LOCATION
The Hart Ranch is located along the eastern edge of Sioux County, Nebraska approximately 17 miles southwest of Crawford. The ranch is accessed by traveling south on Highway 71 for 12 miles from Crawford then west on Belmont Road for seven miles. The property lies on the south side of the all-weather, gravel county road. The county seat of Sioux County, Harrison, is approximately 20 miles to the northwest. 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 to Denver.
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 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 nearby lakes, streams and rivers provide boating, fishing and camping.
The last remount depot of the US Army, Fort Robinson, is just west of Crawford. It’s 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.
ACREAGE
The Hart Ranch consists of 1,280+/- acres, which are approximately two-thirds native grassland, 360 acres of tillable cropland and about 100 acres of Ponderosa Pine forest.
The ranch has two wells for stock and domestic water including an electric submersible well at the historic homestead site and a windmill in the southwest pasture. Soils are generally Class II and III. The soils on the farmland tracts are generally loams, silty loams or silty clay loams. The upland soils tend to be shallow clay loams. The ranch received a 2003 FSA payment of $1,769.
IMPROVEMENTS
The ranch has on old homestead site and no other buildings. The ranch is improved with the cropland acreage, good fences, three water wells (one well with 3/4 mile pipline and two tanks) and roads. There is electric power to the homestead and submersible well.
The ranch is productive tract of land with good cash flow capability.
RECREATION
The Hart Ranch provides excellent opportunities for mule deer, whitetail deer and turkey hunting and viewing. The ranch location near the National Forest gives it the benefit of a larger wildlife habitat. 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 abound with mule deer, whitetail deer, Merriam turkey, Sharp-tail grouse, antelope, bighorn sheep, elk, pheasant, fox, coyote, bobcats, eagles and mountain lions.
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 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 for both a working and lifestyle ranch property. The Hart Ranch is a scenic and productive ranch that offers excellent home sites as well as cash flow from agricultural operations.