535 W. Ash Creek Rd, Crawford, NE 69339 - Dawes County

Welcome to Crown Butte Ranch, a rare combination of productivity, history, and recreation in the heart of Northwestern Nebraska. With 399.56 deeded acres, the property offers a balance of dryland hay ground, rolling pasture, historic improvements surrounding, and abundant wildlife habitat. Located east of Crawford, NE, the ranch provides sweeping vistas, direct access to public lands, and a setup well-suited for both livestock production and outdoor enjoyment.

Residence

2,196 sq. ft. home built in 1966, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths

Updated kitchen with tile flooring and newer appliances

Central A/C, forced-air heat, and supplemental wood stove

Propane heat with an owned propane tank

Partial-finished basement

Two-car attached garage

Surrounded by mature shelterbelt trees for protection and privacy

Outbuildings & Improvements

Historic Hageman Herefords Barn (48’ x 28’ x 14’, 1921) an iconic piece of Dawes County ranching heritage

Loafing sheds:

72’ x 32’ x 10’ (1960)

20’ x 10’ x 8’ (2017)

Farm utility building: 24’ x 14’ x 8’ (1960)

Well-fenced corrals and handling facilities surrounding the barn

Horse & Livestock Features

Round pen for training and exercising horses

Riding arena for riding, training, or recreation

Horse stalls and loafing sheds provide functional capacity

Water & Infrastructure

Solar-powered well in the south pasture with 15,000-gallon cistern supplying the house and improvements

Livestock well on the far northeast side of the ranch

Dam/pond site that holds water in wet years

Land & Agriculture

Approx. 140 acres of dryland hay ground cut annually

Approx. 190 acres of pasture supporting livestock grazing (Owner has grazed 40 cow/calf pairs over the summer grazing period)

Topography: gently rolling hay meadows, open ridges, and breaks with scenic views

Views of Crown Butte, Crow Butte and Little Crow Butte to the south and west, providing dramatic scenery from the ranch

Shelterbelts & Trees

Over 1.25 miles of multi-row shelterbelts lining the hay fields, providing protection, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic appeal

Mature trees surround the home for natural windbreak and shade

Several fruit trees add charm and self-sufficiency

Recreation & Wildlife

The ranch’s southern boundary connects directly to over 4,000 acres of Nebraska Game & Parks land, creating a hunter’s paradise right out the back door.

Excellent habitat for mule deer, whitetail, turkey, and upland birds.

Location

East of Crawford, NE, with county road access

Near the Pine Ridge region, Fort Robinson, and the Nebraska National Forest

Key Highlights

399.56 acres balanced hay and pasture ranch

140 acres of hay ground / 190 acres of pasture

Historic Hageman Herefords barn & corrals

Horse facilities: round pen, riding arena, stalls

Owned propane tank, solar well with 15,000-gallon cistern

Livestock well

Over 1.25 miles of shelterbelts + mature trees and fruit trees

Dam/pond site

Scenic views of Crown Butte, Crow Butte and Little Crow Butte

Adjoins 4,500+ acres of Nebraska Game & Parks land