Joel and Frances McCrea Ranch Foundation

Visitors are welcome to scheduled events at the beautiful ranch owned by actor Joel McCrea Welcome to the Joel and Frances McCrea Ranch Foundation page.

In the early 1930’s actor Joel McCrea, based on advice from close friend and mentor Will Rogers who suggested it would be a good idea to have something to fall back on in case acting didn't work out, bought and established a working ranch in the Santa Rosa Valley area of Ventura County, California. Joel and his wife of 57 years, actress Frances Dee, built their home here and raised their three boy

s in this wonderful and unique environment. The McCrea's loved the area and for many years were active members of the local community and supported many local causes. In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s parts of the ranch were sold for housing, which now makes up much of the northern third of the city of Thousand Oaks, CA. Today there are approximately 280 acres left of the original ranch. After Joel’s passing in 1990 and wishing to preserve what was left, in 1995 the McCrea family put together an agreement with the Conejo Recreation and Park District enabling the District to acquire the property. All the buildings on the ranch have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and are being preserved for eventual sharing with the public. The Conejo Recreation and Park District, in conjunction with members of the McCrea family, has completed the construction of a new visitor’s center that is now open during scheduled events and programs. While there is much being done to preserve the history of the ranch and its famous owners, there remain a great number of items that need to be done in order to keep a series of 80 to 100+ year old buildings and their surroundings maintained. There are several pressing projects that need to be undertaken in order to retain the beauty and function of the ranch. The Joel and Frances McCrea Ranch Foundation was formed in order to assist in the fundraising efforts needed to maintain a facility of this nature. The primary mission of this Foundation is to honor and preserve the legacy of Joel and Frances McCrea by raising and managing funds to support the Conejo Recreation and Park District in the restoration, preservation and rehabilitation, as well as the interpretive and educational programs of the Joel and Frances McCrea Ranch. For information about facility rental, weddings, group meetings, private tours, etc., please call CRPD Outdoor Unit at 805 495-2163

If you are interested in helping to preserve a piece of California history by making a tax deductible contribution to the foundation or would like further information please contact: The Joel and Frances McCrea Ranch Foundation, P.O. Box 548, Moorpark, CA 93020. The Joel and Frances McCrea Ranch Foundation is an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit organization - Tax ID# 27-2628820.

09/17/2024

Open House at the Joel McCrea Ranch -- stop by!

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the bucolic McCrea Ranch. Stop by anytime between 1:00 and 3:00pm on Saturday, September 21. We'll be giving tours of the Shop, Bunk House and Milk House and showing a short video about Joel McCrea.

Registration not required. Suggested $5 donation at the door.
4500 N. Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA Inquiries: (805) 495-2163.

08/25/2024

We had a beautiful night under the stars watching beautiful Frances Dee in the film MEET THE STEWARTS at the Joel McCrea Ranch. And we had happy raffle prize winners!

Check out our fun upcoming Fall events at the McCrea Ranch:
https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163. McCreaRanchFoundation.org

08/07/2024

We're showing the delightful film MEET THE STEWARTS at the Joel McCrea Ranch!

Pictured here are Frances Dee (Mrs. Joel McCrea) and the ever popular William Holden starring as newlyweds who are trying to live on a budget – with much comic effort!

MEET THE STEWARTS on 8/24 is sold out but tickets are available for our 9/14 outdoor screening of BUFFALO BILL starring Joel McCrea.

BUFFALO BILL Tickets: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163. McCreaRanchFoundation.org

07/28/2024

Another fun night at the Joel McCrea Ranch!

Here are the happy raffle winners posing with Wyatt McCrea at our recent outdoor screening.

More fun events are coming! Check here:
https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163. McCreaRanchFoundation.org

07/06/2024

What better way to watch a movie adapted from a Louis L'Amour Western novel than in the rustic outdoor setting of the Joel McCrea Ranch!

Join us on July 27 for our outdoor screening of THE TALL STRANGER starring Joel McCrea and Virginia Mayo. Tickets: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163. McCreaRanchFoundation.org

06/24/2024

Great Kick-off of McCrea Ranch Summer Movie Season!

During a perfect summer evening amid the Matilija poppies, visitors watched Joel McCrea and Jean Arthur in the comedy/mystery ADVENTURE IN MANHATTAN. Here are the happy raffle winners with Wyatt McCrea.

Join us on July 27 for our next outdoor movie THE TALL STRANGER with Joel McCrea and Virginia Mayo. Tickets: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163. McCreaRanchFoundation.org

06/09/2024

Join us for "star gazing" at the McCrea Ranch summer movies!

We're setting up our outdoor movie screen and showing Joel McCrea and Frances Dee films with these great co-stars!

6/22: Adventure in Manhattan with Jean Arthur; 7/27: The Tall Stranger with Virginia Mayo; 8/24: Meet the Stewarts with William Holden; 9/14: Buffalo Bill with Maureen O'Hara.
Tickets: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163.
McCreaRanchFoundation.org

Photos from Joel and Frances McCrea Ranch Foundation's post

05/21/2024

A fun time at the Joel McCrea Ranch Cowboy Cookout!

Our annual fundraiser included tours, entertainment, auctions and a great BBQ dinner! All funds go to the McCrea Ranch Foundation to support the restoration and preservation of the ranch. McCreaRanchFoundation.org
Check here for our great summer line up of outdoor movies! https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea)

04/15/2024

JOIN ALL THE FUN at our Cowboy Cookout while supporting the Joel and Frances McCrea Ranch Foundation. Help preserve the legacy of the ranch! Register: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163.
McCreaRanchFoundation.org

04/07/2024

Guest Speaker Darby Hinton at the Joel McCrea Ranch!

Join the fun as actor Darby Hinton regales us with stories about his fascinating film and TV career starting with his childhood role as Fess Parker's son Israel Boone on the popular TV show DANIEL BOONE. Saturday, April 20 at 1:00. Followed by tours of some of the ranch facilities.

Register here: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163.

McCreaRanchFoundation.org

03/24/2024

Find great bargains while supporting the Joel and Frances McCrea Ranch Foundation. Help preserve the legacy of the ranch! McCreaRanchFoundation.org

03/15/2024

Join us for a fun matinee screening of KING OF THE JUNGLE at the Joel McCrea Ranch!

Pictured here are Buster Crabbe and Frances Dee (Mrs. Joel McCrea) playing roles similar to Tarzan and Jane in the entertaining 1933 film KING OF THE JUNGLE. We'll screen the movie on Saturday, March 23 at 1:00 pm, followed by tours of some of the McCrea Ranch facilities. Register here: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163.

03/03/2024

Roping specialist David Thornbury delighted young visitors at the Joel McCrea Ranch!

We have many more fun events planned for the ranch - come join us! Check here for upcoming events: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea)

mccrearanchfoundation.org

02/15/2024

FAMILY FUN! Roping Show at the Joel McCrea Ranch!

For the first time ever, please join us at the McCrea Ranch for a fun and interactive Western roping show with roper specialist David Thornbury on Saturday, March 2 at 1:00pm. Tours of some of the ranch facilities will also be provided.

The registration fee is $12.00 per child, parents are welcome to join without any additional fees. Register here: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163.

01/24/2024

We're celebrating our two favorite Valentines at the McCrea Ranch!

Join us for our Valentine's Tour and Tea!

Here are Joel and Frances Dee McCrea on their Thousand Oaks, CA ranch. Come see where they lived throughout their 57 year marriage. We'll give tours of some of the ranch facilities and serve Valentine treats on Saturday, February 10 at 10am. Register here: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163. McCreaRanchFoundation.org

01/11/2024

Join us at the McCrea Ranch on Saturday, January 20 for an exciting afternoon with former National Park Service Ranger, Mike Malone! Discover a bit of history as Mike shares his unique perspective in his presentation that includes some Joel McCrea film locations!

Register here: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163. McCreaRanchFoundation.org

12/11/2023

All of us at the Joel McCrea Ranch - Wyatt and Lisa McCrea, the CRPD staff and the docents - wish you a wonderful holiday. Come see us at the Ranch in the New Year! McCreaRanchFoundation.org

11/29/2023

Open House at the Joel McCrea Ranch -- stop by!

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the bucolic McCrea Ranch. Stop by anytime between 12:00 and 2:00pm on Saturday, December 2. We'll be giving tours of the Shop, Bunk House and Milk House and showing a short video about Joel McCrea.

Registration not required. Suggested $5 donation at the door.

11/19/2023

We had fun celebrating Joel and Frances' November birthdays at the McCrea Ranch! Brunch, McCrea themed bingo, Q&A with grandson Wyatt McCrea, and ranch tours!

Up next: Joel McCrea Ranch Open House, Saturday, December 2. Stop by anytime between 12 and 2pm for tours of some of the ranch facilities. No registration required - $5 suggested donation at door.

11/08/2023

WE'RE COOKING UP BRUNCH to celebrate Joel and Frances' birthdays at the McCrea Ranch!

Join us for brunch on Saturday, 11/18 at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate the November birthdays of Joel and Frances Dee McCrea, pictured here when young marrieds in their kitchen. The event includes tours of some of the ranch facilities and a few games of McCrea themed bingo!

Register here: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163.

10/31/2023

It was a fun day for the more than 100 folks of all ages who attended the McCrea Ranch Harvest Festival!
Milking, pumpkin painting, archery, face painting, roping, horses and more! Check out our next events at: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea)

10/20/2023

Happy Anniversary Joel and Frances Dee McCrea!

Joel and Frances were married on October 20, 1933. Here they are through the years.

You can visit the ranch where the McCreas lived throughout their 57 year marriage. Check here for upcoming McCrea Ranch events: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163.
McCreaRanchFoundation.org

10/09/2023

Bring the kids and join the fun at the McCrea Ranch Family Harvest Festival!

Crafts, games, refreshments and more! Come in your Halloween costume or western attire - bring a trick-or-treat bag. $15 per child and multiple adults can come with each child. Register here: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163.

09/27/2023

That's a wrap on another great outdoor movie series at the McCrea Ranch!

Here are the raffle winners with Wyatt McCrea at the recent screening under the stars of another popular Joel McCrea Western.

Next up at the ranch are these exciting Fall Events: Family Harvest Festival on 10/28 and Joel and Frances Dee McCrea Birthday Brunch on 11/18. Register here: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163.

McCreaRanchFoundation.org

09/11/2023

Thank you to all for attending our sold out Summer Outdoor Movies. The last movie in the series is COLORADO TERRITORY starring Joel McCrea and Virginia Mayo who were Thousand Oaks neighbors!

Registration is open for our exciting Fall Events: Family Harvest Festival on 10/28 and Joel and Frances Dee McCrea Birthday Brunch on 11/18. Register here: https://secure.crpd.org/register/ (keyword: McCrea) or call (805) 495-2163.

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