640 Acres ± Farm & Ranch Property In Butte County, SD

This listing offers a contiguous 640-acre tract located on Arpan Road near the hamlet of Arpan in Butte County, South Dakota. The property includes irrigated cropland, improved pasture, a remodeled farmhouse, and a full complement of outbuildings and infrastructure suitable for livestock, farming, or recreational land use.

Land and Water

The 640 acres include three irrigation pivots (2016/2017 Reinke) supplied by irrigation water, plus the presence of Indian Creek, which flows through the property. According to local information, Indian Creek does not run dry, providing reliable water flow. The cropland includes class 3 and class 4 soils. Historically, two of the pivots have produced alfalfa while the third has been used for oats/barley. Recent yield estimates include approximately 4-ton hay yields on the two alfalfa pivots, and a double-crop of oats/barley (≈ 550 bales) followed by a second cropping of millet (≈400 bales) from the third pivot. Plans exist to plant corn in the spring of 2026. As part of the land base, there is also a 1/4-section with 30 acres of irrigation rights, which could be flooded.

The improved pasture is fenced and separated into two pastures by cross-fencing; each pasture has access to Indian Creek or a cattle tank. A full set of corrals is located near the working area, including a cattle tank. These corrals were newly constructed in 2024. The perimeter is fenced, and a new fenced yard around the residence is underway.

Residence and Improvements

The farm includes a 1909 1.5-story farmhouse, fully remodeled in 2016. The house features four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Two bedrooms are on the main floor. Interior updates from 2016 include new windows, a new furnace, modern flooring (mix of hardwood, carpet, tile), updated electrical, new kitchen cabinets, and appliances, which remain with the house. The home is on county water, and a reverse-osmosis water filtration system serves the household water supply. The home includes central air and a wood-burning fireplace; the fireplace has been inspected and cleaned.

Attached to the operational infrastructure is a detached 2-stall garage (24 × 32), a Quonset building (72 × 38, half cement floor, half dirt), and a large pole barn (50 × 95) with tin roofing that is planned to be redone. The property is accessed via a county-maintained road, providing all-season access.

Potential Uses

The combination of irrigated cropland, improved pasture, livestock infrastructure, and a substantial residence makes this property well-suited for diversified agriculture and ranching operations, including hay production, cropping, and livestock. The presence of water and an irrigation system supports crop and hay production. The fenced pastures and corrals support cattle or other livestock.

Beyond agricultural use, the property offers recreational opportunities. The presence of Indian Creek, open grasslands, and crop fields creates a habitat attractive to wildlife. Game such as Whitetail Deer are known to roam the property. The acreage and water features provide a combination of open land, water access, and habitat diversity that may appeal to hunters, outdoorsmen, or those interested in a rural retreat.

Location

Arpan sits roughly 7 miles north of U.S. Highway 212 and 10 miles south of U.S. Highway 85. The property’s nearest small communities include Fruitdale, SD (approx. 8 miles to the south) and Nisland, SD (approx. 9 miles to the southeast). The larger towns of Belle Fourche, SD, and Newell, SD are both approximately 12–13 miles away. For convenience and regional amenities, the city of Spearfish, SD, lies about 22 miles to the southwest.

Given the rural nature of Butte County, this property offers significant land, water, and operational infrastructure in a region where large contiguous tracts are uncommon. The irrigation, cropland, pasture, multiple improvements, and water resources combine to offer a blend of agricultural productivity and recreational potential.

Why This Property

• The 640-acre size offers scale for hay, crop, and livestock operations while maintaining coherence as a single working ranch.

• The three irrigated pivots and Indian Creek provide dependable water sources for crops, hay, and livestock.

• The farmhouse and outbuildings provide move-in readiness and operational support without immediate additional investment.

• The mix of cropland, hay ground, pasture, and creek corridor creates diversified land use options.

• Wildlife presence and rural seclusion provide recreational value alongside working-land potential.

This offering represents a functioning ranch property with agricultural, livestock, and recreational capabilities in Butte County, South Dakota.

Highlights

• 640 contiguous acres near Arpan, Butte County, SD

• Three irrigation pivots plus perennial Indian Creek waterway

• Cropland: alfalfa, oats/barley, planned corn; past yield: hay and grain bales

• Pasture fenced into two pastures (1 pasture access to Indian Creek, one pasture has a cattle tank); corrals with a cattle tank — corrals new 2024

• 1909 farmhouse remodeled in 2016: four beds, two baths, updated systems, county water + RO system

• Outbuildings: 24×32 detached 2-stall garage; 72×38 Quonset; 50×95 pole barn needing tin re-sheeting

• County-maintained road provides reliable access year-round

• Mixed-use potential: hay, crops, livestock, recreation, hunting, or wildlife habitat

• Wildlife observed on the property includes deer, occasional antelope, and geese.

• Approximate proximity: 8 mi south to Fruitdale, 9 mi southeast to Nisland, 12–13 mi to Belle Fourche or Newell, 22 mi to Spearfish