Joy Ranch of South Dakota Gallops Toward Growth with New Events and Infrastructure

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Joy Ranch, the Watertown-area nonprofit known for its 1880s-themed western town and accessible equine therapy, is entering a significant season of expansion and community engagement.

Mallory Olsen, the ranch's event coordinator, recently joined Northeast Radio SD to discuss a packed calendar of fundraising "Chef Nights," the upcoming "Night to Shine" prom, and a capital campaign for a massive new indoor facility.

Located just outside Watertown near Florence, Joy Ranch operates with a mission to empower individuals of all abilities through equine therapy. The 126-acre ranch, founded by philanthropist Joy Nelson, features a barrier-free design that allows individuals in wheelchairs to experience everything from horseback riding to camping.

Chef Nights and Community Partnerships

The ranch’s popular Chef Night series resumes this month, serving as a primary fundraiser for their camp programs.

• January 27: A "Tour of Italy" themed evening featuring the Joy Ranch staff and the Watertown Shamrocks hockey team. The players, who frequently volunteer for heavy lifting at the ranch, will trade their hockey sticks for serving trays to help provide a meal of lasagna, pesto linguini, and chicken parmesan.

• February: The series continues with a meal prepared by Jenny from 2nd Street Station.

Olsen noted that tickets for these events are available on the Joy Ranch website, with about 60 seats remaining for the January event.

"Night to Shine" and Daddy-Daughter Dances

On Friday, February 13, 2026, Joy Ranch will once again host Night to Shine, a worldwide prom experience for people with special needs sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The event features a red-carpet entrance with "paparazzi," limousine rides, and a crowning ceremony where every guest is named a King or Queen.

The following day, the ranch will host a Daddy-Daughter Dance. Olsen reported that 62 duos have already signed up for the event, which includes supper and a dance competition.

Building for the Future

A major focus for 2026 is the completion of a new 8,000-square-foot multi-purpose building. The facility, expected to be finished in May, will provide a climate-controlled space for indoor activities, basketball, and wiffle ball.

"Last summer it was really rainy, and kids were outside in their wheelchairs playing in the rain," Olsen said. "This will be nice to just get them out of the weather."

The ranch is currently at 75% of its $900,000 capital campaign goal. Donations are still being sought to finalize the interior, including kitchen appliances, tables, and chairs.