LOCATION
Nebraska Blue is located along the western edge of Dawes County, Nebraska approximately 14 miles southwest of Crawford. The ranch is accessed by traveling south on Highway 71 for 12 miles from Crawford then west on West Belmont Road for two and one-half miles then turning north onto Deadman Road for a quarter mile into the property. The newly constructed home sits at the top of the hill on the left. The property lies in the western portion of Dawes County, Nebraska. The county seat of Dawes County, Chadron, is approximately 23 miles east of Crawford. Scottsbluff is 75 miles to the south and the Black Hills are about 75 miles north. The ranch is an easy, few hours drive to either Denver to the south or Rapid City to the north.
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 30 miles to the north to the Niobrara River on the south, the Wyoming state line 40 miles to 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.
At 4,700 feet in altitude Nebraska Blue’s climate is more likened to Wyoming, Colorado and South Dakota than the lower elevations of the plains areas of eastern and southern Nebraska. Notably, the summers have lower humidity with pleasant springs and falls and warmer winters. Precipitation can be moderate, but sometimes erratic throughout the year with periods of some heavy snows and rains followed by drier periods.
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. Chadron State College located in Chadron sponsors many and varied cultural events including plays, music and movies.
ACREAGE
Nebraska Blue consists of 440+/- acres. Approximately two-thirds of which are rolling pastures of native grassland with the remainder beautiful Ponderosa Pine forest. There are a number of draws and ridges providing a most desirable, natural habitat for deer (mule and whitetail) and turkey. Several draws are quite deep and steep with lots of trees along and through them providing for a diverse, interesting terrain. There are a series of bladed trails that provide good access to the acreage and there are a number of additional awesome homesites. The ranch is entirely fenced with one cross fence which separates about 80 acres of pasture/meadow on the east side. The ranch has an electric well and tank for stock water in addition to the electric submersible well at the new homestead.
IMPROVEMENTS
A brand new, custom built 2,450 square foot home has just been completed on a most spectacular homesite location and is fully furnished with “high end” furniture and furnishings. It has never been occupied. 10 foot ceilings throughout and an open floor plan with panoramic views of the Pine Ridge in all directions create a stunning feeling of awe and yet warmth. The open hearth fireplace is from floor to ceiling in the great room. Flooring in the great room, dining area and kitchen is 3”, 4” and 5” random length genuine oak planking. The exterior walls of the great room and dining area are floor to ceiling windows so as to enjoy Nebraska Blue’s spectacular vistas and sunsets. All interior doors and wood trim are knotty alder. The spacious kitchen features granite counter tops, cherry wood cabinets and new appliances. The three nicely proportioned bedrooms are carpeted with large windows with pretty views. The two baths have travertine tile floors and showers. The finest of construction and workmanship is immediately apparent in this beautiful home. The home was built with materials and construction design to be enjoyed with a minimum of maintenance required. A two and a-half car garage and full unfinished basement (with an 8 foot clear ceiling height) with stubbed plumbing and fireplace base round out the home.
The home sits on a 4,700 foot high hill (one of the highest in Dawes County) for spectacular overviews of the Pine Ridge to the south and west, the Bluffs of Ft. Robinson to the north and the rolling plains of Dawes County to the east. Amidst Nebraska Blue’s Ponderosa landscape a story is waiting to be told about the folklore from early settlement and the Indian/Calvary incursions. There is electric power to the home which operates on a submersible well and septic system. A grass yard with an underground sprinkler system provides a clean buffer from this beautiful, natural, native setting. The house is brand new with construction and landscaping just being completed June, 2008. The property is being sold inclusive of all furniture, rugs and furnishings.
Nebraska Blue’s home offers a spectacular setting with top quality brand new high end improvements.
RECREATION
Nebraska Blue 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. Nebraska Blue’s diverse terrain offers a variety of recreational activity including hiking, biking, horseback riding and four wheeling as well as winter activities such as tobogganing, cross country skiing or just reading a good book in front of a warm fire in the fireplace cozy and warm with the spectacularly beautiful countryside as a backdrop.
Crawford’s Legend Butte’s Golf Course has been voted as one of the top ten courses in Nebraska. A new club house is under construction to be finished in the spring of 2009. Chadron’s Ridgeview Country Club golf course just 45 minutes away offers excellent golf in a beautiful setting.
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, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Toadstool Geological Park and Hudson-Meng Bison Kill site are just a few places of historic and geological interest in the immediate area.. Crawford offers a western flavor for its visitors to remember the splendor of this little known recreation area. Its Fourth of July parade, Open Class Rodeo and spectacular fireworks draw spectators and contestants from near and afar. 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, fox, coyote, bobcats, eagles and mountain lions.
The Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota are just a short two hours drive north.
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.
“Cowboy” magazine called this area ‘one of the most beautiful in the west.”
SUMMARY
Northwest Nebraska is an undiscovered jewel. Nebraska Blue, just 40 miles east of the Wyoming border and 30 miles south of the South Dakota border is scenic, yet still affordable. The area offers many amenities that are desirable for both working and lifestyle ranch property. Nebraska Blue is a scenic and productive ranch that offers a beautiful, newly constructed home and other spectacular homesites. The property is accurately priced at market value.