The beautifully rustic McCrea Ranch, located at the bottom of the Norwegian Grade, was owned by movie stars from Hollywood's Golden Age.  Legendary film actor and Western movie hero, Joel McCrea, with his wife of 57 years, movie star, Frances Dee, raised their three sons here, Jody, David and Peter, and lived a simple lifestyle as part of the community, farming the land, and raising cattle.  A personal friendship between Joel and Tex Ward, General Manager Emeritus for CRPD, helped lay the foundation for the McCreas to donate their ranch and family home in 1995 to the Conejo Recreation and Park District, effective 2004.  The ranch home and outbuildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Upcoming Events
REGISTRATIONS WILL BEGIN FEBRUARY 13th FOR THE FOLLOWING CLASSES.
Call (805) 495-2163 for more information

PIONEER CRAFTS AND GAMES, Age 6-10 Make a western game,decorate your own bandana, play horseshoes, and learn to rope a steer.
Saturday     10:00am-12noon     $25     3/3

TOYS AND GAMES: A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE, Age 18+ Enjoy a hands-on interactive presentation of toys throughout history.
Monday       10:00-11:00am       $10     4/2

TOUR AND A TEA, 18+ A relaxing tour of the Visitor Center, then watch a brief video about Joel McCrea and family before enjoying tea and cookies.
Tuesday      10:00-11:30am       $10     4/17

McCREA RANCH MOVIE NIGHT, Age 8+ Watch “Sullivan’s Travels”; Joel McCrea plays a director who goes on the road to learn about life and gets a rude awakening. Fresh popcorn and beverages provided. Film not rated.
Friday         6:00-8:00pm          $10     5/4

Future Plans
The McCrea Ranch Visitor Center was completed in 2011.  The Center will provide a variety of interpretive, educational, and cultural programs for the community, while preserving the unique history of this property for generations to come.  Public access to the McCrea Ranch Visitor Center will initially be through scheduled programs with the Conejo Recreation and Park Distirct. As the McCrea Ranch Foundation expands along with a trained docent and volunteer base, hours of operation will be established allowing the Visitor Center to be open to the general public. In the coming years, as funds are available, the McCrea Ranch Foundation and Conejo Recreation and Park District will work to provide even greater public access to other parts of the McCrea Ranch. For more information, please call CRPD Outdoor Unit staff at (805) 495-2163.