The Elk River Ranch

At +/-3236 contiguous acres and with over 3 miles of Elk River frontage, this property is one of the premier ranches in Kansas. Combine the recreation opportunities that abound around every corner of this ranch with the working cattle operation and the +/-409 acres of tillable crop land and you have a property that can be used and enjoyed any number of ways. It's a truly magnificent ranch with a new adventure around every turn. Land This property is so diverse and has everything an eastern Kansas sportsman could ask for. Starting on the north end, the property has Elk River frontage that divides areas of production farm ground and cuts through planted food plots, with old, massive cottonwood trees guarding the riverbanks and assorted oak trees, sycamores, elm trees, osage orange, cedars and other tree species coming together to form dense timber pockets that show obvious deer travel corridor paths that have been beat down for generations. Look and listen closely and the northern side of the ranch will share some of its history with you. There is an old, abandoned iron bridge whose remnants make its way over the Elk River and an old barn whose wood has seen the hard work of generations making their way on this land. Native American arrow heads and other artifacts have also been found along the river. Moving south, the land begins to slowly gain elevation and the tillable farmland becomes intertwined between patches of native grass and timber surrounds. Everywhere you look seems to be another perfect bedding area or feeding area. More large trees run through the middle of the property following tributary creek beds which help to feed any one of the 20 or more ponds on the property. Again, you can not look in any direction and not see exceptional habitat co-designed by nature and the human caretakers of this incredible parcel. In this region of the ranch, the hills begin to steepen and are covered with blackjack oaks. Deer run these hillsides and the ravines are full of rubs, scrapes and more pathways that give up the secrets of their travel corridors. The south end of the ranch has more open pasture and sits at some of the highest elevations, although the deep draws continue to hold timber and ponds. The fencing throughout the property is good and this area is cross fenced into 3 separate pastures and is set up for good rotation. It also has some beautiful limestone rock formations and natural springs. This ranch has so much to offer, you need to spend a good portion of a day exploring on and off the maintained trail system that winds up, down, around and through the property. Improvements The Home Situated at the end of a scenic 1.45-mile-long driveway that leads you past the highest point on the ranch, this home features a total of 4512 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths spread throughout a main floor and finished walk-out basement.   Privacy is not a problem as this home cannot be seen from any road As you enter the home, your eyes are immediately taken to the vaulted, pine wood ceilings and the wall of windows overlooking the lake and timbered hills.  The great room features a fireplace that was built with natural stone found on the property and incredible hand sawn, solid wood floors held in place with hand cut nails.  The craftsmanship shines throughout, including the railing made from rough cut pine logs. The open concept kitchen is anchored by a large granite island and granite countertop with plenty of custom hardwood hardwood cabinets and a walk-in pantry with custom shelving.  The slate tile backsplash continues the use of natural materials and further enhances the rustic feel. The kitchen also features a split sink, dishwasher, electric range and built in microwave, all perfectly set up to cook the days’ hunting bounty or entertain a crowd of guests. Much like the rest of the home, the large master suite has large windows to enjoy the scenic, hilltop views and natural light.  It also features a large walk-in closet, tile shower, large granite vanity and separated lavatory. The guest bedrooms are all nice sized and are able to accommodate anything from king beds to multiple sets of bunk beds.  Each bedroom has it’s own closet with the same solid hardwood, arched, two panel doors that are used throughout the home.  There is enough sleeping area for many, many guests to enjoy this wonderful Kansas ranch at one time. The basement is finished and has walk out french doors to a covered stone patio.  Imagine swapping the day’s hunting stories over cocktails at the extra-large granite, show piece bar while the steaks cook just outside on the cowboy grill fire pit. There is also a built-in entertainment center and the basement living area flooring is all tile, which all makes entertaining and clean up easy. The home has a 500-gallon propane tank and an automatic, back-up generator if electric service is ever lost. Careful thought, design and craftsmanship were paramount when building this home. It has all the comforts of a full-time residence and can easily be a country escape vacation home or could even be used as a high end, commercial lodge. Outbuildings There are two outbuildings on the property, both with concrete floors.  One is located near the lake and measures 45’x45′ and the other is located near the north property gate and measures 38’x42′.  Both have extra tall overhead doors and together they allow enough storage for all your equipment and toys. Modular Home There is a modular home on the property near the west gate entrance, which has been rented as a part of the current cattle lease. Recreation For decades, the caretakers of this property have been focused on managing and growing the caliber of large antlered whitetail deer that Kansas is known for. Strategically planted food plots, corn feeders and minerals have been a year-round mandate on the ranch and the results have shown themselves time and again. Throughout the spring, turkey gobbles and bobwhite quail whistles can be heard echoing through the hills of the ranch. Geographically, the ranch sits right on the line where Rio Grande, Eastern and hybrid turkey subspecies all roam. Quail use the grass lands and thick underbrush of the creek bottoms for cover and can often be seen in coveys of 20 or more birds. The Elk River meanders through the property with its steady current and creates some fishing holes that hold catfish the so big you will wonder how many years they have remained working these river currents. The middle of the property boasts the nearly 9-acre lake, which has a depth of up to 26 feet deep and has been stocked with game fish including wipers, a hybrid bass that combine the size of striped bass and the bad attitude of white bass. Many species of waterfowl, including mallards and Canadian geese make stops at these ponds as they make their way through the Central Flyway. There are hunting opportunities for famed Kansas whitetail deer, turkey, quail, waterfowl, furbearers and small game. Agriculture The farming on the ranch has been a combination of production and food plots for wildlife. The production side could easily be expanded with additional acres allotted. The productive soils in that area of the ranch are Mason silt loam and have 0 to 1 percent slope. The yield history has been good with dryland corn, wheat and soybeans all having been planted over the last few years. There is a current farming tenant in place on a cash rent and year to year basis. The cattle ranching has also been leased out with bi-annual lease payments due in May and October respectively. Cattle graze the southern side of the ranch from spring to fall. The cattle lease also includes use of the modular home that sits near the eastern gate to the ranch. The pastures have a combination of native grasses with plenty of available water and shade from trees found dotting the landscape. The ranch lies in the eastern edge of the famous Kansas Flint Hills which is sought after ranch land with limestone soils and native tall grass pastures. Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources The seller is believed to own all the mineral rights and water rights.  Both mineral rights and water rights are expected to transfer upon closing. No current oil and gas leases exist at this time. Region & Climate Located in southeast Kansas, Elk County receives an average of 41 inches of rain per year and 12 inches of snow annually. Like most of Kansas, folks who make their home here will experience all four seasons. The weather can vary greatly from one side of the calendar to the other, which is part of what makes it a wonderful place for recreation. Just about any outdoor activity has a place on the Kansas calendar. Location Located just south of Longton, Kansas, the ranch is easily accessible from Wichita, Kansas (1.5 hour drive), Tulsa, Oklahoma (1.75 hour drive) and Kansas City (3 hour drive).   Longton, KS has stores that provide groceries, fuel and beer/wine.