Winner Small Business Spotlight 2023

The United States of America is a big, beautiful patchwork comprised of 50 wholly unique states with their own histories, cultures, traditions, landscapes, cuisines, dialects, and more. Within this wonderfully diverse country of ours, there are states known for certain cultural tropes and icons. Maine, for example, is all New England grit and seafood. California is wine country and al fresco everything. Michigan fully embraces its scenic, #PureMichigan splendor. And Nebraska, well, this oft-overlooked Midwestern state is known for its vast prairies and cattle ranches.

It’s here, in the quietly beautiful Cornhusker State, where you’ll find Our Heritage Guest Ranch. Nestled in the tiny locale of Crawford (a town of barely 800 residents), Our Heritage Guest Ranch is a longstanding family-owned ranch that provides unique recreational experiences in the form of everything from daily ranch chores to trail rides — plus overnight accommodations for those seeking a truly immersive ranch experience. It’s a beautiful place that will take you by surprise in all the right ways — just like the great state of Nebraska.

Technology has undoubtedly connected us in ways too profound to describe. Being able to join Zoom calls, share life over social media, and even send a quick text message are things many of us do on a daily basis.
Photo provided by Our Heritage Guest Ranch
What's gotten lost in this technologically connected world, however, are in-person, human fellowship -- as well as relationships between people and nature.
Our Heritage Guest Ranch/Facebook
The thing is, time spent in nature is one of those things that simply can't be made virtual -- and the benefits of time spent in the Great Outdoors are many.
Luckily for those living in Nebraska, experiences in nature aren't hard to come by. The Cornhusker State is an immensely scenic place full of endless prairies and fertile fields, cattle farms, and unfolding buttes. And all of these beautiful components come together at Our Heritage Guest Ranch in Crawford, Nebraska.
Photo provided by Our Heritage Guest Ranch
Originally homesteaded in 1887 by Andrew and Johanna Rosenburg, today, the ranch is owned and operated by the Norman Family, and over the years, it's grown from a working ranch to an immersive destination where folks can get a hands-on lesson in ranch life.
Our Heritage Guest Ranch/Facebook
Explains Jean Norman, "In 1999 my sister-in-law and I decided to diversify our family owned ranch operation to add to our revenue. We had an extra house and it needed some work to keep it a viable building – we decided to create a bed and breakfast."

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However, soon after the decision to open the B&B, tragedy struck the Normans. "Events unfolded shortly after our remodeling that would alter our lives in many extreme ways," explains Jean. "My brother passed, and the land and business would soon change and be divided."
Photo provided by Our Heritage Guest Ranch
As a result, Jean took over the part of the ranch that housed the B&B – but soon realized that the ranch had even more to offer guests.

"I found people wanted more than just to stay here – they wanted a taste of the lifestyle we lived."
Visitors didn't want to simply come and see the ranch from afar; they wanted a real, authentic, hands-on experience – and this is something Jean felt fully qualified and compelled to do.
Photo provided by Our Heritage Guest Ranch
"I [ultimately] changed the business to a guest ranch. I offered everything the ranch had to offer," she says. "Appreciation of the area's beauty and history was foremost on my list. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of horses, cattle ranching, the land including the fossils hidden in them and area attractions surrounding us."
While often romanticized, life as a rancher is not without its challenges, but Jean's stoicism and strength is calming and inspiring.
Photo provided by Our Heritage Guest Ranch
Someone who loves the unpredictability and diversity of the every day, Jean rises every morning ready to take on the tasks at hand, which vary due to the weather and time of year.

"I pretend I have control of my own day and destiny and find I am amazed at the greater power that makes itself known on a daily basis. I find my plans often have to shift to events unknown. There is something greater than I and I see it through natural events that I am exposed to," she says, crediting her faith as a paramount part of both her personal life and professional success.
Today, in addition to offering lodging and experiences, Our Heritage Guest Ranch also hosts events, art workshops, health retreats, and more.
Photo provided by Our Heritage Guest Ranch
"My job on the ranch allows me to see it where many day-to-day jobs are unable to allow the time to have these precious experiences," she says.
As for what's next, Jean is committed to continuing the legacy of Our Heritage Guest Ranch by building on its strong foundation.
Our Heritage Guest Ranch/Facebook
"I offer options to draw people to our area, and hopefully they leave with an appreciation of this way of life," she says. What's more beautiful than that?

Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.

Many thanks to Jean Norman for sharing the story of her family’s beautiful ranch in Crawford, Nebraska. Learn more about Our Heritage Guest Ranch at its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

Of course, Our Heritage Guest Ranch is just one of many wonderful local businesses in Nebraska; please nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Only In Nebraska article. And be sure to follow Only In Nebraska on Facebook and Instagram to learn about this region of the Cornhusker State’s most incredible places, attractions, and events.

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Featured Addresses
Our Heritage Guest Ranch, 1041 Toadstool Rd, Crawford, NE 69339, USA