Recreational Land with Home for Sale in Mankato, Kansas

Lovewell Ridge Ranch is a rare 117.44± acre recreational property in Jewell County, Kansas, featuring a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home overlooking Lovewell Reservoir. Proven trophy whitetail hunting, 15± acres of tillable ground, a scenic pond, and immediate access to thousands of acres of public hunting, waterfowl, and outstanding fishing make this a truly exceptional legacy property.

Land

Some properties are bought. Others are passed down through generations. Lovewell Ridge Ranch is the kind of property that rarely becomes available, a premier Kansas recreational retreat offering exceptional trophy whitetail hunting, waterfowl opportunities, outstanding fishing, and a comfortable home overlooking one of north-central Kansas’ most desirable landscapes.

Located just off Highway 14, a private 400-yard driveway leads you to the secluded 117.44 ± acre property where a well-maintained three-bedroom, two-bath home sits atop the ridge with panoramic views of the surrounding bottomland and Lovewell Reservoir. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning on the deck with coffee or watching wildlife move through the timber at sunset, the setting is one that few Kansas properties can match.

For the serious outdoorsman, this offering provides a hunting experience that has been carefully developed and enjoyed for decades. With approximately 15+/- acres of productive tillable ground, established travel corridors, mature timber, native grasses, and excellent bedding cover, the property consistently attracts and holds mature whitetails. Over the past 20 years, extensive trail camera history has documented the quality of this ranch, with multiple bucks measuring between 175 and 200 inches harvested from the property—an accomplishment very few recreational properties can legitimately claim. Included are two Muddy tower blinds, one tripod stand, 4 deer feeders, and 4 ladder tree stands.

The property’s value extends well beyond its deeded acres. Situated only yards from Lovewell Reservoir and adjoining thousands of acres of public hunting and wildlife habitat, owners enjoy access to exceptional deer, turkey, waterfowl, and upland bird hunting, along with some of the finest fishing opportunities in Kansas. This combination creates a recreational experience far larger than the property’s boundaries alone.

A scenic pond, diverse habitat, productive food sources, and the elevated homesite make this property equally suited as a full-time residence, weekend family retreat, corporate hunting lodge, or long-term legacy investment. Whether your goal is pursuing Kansas trophy whitetails, spending fall mornings in the duck blind, fishing the reservoir with family, or simply enjoying the peace and privacy of country living, Lovewell Reservoir Ridge Ranch delivers a rare opportunity to own one of the most complete recreational properties in the region.

Properties with this combination of proven trophy genetics, exceptional location, quality habitat, comfortable improvements, and immediate access to premier public recreation seldom reach the open market. Lovewell Ridge Ranch is more than a hunting property—it’s a place where memories are made, traditions are continued, and a legacy can be built for generations to come.

Improvements

Lovewell Ridge Ranch features a well-maintained home and functional improvements designed for both comfortable everyday living and the recreational lifestyle. Built in 1980, the home offers 1,733 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car attached garage. The property also includes a 26Kw Generac Generator that was installed 2023.

Positioned on an elevated homesite, the residence captures beautiful views overlooking the timber, bottomland, and surrounding landscape. A spacious deck on the north side of the home provides the perfect place to enjoy morning coffee, watch wildlife throughout the day, or take in peaceful Kansas sunsets.

A quality barn offers ample space for storing equipment, ATVs, tractors, boats, hunting gear, or other recreational necessities, making it easy to keep everything organized and ready for the next adventure.

For dog owners, the property also features a newly constructed custom two-box kennel, providing a clean, secure, and convenient space for hunting dogs or family pets.

Recreation

Hunting

Lovewell Ridge Ranch has been carefully managed and enjoyed as a premier hunting property for more than two decades. With over 20 years of documented trail camera history, this ranch has consistently produced mature Kansas whitetails, including numerous bucks exceeding 170 inches and several harvested in the impressive 175-200 inch class. Very few recreational properties in Kansas can offer this level of proven trophy history.

The diverse habitat creates an ideal environment for wildlife year-round. Approximately 15± acres of tillable ground provide a dependable food source, while mature timber, native grasses, thick bedding cover, travel corridors, and a scenic pond combine to support a healthy population of deer and other wildlife. Whether hunting early-season patterns, the peak of the rut, or late-season food sources, the property offers exceptional opportunities throughout the season.

The recreational value extends well beyond the property’s boundaries. Located adjacent to the renowned Lovewell Wildlife Area, owners have immediate access to more than 2,200 acres of intensively managed public hunting habitat surrounding Lovewell Reservoir. The wildlife area is well known for quality deer, turkey, waterfowl, pheasant, quail, rabbit, and squirrel hunting, greatly expanding the opportunities available just beyond your property line.

In addition to trophy whitetails, the area supports a healthy population of Rio Grande turkeys, strong numbers of pheasant and bobwhite quail, and occasional elk sightings that have become increasingly common in north-central Kansas.

Fishing

Just beyond the property’s edge lies one of north-central Kansas’ premier fishing destinations. Encompassing nearly 3,000 surface acres, Lovewell Reservoir has earned a reputation for consistently producing outstanding fishing opportunities throughout the year, making this property an ideal retreat for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re launching the boat before sunrise or spending an afternoon casting from the shoreline, anglers can target a wide variety of species including walleye, crappie, largemouth bass, white bass, wipers, channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. Lovewell is especially recognized for its quality crappie fishing, healthy catfish population, and dependable walleye opportunities, providing excellent fishing in every season.

With convenient access just moments from the home, it’s easy to enjoy an evening on the water after work, introduce children and grandchildren to fishing, or spend an entire weekend exploring the reservoir’s countless coves, points, and creek channels. The combination of exceptional fishing, boating, waterfowl hunting, and the peaceful setting of Lovewell Reservoir creates a year-round recreational experience that few Kansas properties can offer.

Region & Climate

Jewell County is located in the scenic north-central Kansas region, where rolling agricultural landscapes, timbered creek bottoms, and the waters of Lovewell Reservoir create an exceptional setting for both recreation and wildlife. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers, colorful autumns, mild springs, and crisp winters that make it an outstanding year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The region averages approximately 28–30 inches of annual precipitation and 18–20 inches of snowfall each year, providing excellent growing conditions for native habitat and agricultural crops while supporting healthy wildlife populations. Summer temperatures typically range from the mid-80s to low 90s, while winter highs commonly reach the 30s and 40s, offering enjoyable conditions for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation throughout the year.