The Julia Gamblin Estate 319 acres
West of Valentine, Nebraska – Cherry County
Situated in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills west of Valentine, this 319± acre tract represents the classic balance of productivity and natural beauty that defines the region. With rolling native grassland, strong water resources, and exceptional grazing capacity, this property is ideally suited for both cattle production and recreational enjoyment.
Property Highlights
Total Acres: 319±
Access: Convenient county road frontage and short drive to Valentine, Nebraska
Property Overview
This 319± acre grassland tract is part of the larger Julia Gamblin Estate but is offered here as a stand-alone parcel. The land showcases the signature landscape of Cherry County, rolling dunes covered in native warm season grasses rooted deep in the Ogallala Aquifer. These pastures are well-watered by two working wells with stock tanks, ensuring consistent access for l...
This 319± acre grassland tract is part of the larger Julia Gamblin Estate but is offered here as a stand-alone parcel. The land showcases the signature landscape of Cherry County, rolling dunes covered in native warm season grasses rooted deep in the Ogallala Aquifer. These pastures are well-watered by two working wells with stock tanks, ensuring consistent access for livestock and wildlife through the property.
The forage base here is exceptional, with a diverse mix of Sandhill grasses that provide nutrition and durability throughout the grazing season. The land's natural slope and sandy soils allow for quick drainage and minimal erosion, supporting healthy grass strands even in the drier years. Fencing is in good condition, and the layout makes it well-suited for a cow-calf or yearling operation, or as an addition to a larger ranch unit.
Recreational & Wildlife Value:
Beyond its grazing capacity, the property offers classic Sandhills recreational appeal. The combination of open rangeland, water sources, and nearby cover creates habitat for whitetail and mule deer, prairie grouse, and upland birds. The property's quiet setting and open skies capture the authentic Sandhills ranch experience, ideal for buyers seeking both production and peace.
Location:
Located just west of Valentine, this tract provides easy access to town amenities while preserving the wide-open character that defines Cherry County ranch country. The area is known for its strong agricultural community, quality grazing resources, and proximity to the Niobrara National Scenic River, offering endless outdoor recreation.
From elevation to risk assessment
Search for detailed parcel information including; Elevation & Vegetation Maps, Ownership Information, Detailed Parcel Information, Crop History Map, Soil Survey Productivity Data, and more.
Research Parcel InformationDirections
From downtown Valentine, head west on U.S. Highway 20 for approximately 8 miles. Turn south onto County Road 378 (also known locally as Drive 378) and continue for about 4 miles to the main entrance of the property. The Julia Gamblin Estate will be located on both sides of the road, with the irrigated organic cropland and homestead area to the south and native Sandhills pastureland extending to the west. For mapping and navigation, the property lies approximately 12 miles west-southwest of Valentine, within Cherry County, Nebraska.
Environmental Factors
About Koby Rickertsen
Buying or selling land is never a casual decision. Land carries history, income, opportunity, and legacy. I am Koby Rickertsen, Founding Partner, CEO, and Managing Broker of Ironhorse Land Company, a multi-state brokerage focused exclusively on farm, ranch, recreational, and development properties.I am a Nebraska native with deep agricultural roots, raised working on my family’s farm in Lincoln and Dawson Counties. Long before real estate, I learned land from the ground up, walking fields, understanding production, and seeing firsthand how land decisions affect families and operations for generations. That foundation, paired with 13 years in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force, shaped my approach to business with discipline, accountability, and respect for hard work.Over my career, I have built, led, and sold multiple successful businesses, including RE/MAX Home, Farm & Ranch. Today, through Ironhorse Land Company, I lead a team of experienced land professionals who specialize in complex land transactions and understand the realities behind agriculture, recreation, and rural investment.I am an Accredited Land Consultant (ALC), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and an active member of the REALTORS® Land Institute. I am licensed across Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, allowing me to serve landowners and buyers throughout the Midwest and Great Plains with consistency and depth of knowledge.Whether you are selling a generational family farm, acquiring recreational ground, or evaluating land as a long-term investment, my focus is simple. Provide clear guidance, strong marketing, and practical advice so every acre reaches its full potential and every decision is made with confidence.