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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. 

Our city is only 30 minutes from Council Bluffs , IA and Omaha , NE. metro area.  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 . The school district's intermediate school is located in Carson which educates 4-6 graders, the elementary and high schools are located in Oakland .

A few of our City's most prided attractions are:  Carson park system which includes a campground, river canoe ramp and the Carr Rodeo Arena; the historic Dreamland Movie Theatre; and our 11,000 square foot Community Center.  

The City of Carson is operated under the Mayor-Council form of government. The City Council meets the 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-Th from 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Fridays 8:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  All lunches are normally scheduled for 12:30-1:00 PM.

Carson Community Endowment Fund

Carson Community Establishes Endowment Fund

Since its incorporation in 1881, the City of Carson has continued to grow and prosper; and community leaders continue to look toward the future.   The City of Carson, in cooperation with the Carson Business Club, has established an endowment fund at the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation (PCCF) to ensure that the community can continue revitalization efforts while fostering a sense of citizenship and prosperity for future generations.  

“This is a positive step for our community,” said Timothy Todd, Mayor of Carson. “The new endowment will help fund projects within the City of Carson for generations and generations.” Annually, grant disbursements from this endowment will help support community projects that enhance the lifestyle of citizens, attract new business, and grow the local economy.

An example of such projects is the greatly anticipated downtown facade and streetscape revitalization. “We’re honored to partner with the City of Carson on this new endowment fund,” said Jerry Banks, PCCF Board Chair. “Carson is planning for their future and we’re excited to see their endowment grow.” I

ndividuals, families, and businesses can contribute to the Carson Community Fund by visiting the “Donate to a Charitable Fund” link on ourpccf.org and finding the information for the Carson Community Fund.  All donations are tax deductible and will also be strengthened by an additional 10% contribution, generously funded by the Iowa West Foundation.  

To learn more about the City of Carson, visit carsongov.com.  For more information about the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, go to ourpccf.org or call 712‐256‐7007. The mission of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation is to be a partnership of rural and urban citizens dedicated to improving the lives of all residents in the county’s communities. ###

History of Community

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, restaurant, 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. In our City we have a great City Park, which we have updated with new playground equipment, basketball court and softball/baseball field. We also have an annual Rodeo and parade that is held every first week of August. For the past 40 years our City has had a Theatre which is owned and operated by the Carson Community Club.

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.

Annual Christmas in Carson Event

Join the Community and Carson Businesses in kicking off the holiday season.  Each year, the Carson Community Club sponsors the annual "Carson Christmas Celebration" on the first Wednesday evening in December.  As you first come into Carson you will enjoy the beautiful display of milk jug luminaries that line the street to welcome you to town.  Soup supper is served at the Carson Community Center with a craft and vendor show in the building and the Festival of Trees at the Carson Fire Station.  Walk along the Carson business district and enjoy the open houses with cookies and gifts.  Santa Clause visits that evening and kids have a chance to have their pictures taken with him.