The award-winning Otter Creek Ranch is located 24 miles north of Ogallala, Nebraska, in the southern Sandhills. The ranch consists of 15,117± deeded acres and is situated near the north shore of Nebraska’s largest reservoir, Lake McConaughy. The ranch has two sets of improvements, which are highlighted by Otter Creek, which originates on the ranch from cold water springs and meanders over two and a half miles through the ranch. The creek is one of only a few cold-water spring-fed gravel bottom creeks in Nebraska that can support a healthy trout fishery. The ranch is primarily Sandhills native rangeland and utilized as a summer range for over 1,000 head of cows while still maintaining superior range conditions. Otter Creek has won numerous awards for its management and stewardship over the years, which is evidenced by the quality of native rangeland and ownership pride. The Sandhills, along with the Otter Creek drainage, provide excellent wildlife habitat throughout the ranch.
Otter Creek Ranch exemplifies a Sandhills grass ranch with ample water and is the recipient of numerous awards, such as the 2012 Grassland Conservation Award and the 2013 Rangeman’s Award. The ranch has been meticulously managed throughout the years while enhancing habitat for wildlife and maximum efficiency without harm to the delicate Sandhills ecosystem. The ranch’s headquarters are situated along the banks of Otter Creek and provide great weather protection in the scenic creek valley. The ranch is primarily composed of rolling sandhills and is the headwaters for Otter Creek. The Creek bottom has been fenced out to enhance habitat quality, and an extensive underground water pipeline system supplies livestock water throughout the ranch. Livestock water and fences have been properly maintained.
Otter Creek Ranch provides an excellent opportunity at a low overhead operating ranch with miles of live water and close proximity to Nebraska’s largest reservoir, which has over 100 miles of shoreline. This ranch would make a great cake and range cow/calf operation or summer yearling ranch. The ranch has had incredible resource management and has been noted by several awards. The ranch headquarters location along Otter Creek provides solitude and privacy with creek frontage on one of Nebraska's few cold-water streams capable of productive trout fishery. Otter Creek’s location, ranching opportunity, wildlife abundance, and area attractions offer a solid investment opportunity.
Otter Creek Ranch is 24 miles north of Ogallala, Nebraska, or 11 miles east of Lewellen. From Ogallala, travel north on Highway 61, crossing the Lake McConaughy Dam to the junction of Highway 92. Then, travel 13.5 miles west to the ranch sign. The headquarters are located a short three miles north of the ranch sign. Ogallala is the county seat and has the most major amenities. It is situated along the Platte River and Interstate 80.
Ogallala has a rich Old West history as a railroad and cattle town going back to the early days of cattle drives from Texas. The area is still mostly an agricultural epicenter but is also home to Nebraska’s largest Reservoir with over 100 miles of sandy beach shoreline. The reservoir is less than one mile from the ranch and is visible from many locations on the ranch. You will see a mix of tourists and local cowboys throughout the summer days in the area. Many travel long miles to spend days at the reservoir and take in the surrounding beauty of the Nebraska Sandhills.
Ogallala, Nebraska, enjoys a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year. Average temperatures in the summer range from the mid-50s to the high-90s Fahrenheit, while average winter temperatures hover around 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The area receives, on average, 20 inches of precipitation each year, with most of it coming in the spring and early summer months. Most days are sunny and dry with low humidity levels, making Ogallala an ideal place to live for those who enjoy pleasant weather conditions.
15,117.45± deeded acres
312± BELF lease
15,429.45± total acres
The ranch has a set of improvements, including the main headquarters along Otter Creek and a second set of improvements on the west side of the ranch. The headquarters include a 2,006± square foot three-bedroom, two-bathroom home, built in 1990, with a detached garage that is just a few feet from the creek bank. Also at the headquarters is a 3,880± square foot shop with an attached 16-foot open front lean-to. A historic barn with an arena/round pen is also part of the main headquarters, along with numerous other outbuildings. All the headquarters buildings are located along Otter Creek in a very picturesque setting. At the west building site, an older but very well taken care of 2,000± square foot four bed two bath home and large historic barn wood barn that has been re-sided and roofed with metal. Also, there is a shop at the west building site. Both sets of improvements have good winter protection and secluded living.
Otter Creek Ranch lies atop the vast Ogallala Aquifer, and near the ranch area, the aquifer is noted to be up to 500 feet deep. The aquifer is the source for Otter Creek, which originates on the ranch from a boiling cold-water spring. Otter Creek is one of only a few creeks in Nebraska that have gravel bases and are supportive of trout fishery. There are numerous livestock wells that supply an extensive underground water pipeline to many of the pastures. All pastures are watered well for proper livestock management. Located just off the ranch border is Nebraska’s Largest reservoir, Lake McConaughy, which is a clear water reservoir that is 22 miles long and four miles wide, has over 100 miles of shoreline, and has extensive sand beaches. The reservoir provides excellent boating, fishing, and recreational opportunities just minutes from the ranch. In fact, from many locations on the ranch, the reservoir can be seen.
All seller-owned mineral rights will be conveyed.
Annual taxes of $70,177.76 based on previous years property taxes.
Otter Creek provides excellent wildlife habitat with the sparsely timbered creek valley and draws. The creek bottom has been fenced off and allowed to naturally create a brush and tall grass habitat in which wildlife thrives. The ranch has no shortage of natural water and springs. Notable wildlife on the ranch includes both whitetail and mule deer, antelope, turkeys, grouse, and waterfowl. Current management practices have been incorporated to enhance wildlife habitat, and a new owner will reap the benefits.
Currently, Otter Creek Ranch is being utilized as a summer range for approximately 1,000 cows with calves at the side. The ranch does not have general hay ground for winter feed but would make a solid year-round cake and range cow/calf operation or summer yearling ranch. There is a high-capacity irrigation well located on the ranch that has not been fully developed and lacks a permit. The ranch is highlighted by a very extensive set of steel pipe-working corrals and facilities. The owner has planted numerous living shelterbelts strategically located for winter livestock protection. Overall, this ranch exemplifies a low-overhead, low-input operation that will thrive in its environment.
