The Rimrock Ranch

The Rimrock Ranch is an 800-acre sportsman's paradise bordering historic Fort Robinson State Park in northwest Nebraska. Featuring rolling grasslands, a spring-fed fishing pond, upland bird hunting, and abundant recreational opportunities, the ranch also offers grazing capacity for 80 cow/calf pairs, a beautifully updated 3-bedroom home, guest cabin, horse barn, and endless possibilities for ranching, hunting, fishing, and vacation rentals in th Land

The property consists of rolling grassland pastures that gradually climb to an impressive 500-foot ridgeline, offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The varied terrain provides a combination of open grazing meadows, natural draws, and elevated grass-covered hillsides, creating an attractive landscape for both livestock production and wildlife habitat.

One of the ranch’s most valuable assets is its abundant native grass. The rolling pastures provide excellent grazing opportunities, with the potential to support up to 80 cow/calf pairs for a five-month grazing season, generally running from approximately June 1 through October 31. The combination of productive grass, diverse terrain, and dependable water makes Rimrock Ranch an appealing opportunity for cattle operators looking for a seasonal grazing property in a highly desirable location.

Water is another exceptional feature of the ranch. Near the center of the property is a beautiful, cool, clear freshwater pond naturally supplied by numerous springs associated with two adjoining streams. These natural water resources provide valuable livestock water while also supporting the abundant wildlife found throughout the property. The pond is well stocked with bass and panfish, offering an enjoyable fishing opportunity in a peaceful ranch setting. Additional livestock water tanks are strategically located throughout pastures that do not have access to natural water sources, providing added flexibility for grazing management and livestock distribution.

The combination of rolling grasslands, spring-fed water, natural streams, and varied elevations also creates excellent habitat for wildlife. The ranch offers outstanding recreational appeal, including upland bird hunting, big game hunting opportunities, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. The property’s proximity to Fort Robinson State Park further enhances its setting within one of Nebraska’s most recognized outdoor recreation areas.

The Rimrock Ranch is a rare combination of productive agricultural land and recreational beauty. With its excellent grass resources, quality natural water sources, established livestock infrastructure, and impressive Pine Ridge scenery, this 800-acre property offers an outstanding opportunity for a working cattle operation, seasonal grazing investment, or recreational ranch in northwest Nebraska.

Improvements Adding to the appeal of Rimrock Ranch is a recently remodeled, approximately 2,200-square-foot home that blends rustic character with modern comfort and updated living spaces. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence has undergone extensive recent improvements, creating a warm and inviting home that is ready to enjoy.

The newly updated kitchen offers a fresh, modern feel, while the remodeled bedrooms and spacious new bathroom provide comfortable accommodations. Additional improvements include a new laundry area and a separate sitting room, both featuring all-new cabinetry that adds functionality, storage, and convenience to everyday living.

The home’s distinctive character is highlighted by its main living area, constructed with logs harvested directly from the ranch. The impressive great room features a dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace built from petrified wood gathered from the surrounding area. This one-of-a-kind centerpiece brings together the natural beauty and history of the region, creating a truly special gathering space.

Additional improvements include:

35′ x 45′ two-car garage: A substantial detached garage featuring a concrete floor and ample space for vehicles, equipment, and storage as well as a walk in cooler with skinning rack.

 48’x48′ Insulated and heated steel pole building with pull-through garage doors on both ends, constructed in 2022. Additionally inside the building is a 18’x28′ entertainment/recreation room.   The rec room  is heated, equipped with Starlink internet service, and includes a loft above for additional storage

75′ x 18′ horse barn: Equipped with stalls and an enclosed tack room, also featuring a concrete floor, making it well suited for horse enthusiasts and equestrian activities.

Heavy-duty wooden livestock corrals: Built to accommodate the handling and working of bison and other livestock.

Livestock water infrastructure: Water tanks provide additional water access in pastures without natural water sources, this includes multiple new large tire tanks and solar pumps.

There is a large  40’x90′ pheasant flight pen with a run-in shed.

Nice and well maintained Bullfrog Swim Spa located just a short walk from the back door of the house.

There is a large walk in cooler located on site for cold storage as well as a skinning rack for processing of wildlife or ranch raised livestock.

Recreation Beyond its ranching capabilities, Rimrock Ranch offers an outstanding setting for those who appreciate the outdoors. The current owners operate a small upland bird hunting operation on the property, complete with on-site flight pens for the birds. This established recreational component adds another dimension to the ranch and provides an opportunity for a new owner to continue or expand the upland bird hunting operation.  Mule deer, White-tailed deer, Pronghorn Antelope, Elk, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Mountain lion and many other small game animals call the Rimrock Ranch home.

The ranch also includes a two-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin that has been utilized to accommodate hunting guests as well as serve as a vacation rental. This additional lodging creates flexibility for hosting hunting parties, family and friends, or vacation guests while offering potential for supplemental rental income.

With its varied terrain, natural water features, rolling grasslands, and proximity to Fort Robinson State Park, the property provides an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the best of western Nebraska. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the stocked bass and panfish pond, while hunters will appreciate the recreational potential of the property’s expansive acreage and upland bird operation. Miles of open countryside invite exploration, with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, wildlife observation, and simply enjoying the peace and solitude of the Nebraska landscape.

Its location adjacent to historic Fort Robinson State Park adds another special dimension to the property, placing owners in the heart of one of Nebraska’s most scenic and historically significant areas.  The park has miles of hiking and horseback trails throughout its scenic boundaries.

Agriculture Water is one of Rimrock Ranch’s standout features. Near the center of the property lies a cool, clear, one-acre freshwater pond fed by two naturally occurring groundwater springs. Together, the springs flow at roughly 20 gallons per minute, providing a constant inflow of groundwater. A 36-inch discharge culvert keeps the pond water level constant. At approximately 12.5 feet deep, the pond is a reliable water source for livestock and wildlife and offers recreational opportunities. Fishing for largemouth bass, perch, and panfish has long been a summer favorite among guests at Rimrock Ranch.

The ranch offers excellent grazing potential, with capacity for 75 cow/calf pairs. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office in Chadron, Nebraska, calculated this carrying capacity for a five-month grazing season, June 1 through October 31. The ranch has five agricultural water wells: three powered by solar panels and two by electric pumps. It also has 11 tire tanks connected by pipelines. The ranch has demonstrated its versatility through previous summer grazing arrangements with a neighboring cattle rancher. Under current ownership the horse barn and stall area were converted to flight pens for Pheasant and Chukar Partridge containment and capture. The current ownership has  obtained a Nebraska Controlled Shooting Area (CSA) permit for upland bird game hunting.

Region & Climate The Rimrock Ranch is located in the heart of Nebraska’s beautiful Pine Ridge region, an area recognized for its rugged natural beauty, rolling grasslands, dramatic ridgelines, and rich western heritage. Situated approximately 10 miles northwest of Crawford and adjoining historic Fort Robinson State Park, the ranch is surrounded by some of the most scenic country in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Unlike much of the surrounding Great Plains, the Pine Ridge landscape features rolling hills, elevated ridges, wooded canyons, natural draws, and expansive grassland meadows. The region offers outstanding opportunities for hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife viewing, making it a particularly attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate the wide-open spaces of the American West.

The area experiences a four-season continental climate, with warm summers, cold winters, and generally pleasant spring and fall seasons. Based on long-term climate averages for the nearby Fort Robinson area, annual temperatures average approximately 62°F for daytime highs and 34°F for nighttime lows. Annual precipitation averages approximately 20 inches, providing important moisture for native grasses, grazing pastures, and wildlife habitat.

Summers are generally warm and sunny, with average daytime highs reaching approximately 81°F in June and 89°F in July and August. Overnight temperatures typically cool into the upper 40s and 50s, making for comfortable evenings. Spring brings gradually warming temperatures and valuable growing-season moisture, with much of the area’s annual precipitation occurring between April and September.

Fall is especially enjoyable in the Pine Ridge country, offering pleasant daytime temperatures, cool evenings, and beautiful seasonal colors. September averages highs near 78°F, while October temperatures generally settle into the low 60s. Winters are cold, with daytime highs commonly in the upper 30s to low 40s and overnight temperatures frequently dropping into the teens. Seasonal snowfall and occasional winter storms are typical.

The combination of warm summer days, cool evenings, four distinct seasons, and approximately 20 inches of annual precipitation creates an environment well suited to seasonal cattle grazing and outdoor recreation. With its scenic landscape, favorable summer conditions, and rich western Nebraska heritage, the Pine Ridge region offers a wonderful setting to enjoy the best of ranch living throughout the year.

History The Rimrock Ranch is situated in an area rich in western history, Native American heritage, and the legacy of the American frontier. Northwest Nebraska’s Pine Ridge country has long been recognized for its unique landscape, abundant wildlife, and important role in the settlement and development of the American West.

One of the most historically significant landmarks in the region is neighboring Fort Robinson State Park. Established in 1874 as Camp Robinson, the military post played a major role in the history of the northern Great Plains. The fort was associated with several important events of the Indian Wars, including the surrender of the Oglala Lakota leader Crazy Horse in 1877 and his death later that year. It was also the site of the tragic 1879 Northern Cheyenne breakout, an important and painful chapter in Native American and western history.

Over the years, Fort Robinson served many different purposes. It became a major cavalry post, later developed into one of the nation’s largest military horse and mule remount stations, and served as a K-9 training center and German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. Following its military service, the property was used as a USDA beef cattle research station before becoming a state park. Today, Fort Robinson preserves much of this remarkable history and provides visitors with museums, historic buildings, trail rides, hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

The nearby town of Crawford was established in 1886, following the arrival of the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad. Its development was closely tied to Fort Robinson and the railroad’s expansion into northwest Nebraska. Today, Crawford retains its small-town western character and serves as a gateway to the surrounding ranching and recreational country.

The region is also known for its connection to the great cattle and ranching traditions of the American West. The surrounding grasslands and rugged Pine Ridge terrain have supported generations of ranching families, while the area’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty have made it a popular destination for hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Location The Rimrock Ranch enjoys an outstanding location in the scenic Pine Ridge country of northwest Nebraska, approximately 10 miles northwest of Crawford and adjoining historic Fort Robinson State Park. The property offers the privacy and seclusion of a rural ranch setting while remaining within reasonable driving distance of several communities, regional airports, and the amenities of the Nebraska Panhandle.

Crawford, located approximately 10 miles southeast of the ranch, is the closest community and provides everyday necessities, local restaurants, convenience shopping, and essential services. Crawford is also home to the Crawford Livestock Market, a well-established regional sale barn serving cattle producers throughout the surrounding area. This provides convenient access to livestock marketing facilities for ranch owners and area cattle operators.

Chadron, Nebraska, is approximately 33 miles east of the ranch and serves as the regional commercial and service center. Chadron offers grocery stores, restaurants, retail shopping, medical facilities, banking, lodging, and other everyday amenities. The community is also home to Chadron State College, adding educational, cultural, and sporting opportunities to the area. Harrison, Nebraska, is approximately 37 miles west, while Scottsbluff is approximately 84 miles south.

The ranch offers access to both regional and major commercial air transportation. Chadron Municipal Airport is located approximately 35 miles east of the property and provides convenient regional airport access. For broader commercial air travel, Denver International Airport is approximately 300 miles southwest, providing connections to destinations throughout the United States and internationally. Rapid City Regional Airport in South Dakota is another alternative for commercial air travel, approximately 130 miles to the north.