Public Open House on November 5th

By: Sher Hann

Historic McCrea Ranch, located at the base of the Norwegian Grade, was home to legendary film actor and western movie hero Joel McCrea. Originally purchased in 1933, the ranch has a long tradition of dry land farming. Joel and his wife of 57 years, movie star Frances Dee, raised their three sons here, living a simple lifestyle and actively participating in the community. The family, along with hired hands, farmed and ranched the land, raised feed crops for animals, and ran an average 150 head of cattle. In 1995, the McCree: family donated 225 acres of the ranch, including the family home, to the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD).

The new 1,400 square foot Visitor Center, which includes an exhibit/display area, meeting room, restrooms, and an expansive deck, will offer a variety of interpretive, educational and programming opportunities. The Visitor Center vividly portrays family ranch life during the 1930s -1950s.

The Joel and Frances McCrea Ranch Foundation exists to honor and preserve the legacy of Joel and Frances McCrea by raising and managing funds to support the restoration and preservation of McCrea Ranch.

Public access to the McCrea Ranch Visitor Center will initially be managed through scheduled programs with CRPD. As the trained docent and volunteer base expands, and funds are available, hours of operation will be established allowing the Visitor Center, as well as other parts of the ranch, to be open to the general public.

For the visitors center, call 805.495.2163.