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Down Home Ranch is a 410-acre ranch, residential community, and camp that empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live meaningful, purpose-driven lives.

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  • Camp

    At camp, we welcome those 13+ with cognitive disabilities to find friendship, fun, and freedom in our little slice of Texas. Swim in the pool, play basketball, hike trails, care for animals, or fish in the pond. It’s everything camp should be and more.

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  • Life

    Since 1989, Down Home Ranch has been more than a ranch. It’s a welcoming home where residents with cognitive disabilities live with purpose, find true belonging, and thrive in a supportive community designed just for them.

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  • Haven

    The Ranch also welcomes field trips and retreats! Come out with your group to our little slice of Texas to slow down, connect, and experience the slow and joyful rhythm of Ranch life, whether you're visiting for an afternoon or staying overnight.

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  • Flora

    Rooted in purpose and grown with care, our nursery offers a wide and colorful selection of plants. Every purchase supports Down Home Ranch and helps us grow an even more inclusive community.

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  • Craft

    Our handmade crafts and gifts reflect the heart of DHR. Shop in-store or online for meaningful items that bring a touch of Ranch charm to your home, all while supporting our mission.

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Events

Hot Cocoa Stroll

Hot Cocoa Stroll & Stocking Stuffer Sale at Down Home Ranch! Warm up your winter and join us at Down Home Ranch for a day of festive fun! Purchase a mug for $15 and sample delicious Rancher-crafted cocoa at every stop along your stroll. Shop our Holiday Plant and Poinsettia Sale to find the perfect holiday greenery and gifts. Enjoy stocking stuffers, s’mores, crafts, concessions, a bake sale, and a cake walk! $25 Mini holiday photography sessions available with our friend, Holly Seigmund. Come sip, shop, smile, and stroll your way into the holiday spirit — Down Home Ranch style! Donate to the Cocoa Stroll or Sponsor here: https://downhomeranch.app.neoncrm.com/forms/hot-cocoa-stroll  

Date

Sat, Dec 13, 2025

Time

10am- 2pm

Location

20250 FM 619,
Elgin, TX 78621

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Events

Ugly Sweater Bingo

Join Down Home Ranch for another fun night of BINGO! Cards are $25 – cash only, and winners will take home CASH prizes up to 10% of the total buy-in! Rock your ugliest holiday sweater and get ready to strut your stuff on the Ugly Sweater Catwalk for a chance at extra bragging rights and festive fun. If you love giving and receiving gifts, bring one along for our lively Gift Exchange Game! Your hosts will read a fun story as gifts get passed left and right; laughter guaranteed. Aim for something around $5–$10 that anyone would love. Forgot to bring one? Not a fan of holiday shopping? No problem! We’ll have wrapped gifts from the DHR Gift Shop available for $15 for anyone who wants to join the fun. With cash prizes, holiday games, and plenty of good cheer, this is one BINGO night you won’t want to miss. Can’t wait to see y’all there!

Date

Fri, Dec 19, 2025

Time

5pm- 9pm

Location

212 N Main St,
Elgin, TX 78621

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“Y’all do a great job! [My son] begins looking forward to returning as we are pulling out of the DHR gates! He becomes more confident every camp visit!”

Camper Mom

“I taught middle school math way back when. In all the training I had for curriculum planning for Gifted & Talented kids, I learned about the rich sort of environment that motivates students. The things [My Rancher] gets to do every day at DHR are providing her with that very type of rich environment. Her social interactions and even her intellectual abilities have grown so much since she's been at DHR.”

Rancher Mom

“When we had a little goodbye Oreo party for my last day as a social work intern, I was so sad. Driving to the Ranch that first time, I never imagined how much I’d love working with the ranchers. I’ll miss checking in every Friday, joining art classes, and even chasing chickens. But I’ll be back! If you see me at an event or the Pavilion, please say hello, I’d love to hear your story of finding Down Home Ranch.”

DHR Social Work Intern

“He relishes the stars in the rural night sky. The ability to wear boots and a cowboy hat as a daily uniform is delightful. His purpose now is to help wherever he can, whenever he can, because he can. There is a feel at the ranch that is peaceful, loving, inclusive and welcoming. Everyone has a place or a role.”

Sister of a Rancher

Tour the Ranch

Come in person or check out the online webinar to see what life is like out on the Ranch. Tour the 410 acres, get a feel for the daily rhythm, and meet the folks who make this place feel like home. We’ll wrap up with an open chat where we dive into the nitty-gritty of camp, residential living, and respite.

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Book a Field Trip

Have a group of folks who would love to get outside and learn? Bring ’em on over to DHR for a hands-on field trip. Explore nature, meet animals, and enjoy fun activities. Trips run Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. And, teachers attend free!

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Be a part of our future

Our 410 acres are home to a community where Ranchers are empowered to thrive side by side. Thanks to the support of donors and volunteers like you, Down Home Ranch can continue providing work, care, and camp for many years to come.

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