Situated in Sioux County in the northwest corner of Nebraska, the 2,588 acre (1,948 ac. deeded +/- & 640 ac. state lease) Dream Catcher Ranch is comprised of hay lands, high nutrient native grass pasture and Ponderosa Pine rolling hills with three deep canyons that provide excellent habitat for mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, turkey and other native wildlife. The ranch has a rich supply of water with four windmills, two electric wells, over 37,000 feet of buried pipe and fourteen large tire tanks for stock water. Historic improvements include a 1918 completely remodeled 2,400 square foot home featuring a gourmet kitchen, zoned hot water heating, upgraded tile and solid Arkansas oak trim. There is a huge 1908 barn in excellent condition, a newer three bedroom modular home, an older remodeled trailer house and a full compliment of outbuildings. The Dream Catcher Ranch is a well balanced livestock operating ranch property with exceptional hunting and numerous other outdoor recreation opportunities.
LOCATION: The Dream Catcher Ranch is located just north of US Highway 20 between Harrison and Crawford, Nebraska on all weather gravel county roads. Harrison, the county seat of Sioux County, is approximately seven miles to the west. Crawford is about 20 miles to the east. Scottsbluff is 75 miles to the south and the Black Hills are about 75 miles north. The ranch is an easy drive and just a few hours from Denver, Colorado.
AREA AND CLIMATE: Crawford calls itself the "The Garden beyond the Sandhills" and is known as the big game capital of Nebraska. From the South Dakota border on the north to the Niobrara River on the south, the Wyoming state line on the west and the sandhills on the east, Sioux and Dawes Counties are filled with scenic splendor, wide open skies, beautiful sunsets, starlit nights, history, geology and abundant wildlife. The pine covered hills of the Nebraska National Forest and The Pine Ridge are full of trails for hiking and horseback riding. The Pine Ridge area has become well known for its deer, elk, antelope and Merriams turkey hunting. The elk population has increased dramatically. The last Remount Depot of the US Army, Fort Robinson, is just west of Crawford and approximately 15 miles from the ranch on US Highway 20. Its historical significance during the Indian Wars, World War I and II are revealed in the displays at the Fort Robinson Museum complex. Fort Robinson State Park offers nearly 22,000 acres of wide open and wild country, blending history and natural beauty with abundant recreation opportunities for the whole family. Additionally, Fort Robinson offers the Post Playhouse Theater, trail rides, hunting, fishing, museums, cabins, camping (both rustic and improved) and hosts events such as weddings and reunions as well as numerous horse related events and shows. Other area activities include PRCA Old Timers Rodeo, high school and college rodeos, the Pine Ridge Motorcycle Enduro, rock and gun shows, the annual "Ride the Ridge" trail ride, Fur Trade Days, county fairs, farmer's markets, art shows, water skiing and boating on Box Butte Reservoir and Whitney Lake, golfing at two exceptional gold courses and several excellent antique shops.
ACREAGE: The Dream Catcher Ranch consists of 1,948 +/- acres including a state school land lease of 640 acres. There is about 300 acres in hay land producing up to 450 tons of alfalfa, mixed forage and prairie hay per year. The main summer pasture is about 1,800 acres (flat land measurement) and has three large deep draws and is interspersed with Ponderosa Pine and grassland providing excellent wildlife habitat and livestock pasture. If desired, improving the wildlife habitat with food plots for deer and turkey would enhance the property.
The State of Nebraska school section lease (640 acres) provides excellent hay and pasture land and is located near the headquarters. Privately owned property on the school section includes approximately six miles of fence, two windmills with cisterns and watering tanks, a 28 X 100 Steel pole barn, and a windbreak. The current lease through 2015 and has an annual cost approximately $4,930 per year.
Historically, the ranch was watered with five windmills (each with large cisterns) and a submersible well at the headquarters. An extensive water system has been developed to make the ranch well watered enhancing livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. The system includes four operational windmills, two submersible wells and 37,000 feet of buried pipeline servicing eleven 12 foot diameter tire tanks. The headquarters are serviced by one of the submersible wells and has a 20,000 gallon cistern. The headquarters are surrounded by several large tree rows that serve as windbreaks. Six - half mile strips of Rocky Mountain Juniper have been planted to serve as additional windbreaks.
The ranch may be used in many ways such as; leasing the agriculture operations or taking in cows or yearlings in the summer / winter on a grass lease basis. A typical operation might involve running 175 to 200 head year round (subject to precipitation and management practices) as well as taking in deer and turkey hunters during the hunting seasons. Alternatively, the hunting rights could be leased to a local outfitter. In this geographical area, hunters will pay between $1,500 and $5,000 per person for room and board and a four day hunt depending on the quality of service. If desired, remote camping for a fee could be offered as well as many other income producing recreational opportunities.
IMPROVEMENTS: The Dream Catcher Ranch has excellent improvements that accommodate all the uses for which the ranch is intended including a year round livestock operation and a full scale hunting property. A list of the improvements are as follows:
• Main House: Originally built in 1918, remodeled in 1941, 1970 and 1999, the house was completely remodeled and modernized inside and out. In 2009, the exterior was re-sided with Hardiplank cement siding. There is approximately 2,400 square feet of finished living space plus an unfinished basement. Other features include: Three bedrooms plus office, two full Bathrooms, new wiring, plumbing, wood and tile flooring, solid Arkansas Oak baseboard, door and window trim and Air conditioning. Additional features include: original homestead doors, zone control water heat, dual hot water heaters, water softener, and Jacuzzi tub in a full tile bathroom with shower. There is a sewing/hobby/exercise room, cold mudroom, heated mudroom with refrigerator, deep well sink, washer and dryer. The home has a totally modernized gourmet kitchen with breakfast bar, separate eating area, solid oak décor and tile floor. There is a sound system and TV cable throughout the home. The home also has a decorative, fully functional wood burning fireplace with built in heat exchanger and blower. The exterior siding and trim was professionally replaced and exposed wood repainted in 2009.
• Caretaker House: This is a 28' X 44' high quality pre-manufactured home on permanent footings installed in 2002. Features include: three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, large living room, large eat-in kitchen with upgraded appliances, utility room, central heating and air conditioning.
• 1978 Mobile Home: 14' x 70', two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen with upgraded appliances and large living room. Re-modeled in 2002. Current use is for guests and paying hunters.
• Each home has a separate septic system for a total of three on the ranch.
• Barn: This is a 48' X 82' two story structure with six box stalls, four tie stalls, insulated tack & vet room and huge hayloft. Built circa 1908, this barn is in outstanding condition and truly a rare improvement.
• Shop: An older building but fully functional for most ranch repairs.
• Cattle shed: 80' X 22' with overhead storage.
• Chicken House: 20' X 12'
• Garage: 20' X 14' with concrete floor.
The working corrals have also been completely updated to provide shelter for livestock during severe weather conditions. Newly designed working alleys and corrals make the handling of cattle a one man operation. Corrals, alleys and yard fencing are fabricated of steel pipe and cable with tire tanks for water.
RECREATION: The Dream Catcher Ranch provides excellent hunting opportunities for mule deer, whitetail deer, turkey and elk. The ranch is large enough to offer positive economics of a livestock operation and to also hold wildlife on the property. The diverse land of this type offers a variety of other recreational activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, four wheeling and winter snowmobiling. The installation of remote rustic cabins and/or offering bed and breakfast or dude ranch services could also be a source of recreation revenue. The property is conveniently located near the White River, Niobrara River, Box Butte Reservoir and Whitney Lake, which provide opportunity for fishing, boating and camping. Fort Robinson and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument offer historic and geological interest. Crawford offers a western flavor for its visitors to remember the splendor of this little known recreation area. Nightly theatrical and dining entertainment are offered at historic Fort Robinson. Hunters and wildlife photographers will find the public and private lands offered for access abound with Mule deer, Whitetail deer, Merriams turkey, Sharp tail grouse, antelope, bighorn sheep, elk, pheasant, fox, coyote, bobcats and eagles. In addition to its natural wildlife, the "Pine Ridge" area is fast becoming known for its variety of horse and horseman events ranging from world class cutting events, rodeos, trail rides and breed shows.
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Location: Harrison, Nebraska
