building. Don't make the mistake of pulling into the Meat Plant on Lisbon Road if you’re carrying dry goods; they are separate facilities with separate entrances.
What's changing in 2026?
Costco is currently in the middle of a massive global expansion. They’ve announced plans to open around 28 to 35 new warehouses in the 2026 fiscal year. While there hasn't been an official announcement for a retail store inside Morris yet, the company is focusing heavily on "infill" locations—putting stores in gaps between existing markets.
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Until then, the Morris site remains the backbone of the Midwest operation. It’s the place that ensures when you walk into a warehouse in another city, the shelves are actually full.
Actionable Steps for Morris Residents:
- Check the App: If you’re looking for specific items processed in Morris (like the Kirkland Signature organic beef), use the Costco app to check inventory at the Joliet or Plainfield locations before making the drive.
- Don't ignore Sam's Club or Walmart: Since Costco Morris is strictly industrial, local shoppers usually rely on the Walmart Supercenter on US Route 6 or the Sam's Club in Joliet for bulk needs.
- Job Seekers: If you want to work for Costco but don't want to commute to Joliet, keep an eye on the "Distribution" or "Manufacturing" categories on the Costco careers page. The Morris Meat Plant and Depot are frequently hiring for logistics, maintenance, and production roles that offer the same legendary benefits as the retail stores.