Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · Nebraska

Carns

A ghost town of unknown status in Keya Paha County, Nebraska.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Quick Facts

Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

Carns doesn't need a haunted reputation — the empty streets do the talking. Raymond Ledden "Pete" Carns (May 11, 1886 – February 21, 1964) was an American football coach and athletics administrator.

Keya Paha County holds 4 documented ghost towns, including Brocksburg, Burton, Meadville — Carns keeps them company on the map.

The story of Carns

Nebraska's ghost towns are railroad and homestead towns, spaced every few miles along lines the trains don't run anymore.

Raymond Ledden "Pete" Carns (May 11, 1886 – February 21, 1964) was an American football coach and athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska for one season, in 1908, compiling a record 3–4. Carns was born on May 11, 1886, in Bridgeton, New Jersey. He graduated from New Britain High School in New Britain, Connecticut. Carnes attended Dartmouth College, where he was a member of the track and field team for four years, competing in the 880-yard run and relay before graduating in 1908.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Carns is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Carns is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

Carns FAQs

Where is Carns located?
Carns is in Keya Paha County, Nebraska. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Carns in?
Carns sits in Keya Paha County, Nebraska. See our full guide to ghost towns in Keya Paha County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Carns?
Raymond Ledden "Pete" Carns (May 11, 1886 – February 21, 1964) was an American football coach and athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska for one season, in 1908, compiling a record 3–4.
What remains at Carns today?
The on-the-ground condition of Carns is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Can you visit Carns?
Here's the honest truth: access to Carns is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“R. L. Carns”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Keya Paha County

See all 4 ghost towns in Keya Paha County, Nebraska