As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.

Most people associate Nebraska with farming, but we have more than our fair share of ranches as well. These are the places where life revolves around the land, the animals, and the people who matter most. Most of us never get to experience ranch life, but thanks to a few families in Nebraska, even city slickers can spend a night or two on a real ranch having a real ranch experience. These guest ranches where guests can actually work are known as dude ranches, but we don’t blame you if you’d rather not use that term. Call them whatever you want; these ranches will make you feel like a rancher for as long as you stay.

1. Rowse's 1 + 1 Ranch, Burwell
Facebook/1 Plus 1 Ranch
Facebook/1 Plus 1 Ranch
Facebook/1 Plus 1 Ranch
You'll definitely get the full ranch life experience at the 1+1 Ranch. When you arrive, you're matched up with a quarter horse that is just yours for as long as you stay. Every day you'll engage in some kind of ranch maintenance activities like checking fences and tending to the animals. You can also learn skills like roping or penning.

Lodging is in log bunk houses, and you'll get three square home-cooked meals every day served family-style in the Main Lodge. They only take 5-10 guests per week to ensure that every guest gets the full, authentic cowboy experience. Find out more on their website.
2. Big Blue Ranch and Lodge, Burchard
Facebook/Big Blue Ranch

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Facebook/Big Blue Ranch
Facebook/Big Blue Ranch
You don't have to travel all the way to western Nebraska for some fine ranching experiences. Big Blue Ranch is in Pawnee County in the southeastern part of the state. You can choose your own adventure here, whether that's easy trail rides, participating in a real cattle drive, or learning everything there is to know about ranch life. Or you can choose to sit back, relax, and watch the ranch buzz with activity around you. Their website has all the info you'll need.
3. Double R Guest Ranch, Mullen
Facebook/Double R Guest Ranch
Facebook/Double R Guest Ranch
Facebook/Double R Guest Ranch
This gem is nestled in the heart of the Sandhills. You can stay at the Double R Ranch and use it as your home base for a hunting or fishing adventure, but we recommend going all in with the ranch adventure experience. You may participate in ranch duties like checking fences and windmills, rounding up cattle, branding calves, and harvesting hay. After the work is done, you'll enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal and enjoy some social time. Get more details on the ranch's site.

Instead of hanging out at a cushy resort for your next vacation, consider taking part in an experience you’ll never forget. Have you ever stayed at a working ranch? Are there any other great places in Nebraska we missed?

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