Manhattan Rescue Farm Offers Free Admission To Open Ranch As Communities Grieve & Cope

MANHATTAN, IL — HHH Ranch, a nonprofit rescue and equine-assisted learning center in Manhattan, is waiving the admission fee to its weekly "open ranch" petting zoo for the remainder of 2026, offering local families an open, judgment-free space to gather, grieve, and heal following a series of painful events in the community.

In recent weeks, Will County has lost three young lives and local schools have grappled with incidents of racism and hurtful behavior toward students. For HHH Ranch, the response was not just to offer comfort in the immediate aftermath, but to build something lasting.

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"Our community has experienced far too much hurt lately," said Christine Doran, HHH Ranch Founder and CEO. "Hurt doesn't always look the same, and healing doesn't have a timeline. Sometimes you're grieving someone you love. Sometimes you've been made to feel different or unwelcome because of who you are. Sometimes you just don't have the words for what you're feeling. That is who HHH Ranch is for."

Beginning immediately and continuing every Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. through December 2026, open ranch events will be free to all visitors. There is no admission fee, no registration, and no explanation required. Families are welcome to bring a picnic, let children play, walk the grounds, and spend time with the ranch's rescued animals — or simply sit quietly beside a horse for as long as they need.

The farm is located at 14101 W Bruns Rd., Manhattan.

"No admission. No expectations. No explanation needed. Just come," Doran said. "This space is for our children, our teenagers, our adults — our entire community. We want every person who walks through our gates to know that you are welcome here. You deserve to feel safe, valued, and respected."

For 11 years, HHH Ranch's equine-assisted learning programs have helped over 6,000 children and adults work through difficult emotional experiences, and the organization has rescued over 250 animals. With Open Ranch, HHH Ranch hopes to extend that same support more broadly and informally — no program enrollment necessary.

To learn more or plan a visit, families can visit hhhranchil.org.