Located in the Sandhills of Nebraska, the Double Nickel on the Niobrara is one of the finest ranches in the Midwest. An extremely diverse landscape of Sandhills grasslands, pine covered hills and draws, irrigated production farmland and wooded river bottoms provide an amazing combination of beauty, production and recreation seldom seen in a single offering. LandThis unique property is nestled in the beautiful Sandhills region of Northwestern Nebraska, tucked against the Niobrara National Scenic River. This diverse terrain totals approximately 15,300+/- deeded acres with the opportunity for approximately 19,064+/- leased acres. Traveling through the ranch, one will find open plains, rugged terrain and scenic trails through many wooded areas following the approximately 6 miles of river. Excellent wildlife habitat with river bottom and Ponderosa pine covered hills, dramatic caprock views. This income producing ranch offers something for everyone including the cow/calf rancher, seasoned investor, or outdoors enthusiast. Ideal for operating cattle and crop production, this beautiful property could also make an amazing country gentleman's ranch and getaway. Double Nickel on the Niobrara is that special place, perfect to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Improvements15,300+/- Deeded Acres 16,500+/- Leased Acres (Samuel R McKelvie Forest Lease) 2,107+/- Leased Acres (State and/or Private Leases) 6 Homes Additional Outbuildings: Shop, Machinery Shed, Calving Sheds, Fire Truck Garage 240,000-Bushel Storage Facility 12 Center Irrigation Pivots with ground & surface water rights (1,687+/- acres) 6 miles of Niobrara River Frontage RecreationDouble Nickel on the Niobrara is a hunter's paradise. High quality habitat and readily available water make the ranch a diverse haven to all kinds of wildlife. Starting with the largest inhabitants, the ranch is home to over 200 elk with bulls averaging 310″-360″ Boone and Crockett. Large herds of Mule deer and Whitetail deer can be found both along the river as well as out in the Sandhills offering the opportunity for high quality trophy bucks. Huge flocks of Merriam's Turkey can be found moving along the fields and tree lined banks of the river. Other wildlife that calls the ranch home include Pheasants, prairie chicken, several kinds of ducks as well as Canada geese. Coyotes, bobcat, and the occasional Mountain Lion have all traveled the expanse of the property. There are fishing opportunities in the river and the many ponds on the ranch that include trout and a mix of warm water species. The river provides plenty of opportunity for float trips on tubes, canoe or as the locals like to travel....in a stock tank. Under current operations, the ranch is leased out for hunting. There are cabins on the ranch to accommodate guests, hunters, or fisherman. Other Agri-tourism revenue streams are possible to accompany the hunting operations. AgricultureFeaturing a capacity for carrying of approximately 2500 mother cows, the cash flow and the potential of this investment is unparalleled. The current owners operate the ranch with production on the pivots in various types of forage for cattle. Alfalfa, Millet, Oats, Barley, Sudan grass, sorghum and native grass are produced to continue the carrying capacity throughout the year. Across the ranch there are well designed and maintained cattle working facilities that include large calving shed and livestock barn, and multiple outbuildings. Water/Mineral Rights & Natural ResourcesThe ranch offers an abundance of quality water. Water is pumped from multiple wells as well as pump stations along the river for livestock and irrigating crops. An extensive system consisting of windmills, solar wells, pipeline, and tanks provide water throughout the ranch. All irrigation pumps and pivots operate with electricity on both ranches. Currently, 12 Center Irrigation Pivots combine for over 1680 acres of irrigated crop land. There are also multiple lakes and ponds located on the ranch, approximately 6 miles of the Niobrara River. (Average rainfall in the area is 19″-22″ annually.) General OperationsUnder current operations, the ranch is leased out for hunting. There are cabins on the ranch to accommodate guests, hunters, or fisherman. Other Agri-tourism revenue streams are possible to accompany the hunting operations. Region & Climate1-hour drive from Valentine, NE 3.5-hour drive from Rapid City, SD 6-hour drive from Omaha, NE 6.5-hour drive from Denver, CO HistorySmith Falls State Park, Forth Niobrara and Valentine National Wildlife Refuges as well as Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area which is some of the best Walleye fishing in northern Nebraska. Fredrick Peak Golf Course is a fantastic 10-hole course designed by the Lehman Design Group know for the Dunes course at the Prairie Club. LocationNearest Airports: Miller Field- Valentine Nebraska (VTN) Runway 3701’x60′ asphalt Fuel available- 100LL, Jet A Hangers and tiedowns available Distance to ranch-26 miles Ainsworth Regional Airport-Ainsworth, Nebraska (ANW) Runway- 6824′ x 110′ asphalt Fuel available- 100LL, Jet A. Distance to ranch-71 miles Thomas County Airport- Thedford, Nebraska (TIF) Runway- 4400′ x 60′ asphalt Fuel available- 100LL, self-service credit card. Hangers and tiedowns available Distance to ranch-91 miles North Platte Regional Airport- North Platte Nebraska (LBF) Commercial service available Runway- 8001′ x 150′ concrete/grooved Runway-4436’x100′ concrete Fuel-100LL, Jet A Hangers and tiedowns available Distance to ranch-157 miles