Photographs from left to right:
Carr Rodeo Arena ~ Carson Community Building ~ Carson Welcome Sign & Cemetery ~ Downtown Carson

City of Carson
316 South Commercial Street
P.O. Box 128
Carson , IA 51525
Phone: 712-484-3636
Fax: 712-484-3645
Email: cityclerk@carsonia.com
Website: www.carsonia.com

Welcome to the City of Carson ! We are pleased to have you inquire about our community. Here is some information to help you get acquainted with the City.
In 1880, the Burlington and Rock Island Railroad began to provide transportation access to settlers located on the land that is now known as the City of Carson . During this time the first passengers and freight were unloaded in a field until a depot was built a few years later. With direct access to the railroad, plans began for the settlement and the City of Carson was officially given its present name and incorporated in 1881 with a population of 240 residents. 

Since its incorporation in 1881, the City of Carson has continued to grow and prosper. By 1990, the City had reached a population of 705 residents. To accommodate this population growth that has occurred over the past century, the City has acquired several commercial and governmental operations to service the residents of Carson . Some of these operations include two banks, post office, convenience store, restaurants, news paper, and several local churches.

Our city is only 30 minutes from Council Bluffs , IA and Omaha , NE. We consider ourselves as a bedroom community. Many people drive to Council Bluffs , IA or Omaha , NE to work. The City of Carson is located between the City's of Macedonia & Oakland on Highway 59 and the City's of Griswold & Treynor on Highway 92. In 1993 the three City's of Macedonia , Carson , and Oakland joined schools to become Riverside School District . There is a middle school located in Carson which educates 5-8 graders, the elementary and high schools are located in Oakland .

We have two wonderful public parks. The park which is located along North Rodeo Drive is locally known as Mill Stone Park . This park has two shelters with picnic tables, updated playground area, softball/baseball field, soccer field, basketball court, and Rodeo Arena. The other public park is locally known as the Prairie Preserve and is located along the floodplain on the west side of the river.

The local Community Club sponsors the historic Dreamland Movie Theatre which is located on Broadway. The theatre has been in operation for more than 40 years. Carson has several dining choices, they are: The Tin Cup Bar & Grill, The Wander In Café, and The Corral. We also have a wide variety of businesses; they include the Carson Veterinary Clinic, Rolling Hills Bank & Trust, US Bank, Broadway Photography, Country Store Gas Station, and many more. You can obtain the entire local business and service directory by visiting our website. We are also host to three (3) churches: Carson United Methodist, Carson Presbyterian, and the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ.

In June, the Carson Community Club sponsors the Annual Jubilee Celebration which includes fireworks, skydivers, family fun games, craft show, derby, and food booths. The Annual High School Rodeo is held the first weekend in June, followed by the Annual Pro Rodeo which is held during the first weekend in August. Finally, the first Wednesday evening of every December, the Community pulls together to kick off the holiday season with the Annual Christmas in Carson Celebration. This is one night Carson really shines with our traditional luminaries lighting the streets. There are many other events held in Carson throughout the year, please visit the City Website to obtain the complete and current schedule of Carson events.

In June 2006, the City completed construction of the new 11,000 square foot Community Center. The center houses City Hall offices, Community Fitness Center , Banquet Hall, the voting precinct, and several Meeting Rooms. The building has several rooms available for rental. Community Fitness Center Memberships can be purchased on a monthly, yearly or lifetime basis, contact City Hall for more information.

The City of Carson is operated under the Mayor-Council form of government. The City Council meets the first and second Monday of each month at 7:30 PM at the Community Center. All meetings are open to the public. City Hall is open M-F from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. A complete list of City Services, Business Directory, Real Estate and Rental Listings, City Employees/Services/Departments can be obtained by visiting City Hall or the city website at www.carsonia.com .