Heading West on I-80: Finding the Best Nebraska Ranches

Many folks head west on I-80 without ever taking the time to enjoy the sights that lie within an easy drive. The benefit for landowners is that the ranches in this part of the state enjoy lots of peace and quiet without any major urban encroachment. Therefore, we highly recommend taking a closer look at available properties in the northwestern part of Nebraska.

Focusing on this particular area will help you narrow down your search when you are looking for potential sites. However, there are quite a few other factors to take into account, so we have put together this short guide on finding the best Nebraska ranches.

Scottsbluff/Gering Area

The townships of Scottsbluff and Gering have always played a pivotal role in Nebraskan ranching, and they make ideal sites for investors looking to run agricultural operations or to enjoy some truly outstanding recreational activities. These two townships are much loved in this part of the world and offer everything you may need when you head offsite.

Cattle make up a large slice of the state’s agricultural economy, and the land in this area is well suited to all sizes of operations. If you are not an experienced cattle runner or just want to generate some steady income, then leasing grazing land is always a good option.

One factor that is particularly attractive for people looking for retreats, is that this area offers easy access to some first-class hunting and fishing. Mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep can all be found in large numbers in the area’s national parks and forests, and will often be found wandering through some of the rural properties.

Chappell

Heading back toward I-80 will bring you to the township of Chappell, home to a thriving agricultural industry. Anyone looking for turnkey operations would be well advised to start their search around this area.

Ranches in the area have easy access to I-80, making them accessible throughout the year without difficult—a key consideration if you are planning to start a cattle or horse business. In addition, the local ranches usually have excellent water sources and soil, so you should have no problem cultivating top-quality grazing pastures.

While you might not find big bucks roaming the lands of the ranches in the area, hunters will not be disappointed. The area is home to large populations of mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, waterfowl, wild turkey, and duck.

Eastern Nebraska

The eastern half of Nebraska’s I-80 roughly follows the path of the North Platte River, so, unsurprisingly, you can find some superb riverside properties in the area. Unfortunately for investors, they very rarely stay on the market for long.

As you would expect, the area is very well watered and is home to diverse terrain, which in turn attracts an abundance of big game, fish, and waterfowl. The area around Brady is particularly attractive for people who enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing, as it is home to the stunning Jeffery Lake. The larger township of North Platte is only a short drive away and offers everything you might need, as well as a regional airport.