A peaceful East Texas ranch where families facing autism can slow down, explore, laugh, connect with animals, and simply enjoy being together.
Elijah's Retreat nurtures connection through outdoor adventure, peaceful surroundings, and interaction with therapeutic animals. Families can explore at their own pace, with no need to force the day into a rigid schedule.
Real families • Real Retreat memories
Ranch Hand Adventure
Gentle horse experiences for children with autism and their siblings, with opportunities to brush, groom, lead, and ride.
Hayrides, animal feeding, chickens, goats, rabbits, barn cats, and fresh eggs from the coop.
A one-acre fenced playground with plenty of space for kids to move, climb, explore, and simply be themselves.
Splashpad, barrel train, bikes, fishing, bonfires, trails, jumping pillow, courts, gaga ball, giant chess, and more.
Step inside Elijah's Retreat through the video already shared on the organization's original website, then imagine your family making the ranch your own.
Settle into a comfortable cabin, make meals on your own schedule, and step outside whenever your family is ready for the next adventure.
“Elijah's Retreat will always be a place of comfort for us knowing that when we visit it makes a difference in Carolyn's life.”
The mission is simple and specific: create a beautiful, peaceful setting where families can disconnect from busy schedules, experience nature and animals together, and create lasting, joyful memories.
Support the Mission
Elijah's Retreat sits in the piney woods outside Jacksonville, Texas. The current homepage says the 2026 season is open seven days a week from March 2 through November 8.