Spring Lake Ranch

Description

A Legacy Sandhills Ranch Defined by Scale and Stewardship Since 1887

Spring Lake Ranch represents a rare opportunity to acquire a large, contiguous, and highly functional ranch in the heart of Nebraska's Sandhills.

With roots dating back to 1887, the ranch reflects generations of stewardship, evolving into a modern, highly productive operation while maintaining the integrity of the land it was built upon.

Spanning 14,610.96± total acres, including 13,037.08± deeded acres and 1,573.88± acres of Nebraska State School Land lease, the ranch offers the scale, natural resources, and operational consistency sought by serious operators and long-term investors alike.

A Proven and Balanced Cattle Operation

Spring Lake Ranch is a well-balanced Sandhills operation capable of supporting approximately 700 cow-calf pairs on a year-round basis, depending on management practices.

Spring Lake Ranch is currently divided into 23 well-fenced pastures featuring mainly 4-strand barbed wire fencing designed to support efficient rotational grazing and long-term grass management practices.  The combination of fencing and water distribution allows for improved grazing control, livestock efficiency, and range stewardship

A strong base of native Sandhills grass, combined with productive wet and sub-irrigated hay meadows, provides a dependable forage system that supports a true year-round cattle operation.

A significant asset to Spring Lake Ranch is its approximately 2,000± acres of productive sub-irrigated meadows, a highly sought-after feature within the Nebraska Sandhills.

Fed by the shallow groundwater table associated with the Ogallala Aquifer, these meadows provide dependable hay production and high-quality grazing opportunities while contributing to the overall balance and sustainability of the ranching operation.

Exceptional Water Resources

Water is one of the defining strengths of Spring Lake Ranch and a key component of its long-term sustainability and operational reliability.

Located above the Ogallala Aquifer, one of the largest and most important freshwater aquifers in the world, the ranch benefits from exceptional groundwater resources that have supported Sandhills ranching operations for generations.  The shallow water table characteristic of this region contributes to the ranch's abundant wetlands, lakes, flowing wells, sub-irrigated meadows, and reliable livestock water systems.

The ranch is extensively developed with livestock water infrastructure, including 29 windmills and 4 solar wells strategically positioned throughout the operation.  Combined with natural springs, ponds, lakes, and wetlands, these water sources provide dependable year-round water distribution across the ranch.

In a region where water availability and distribution directly impact operational success, Spring Lake Ranch stands apart with both exceptional natural water resources and substantial infrastructure investment already in place.

Certified Organic & Forward-Thinking Stewardship

Spring Lake Ranch is a Certified Organic operation, reflecting a long-term commitment to responsible land management and sustainable production practices.

The ranch has been managed with a focus on regenerative grazing principles that support soil health, water retention, and long-term productivity.

These practices position the property within a broader landscape of evolving agricultural and environmental markets, offering potential opportunities for future participation depending on buyer objectives.

Improvements Supporting Efficient Operations

The headquarters is well-equipped to support both owner-operators and professional ranch management.

Improvements include:

• Four residences, including the main home built in 1968, the foreman's home built in 1984, the guest/tenant home built in 1944, and the bunk house built in 1953
• Shop and calving barn
• Historic ranch barn-1910
• Steel machinery storage building
• Steel working corrals with hydraulic Silencer chute and electronic scales
• Grain and cake storage bins
• Additional support buildings

These improvements provide the infrastructure necessary for efficient day-to-day operations.

Strong Market Access & Regional Infrastructure

Spring Lake Ranch benefits from proximity to several well-established livestock markets in the region, providing multiple options for marketing cattle.

• Gordon Livestock Market (Gordon, NE) - approximately 27 miles
• Sheridan Livestock Market (Rushville, NE) - approximately 48 miles
• Crawford Livestock Market (Crawford, NE) - approximately 97 miles
• Valentine Livestock Market (Valentine, NE) - approximately 118 miles
• Ogallala Livestock Market (Ogallala, NE) - approximately 136 miles

All Livestock Markets host regular weekly cattle sales and serve as a key regional marketing hub for Sandhills producers.

This access to competitive sale barns supports operational flexibility and efficient cattle movement.

Location & Community

Spring Lake Ranch is located in Sheridan County, Nebraska, with the nearby town of Gordon serving as the primary trade center for the area.

Gordon is a well-established Sandhills community with a strong agricultural foundation, offering essential services, schools, healthcare, and a regional workforce. With a population of approximately 1,500 residents, it serves as a central hub for ranching operations throughout northern Sheridan County.

The surrounding region is known for its deep-rooted ranching culture, large-scale operations, and some of the most productive grasslands in the country.

Wildlife & Hunting

Spring Lake Ranch offers a diverse and well-balanced wildlife environment characteristic of Nebraska's northern Sandhills, enhanced by the ranch's exceptional water resources and native habitat.

The combination of rolling grass-covered dunes, sub irrigated meadows, wetlands, and open water creates an ideal setting for both big game and upland bird populations.

Big game species commonly found in the area include mule deer, whitetail deer, and antelope, with the ranch providing the scale and habitat diversity necessary to support healthy populations. The mix of open country and natural cover allows for a variety of hunting experiences across the property.

Upland bird hunting is equally strong, with grouse and pheasant utilizing the native grasslands and meadow edges. The presence of lakes, ponds, and wetlands further enhances the recreational value, attracting seasonal populations of ducks and geese and offering quality waterfowl hunting opportunities.

Beyond hunting, the ranch provides an outstanding recreational setting for outdoor enjoyment, including wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and exploring the Sandhills landscape. The natural beauty, privacy, and expansive views contribute to a true Western ranch experience.

A Rare Sandhills Offering

Spring Lake Ranch represents a rare opportunity to acquire a large, contiguous holding in one of the most respected cattle-producing regions in the United States.

With its combination of scale, water resources, productive grass, and functional improvements, the ranch is well-positioned to support a successful operation while maintaining the long-term integrity of the land.

Properties of this size and quality are becoming increasingly difficult to assemble in the Sandhills, particularly those offering both operational capability and natural resource depth.

Spring Lake Ranch stands as a well-balanced offering-capable of supporting today's production needs while holding long-term appeal for future ownership.

A property built to perform today and endure for generations.

Inclusions & Reservations

Spring Lake Ranch is offered as a turn-key operating unit including all buildings, improvements, and permanently attached fixtures currently utilized in the operation of the ranch.

Water rights, mineral rights, and other appurtenant rights associated with the property will be conveyed or retained as outlined in the purchase agreement.

Any existing or potential participation in environmental, carbon, or conservation-related programs shall be subject to review and will be addressed as part of the due diligence and contracting process.

The Nebraska State School Land lease, consisting of 1,573.88± acres, is subject to approval by the State of Nebraska and shall transfer in accordance with state requirements.

A detailed list of included and excluded items, along with any personal property or equipment, will be provided and agreed upon prior to closing.

"Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All prospective buyers are encouraged to independently verify all aspects of the property to their satisfaction."

Directions:

From Gordon, Nebraska, go 23 miles on NE-HWY 27, turn left/east onto 377th trail.  Go 3.7 miles and you will arrive to ranch headquarters.  

Showing Instructions:

Contact Listing Agent