About the Ranch

Land and Lake

The Ranch itself is more than 3,600 contiguous acres of rolling hills, valleys and canyons with 3 miles of Jeffrey Lake frontage, which creates the Ranch's Eastern border.  There are miles of hiking paths and plenty of space for an array of outdoor adventures.  The Lake provides the perfect opportunity for fishing or swimming on a hot day.  We don’t think there is a more beautiful place on earth or a more perfect place for boys to be boys.  The Ranch is however, far enough removed to be ideal for getting boys away from modern distractions.

Barn, Multipurpose area and Wood Shop

The main barn is approximately 25,000 sq. ft. and incorporates a 3,200 sq. ft. bunkhouse where our boys live, a large multipurpose area for indoor sports and activities, a shop, horse stalls, indoor tack room, veterinary facility, and a riding arena.  The barn is fully insulated and features an overhead sprinkler system and radiant heat.  These systems allow use of these spaces for exercise and activities even when the Nebraska weather turns cold or hot.

Herds

As a working cattle operation, Elk Ranch grazes more than 900 head of cattle, while at the same time boasting herds of indigenous and non-indigenous domesticated animals.  The Ranch has large herds of Elk, Pere David’s Deer and Donkey and features smaller herds of Tur Goat, Aoudad Sheep and Fallow Deer.  Although these herds graze freely, they are contained securely behind “game fencing” and locked gates.  These grazing herds give E.R.A. the unique opportunity to allow boys the chance to safely observe, in their natural environment, animals they might never get a chance to see outside of a zoo.

Bunkhouse

Boys at Elk Ranch Academy live in a family style environment in our 3,200 sq. ft. Bunkhouse.  The Bunkhouse facility is located within our main barn.  The Bunkhouse is fully self-contained with a kitchen, dining and living room areas.  It also has a game room and schoolroom.  Each of our three dorm rooms sleeps 6-8 boys and has its own bathroom and shower area.  The boys are responsible for keeping these personal areas clean.  All meals are eaten together in the dining area.  We also have a laundry area for the boys and require them to learn how to do their own laundry.  The rest of the 25,000 sq. ft. main barn features state of the art horse and cattle facilities.  It also includes an indoor riding arena, wood shop and multipurpose area. 

Elk Ranch Academy is a Christ-centered adolescent therapeutic boarding school dedicated to helping 7-17 yr old boys find the pathway back to happiness and family harmony.