Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · Kansas

Handy

A ghost town of unknown status in Osborne County, Kansas.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

Handy ghost town, Kansas
Plate I — Handy, KansasPhoto: May S. Young (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Handy isn't the ghost town on the postcards, which is exactly why it's worth knowing about. Craig Mitchell Handy (born September 25, 1962) is an American tenor saxophonist.

Osborne County holds 16 documented ghost towns, including Banks, Bristow, Cheyenne — Handy keeps them company on the map.

02

The story of Handy

Kansas ghost towns are what happens when the railroad changes its mind and the wheat stops paying.

Craig Mitchell Handy (born September 25, 1962) is an American tenor saxophonist. Born in Oakland, California, he attended North Texas State University and following this played with Herbie Hancock, Head Hunters, Art Blakey, Wynton Marsalis, Roy Haynes, Abdullah Ibrahim, Elvin Jones, Joe Henderson, Betty Carter, John Hicks, George Adams, Ray Drummond, Conrad Herwig, Dee Dee Bridgewater, The Cookers, and David Weiss among many others. He was a member and Musical Director of the Mingus Big Band, Mingus Dynasty, and Mingus Orchestra and performed with Charles Mingus' Epitaph reprise.

03

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Handy 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.

04

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Handy 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.

05

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.

06

Survey Map

Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting

07

Handy FAQs

01Where is Handy located?
Handy is in Osborne County, Kansas. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
02What county is Handy in?
Handy sits in Osborne County, Kansas. See our full guide to ghost towns in Osborne County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of Handy?
Craig Mitchell Handy (born September 25, 1962) is an American tenor saxophonist.
04What remains at Handy today?
The on-the-ground condition of Handy 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.
05Can you visit Handy?
Here's the honest truth: access to Handy 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: account based on Wikipedia (“Craig Handy”), CC BY-SA.

08

More in Osborne County

All 16 ghost towns in Osborne County →