Top 10 Largest Ranches in Nebraska

Top 10 Largest Ranches in Nebraska


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Nebraska, with its vast plains, fertile soil, and rolling hills, is a hub of agricultural activity, and its ranches are among the largest and most iconic in the United States.  From cattle operations to wildlife conservation efforts, Nebraska’s ranches are key players in both the state’s economy and its natural landscapes.  The following list highlights the top 10 largest ranches in Nebraska, showcasing the state’s rich agricultural legacy and the hardworking ranchers who have shaped its identity.

#1: The Box R Ranch – 1,200,000 acres

The Box R Ranch, located in the northern part of Nebraska, is the largest ranch in the state, covering an expansive 1,200,000 acres.  This massive property is primarily used for cattle grazing, with its vast open grasslands and rolling hills providing the ideal environment for livestock.  The Box R Ranch has been in operation for over a century and is a cornerstone of Nebraska’s cattle industry.

In addition to its cattle operations, the Box R Ranch is also involved in wildlife conservation, preserving the natural habitats of species such as pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and wild turkeys.  The ranch is a symbol of Nebraska’s agricultural success and environmental stewardship, making it one of the most important properties in the state.

The Box R Ranch

#2: The Sand Hills Ranch – 900,000 acres

Located in the heart of Nebraska’s Sand Hills, the Sand Hills Ranch spans 900,000 acres of rolling grasslands, wetlands, and river valleys.  The ranch is known for its large cattle operations and its focus on sustainable ranching practices.  The Sand Hills region is one of the most unique ecosystems in the United States, and the ranch plays an important role in preserving the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

The Sand Hills Ranch is a family-owned operation that has been in business for multiple generations.  It has become a model for responsible land management, incorporating techniques such as rotational grazing and habitat restoration to maintain a healthy and productive environment.  The ranch is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, bison, and waterfowl, making it a prime location for both agriculture and conservation.

Top 10 Largest Ranches in Nebraska

#3: The North Platte Ranch – 800,000 acres

The North Platte Ranch, located in western Nebraska, covers 800,000 acres and is known for its expansive grasslands and rugged terrain.  The ranch has a rich history, dating back to the 1800s when it was first established as a cattle operation.  Over the years, the North Platte Ranch has become one of Nebraska’s largest and most successful ranches, producing high-quality beef and maintaining a large herd of cattle.

The North Platte Ranch is also home to a variety of wildlife species, including pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and pheasants.  The ranch has worked closely with conservation organizations to protect the land’s natural ecosystems and ensure its continued success.  The ranch’s combination of agricultural success and environmental stewardship has made it one of the most influential ranches in the region.

#4: The Cherry County Ranch – 750,000 acres

The Cherry County Ranch, located in the Sand Hills region of Nebraska, spans 750,000 acres of diverse landscapes, including grasslands, wetlands, and forested areas.  The ranch is known for its cattle operations, but it also has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and land management.  The Cherry County Ranch is home to several species of birds, mammals, and other wildlife, including the endangered whooping crane.

The ranch has been in operation for several generations and has developed a reputation for its commitment to sustainable practices.  The Cherry County Ranch has also implemented several initiatives to improve water conservation and protect the land’s natural resources.  The ranch is a symbol of the delicate balance between agriculture and conservation in Nebraska.

#5: The Platte River Ranch – 700,000 acres

The Platte River Ranch, located along the Platte River in central Nebraska, covers 700,000 acres of rich agricultural land.  The ranch is known for its large-scale cattle operations, with its fertile grasslands providing ample grazing land for livestock.  The ranch is also involved in crop farming, growing corn, wheat, and soybeans, which complement its cattle operations.

The Platte River Ranch is a leader in sustainable farming and ranching practices, with a strong emphasis on soil health and water conservation.  The ranch has worked with local farmers and environmental organizations to implement best practices for land management and conservation.  The property is also home to a variety of wildlife species, including waterfowl, deer, and wild turkeys, making it an important location for both agriculture and wildlife protection.

#6: The Pine Ridge Ranch – 650,000 acres

The Pine Ridge Ranch, located in northwestern Nebraska, covers 650,000 acres of rugged terrain, including steep hills, dense forests, and open plains.  The ranch is known for its cattle operations and its focus on sustainable land management.  The Pine Ridge Ranch has been in operation for over a century and has become one of the most iconic properties in Nebraska’s ranching history.

The ranch’s landscape is diverse, providing an ideal environment for grazing cattle and preserving natural habitats for wildlife.  The Pine Ridge Ranch is home to a variety of species, including bison, elk, and mule deer.  The ranch is also a popular destination for outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, and hiking, making it a key part of the local economy and culture.

#7: The Niobrara Valley Ranch – 600,000 acres

The Niobrara Valley Ranch, located in northern Nebraska, spans 600,000 acres of pristine wilderness and grasslands.  The ranch is known for its large cattle herd, which roams across the expansive property.  The Niobrara River, which runs through the land, provides a vital water source for both livestock and wildlife.

The Niobrara Valley Ranch is also home to a variety of wildlife species, including elk, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.  The ranch is committed to preserving the natural landscape and has implemented several conservation programs to protect the river’s ecosystem and surrounding habitats.  The Niobrara Valley Ranch is a prime example of how ranching and conservation can coexist to protect Nebraska’s natural beauty.

#8: The Big Bend Ranch – 550,000 acres

The Big Bend Ranch, located in southern Nebraska, covers 550,000 acres of vast grasslands and rolling hills.  The ranch is known for its large cattle operations and its commitment to sustainable ranching practices.  The Big Bend Ranch has been in operation for over 100 years, and its cattle operations have become a staple of Nebraska’s agricultural economy.

In addition to its cattle operations, the Big Bend Ranch is involved in wildlife conservation, preserving the land’s natural habitats for species such as pronghorn antelope and wild turkeys.  The ranch has worked with local conservation groups to ensure that its land remains productive and ecologically healthy.  The Big Bend Ranch is a symbol of the long-standing ranching tradition in Nebraska.

#9: The Rolling Hills Ranch – 500,000 acres

The Rolling Hills Ranch, located in eastern Nebraska, spans 500,000 acres of fertile farmland and grasslands.  The ranch is known for its large herd of cattle and its commitment to land stewardship.  The Rolling Hills Ranch is one of the largest properties in Nebraska’s agricultural community, producing high-quality beef and supporting a variety of crops.

The ranch is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, waterfowl, and wild turkeys.  The Rolling Hills Ranch is a prime example of the integration of agriculture and conservation, with its focus on preserving natural habitats while maintaining a successful farming and ranching operation.  The ranch is an important part of Nebraska’s rural economy and culture.

#10: The Medicine Bow Ranch – 450,000 acres

The Medicine Bow Ranch, located in southeastern Nebraska, covers 450,000 acres of remote grasslands and rolling hills.  The ranch is known for its large cattle herd and its commitment to sustainable ranching practices.  The Medicine Bow Ranch has been in operation for over a century and is one of the most successful properties in Nebraska’s cattle industry.

The ranch is also home to a variety of wildlife species, including elk, bison, and pronghorn antelope.  The Medicine Bow Ranch has become a leader in conservation efforts, working to preserve the land’s natural ecosystems while continuing to support its cattle operations.  The ranch is a witness to the lasting legacy of ranching in Nebraska.

Nebraska’s top 10 largest ranches are a confirmation to the state’s vast landscapes, rich history, and thriving agricultural economy.  From the massive Box R Ranch to the picturesque Medicine Bow Ranch, each property plays a significant role in shaping Nebraska’s rural identity.  These ranches not only contribute to the state’s economy but also preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the land.  As Nebraska’s ranching community continues to evolve, these properties will remain vital to the state’s agricultural success and environmental conservation.

More Great Top 10’s

Ranches and Maps

Ranches and maps have a deep, unspoken connection, where each map serves as more than just a guide—it becomes a story, an evolving chronicle of the land, its history, and the hands that have shaped it.  For ranchers, a map is an intimate tool, a link between their work and the sprawling world around them.  It marks every water source, every grazing spot, every trail where cattle have roamed and every hidden valley where wildlife thrive.  With each fold of the map, there’s a sense of continuity—a connection between the past, present, and future.  The rugged mountains, winding rivers, and wide, open plains are more than just physical features; they hold memories of generations of ranchers who have navigated them, worked with them, and protected them.  A map of a ranch is a visual representation of that relationship, a blend of topography and tradition.  As the ranch evolves, so too does the map, adapting to changes in the land and the needs of the ranching operation.  It shows where new pastures have been cultivated, where fences have been built, and where seasonal changes have altered the course of rivers.  A well-worn map in the hands of a rancher is more than just a tool—it’s a piece of their legacy, a reminder that the land they care for is both vast and personal, an ever-changing yet enduring part of who they are.  Each line, curve, and marking is a reflection of the relationship between the land and its steward, capturing the delicate balance between working the earth and nurturing it for future generations.

Learn more about Maps

  • Topographical Maps:  Representation of the physical features of a region or area.
  • Contour Maps:  Representation of the contours of the land surface or ocean floor.
  • Raised Relief Maps:  Representation of land elevations with raised features indicating landforms.
  • Terrain Maps:  Representation of the physical features of a terrain or landmass.
  • USGS Topographic Maps:  Representation of topographic features and land elevations based on USGS data.
  • USGS Historical Topographic Maps:  Representation of historical topographic maps created by the USGS.
  • Watershed Maps:  Representation of the areas where water flows into a particular river or lake.
  • Elevation Maps:  Representation of land and water elevations with high precision.
  • Physical Maps:  Representation of physical features of the Earth’s surface such as landforms, oceans, and plateaus.
  • Bathymetric Maps:  Representation of the topography and features of the ocean floor.
  • NOAA Maps:  Representation of atmospheric, oceanographic, and environmental data by NOAA.
  • Nautical Maps:  Representation of the underwater features and depth of an area for navigation purposes.
  • Geologic Maps:  Representation of the geologic features of an area such as rock types, faults, and folds. 
  • Satellite Maps:  Representation of earth from high-definition satellite imagery.

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