LOCATION
The Harms Ranch is located in the southwestern portion of Dawes County approximately 13 miles south from Crawford, NE. The county seat of Dawes County, Chadron, NE is 33 miles to the northwest; Scottsbluff is 65 miles to the south and the Black Hills are about 60 miles north. It is an easy drive to Rapid City, Cheyenne and Denver. The ranch is accessed by traveling south on Hwy. 71 approximately 11 miles, then west for 2 miles on a gravel road.
ACREAGE
The property consists of 1,440 acres in two parcels connected by easements. The headquarters and the Ponderosa lined creek are located on the northern tract consisting of 800 acres. The southern tract consists of 640 acres with an old homestead and wind breaks with scattered hills. The cultivated land consists of 302 total acres, part of which is farmed or in hay or grass stands. There are 169 acres cultivated on the northern 800-acre tract and 133 acres on the southern 640-acre tract.
Domestic well water is provided in four locations: at the headquarters, on the western side of the main ranch and including a 3-tank pipeline, 2 wells on the southern 640 acre tract. Boundary and cross fences for eight pastures consist of four barbed wires on wood and steel posts in good condition.
Soils are generally Class II and III with occasional Class I and IV. The soils on the farmland tracts are generally loams, silty loams or silty clay loams. The upland soils tend to be shallow with rock outcroppings in some areas.
IMPROVEMENTS
The property is improved with an older home, which was a modern show place in its early days. The interior of the house has the original wood floors, large wood trim around the rooms, doorways and windows. The house has a full basement. The original main barn is used for horses and livestock. A metal Quonset is used for auto and machinery storage. A heated shop and miscellaneous outbuildings round out the improvements.
AREA AND CLIMATE
Crawford calls itself 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 wildlife. The pine-covered hills of the Nebraska National Forest and the Pine Ridge are full of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Several lakes, streams and rivers provide boating, fishing and camping.
The last remount depot of the US Army, Fort Robinson, is just west of Crawford. 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, events such as weddings and reunions as well as numerous horse related events and shows.
Other area activities include PRCA Old Timers, 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, farmers markets, art shows, water skiing, boating on Box Butte Reservoir and Whitney Lake and golfing at two exceptional golf courses.
RECREATION
The Harms Ranch provides excellent opportunities for mule deer, whitetail deer and turkey hunting and viewing. The ranch lies largely within the middle of a larger surrounding ranch, which gives the property the feel of a larger operation and the benefit of a larger wildlife habitat. The mix of land use including breaks, timber, draws, meadow and cropland are very positive for enhanced wildlife populations. The diverse land type offers a variety of recreational activity including hiking, biking, horseback riding and four wheeling.
The property is 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, Merriam turkey, Sharp-tail grouse, antelope, bighorn sheep, elk, pheasant, coyote, bobcats, eagles and mountain lions.
The Crawford area is fast becoming known for its variety of horse and horseman events ranging from world-class cutting and rodeos to trail rides and breed shows.
SUMMARY
Northwest Nebraska is an undiscovered jewel. Scenic, yet still affordable, the area offers many amenities that are desirable in smaller ranch property. The harms ranch is a scenic and productive ranch with excellent recreation opportunities, and beautiful views and scenery. It would make an ideal horse ranch, productive small ranch, or a primary or secondary residence. Crawford has a quaint small town atmosphere and the area offers excellent recreation opportunities. Both Chadron and Scottsbluff offer complete services. It is convenient to the I-25 corridor, Cheyenne, Denver and Rapid City. A good day’s drive to Midwestern cities such as Minneapolis, Des Moines, Omaha and Kansas City.