Overview
El Reno is a city of 20,000 people (2019) in the Frontier Country region of Central Oklahoma. El Reno is one of few cities in Oklahoma to have a streetcar in operation in the downtown area.
The city was begun shortly after the 1889 land rush. The city was named for the nearby Fort Reno.
The city is also known for its Fried Onion Burger Festival, a tribute to a popular hamburger version where onions were supplemented into the patty to make the sandwich go further back in the Great Depression.
2 sights · 1 things to do · 3 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 9 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about El Reno
Fort Reno
Canadian County Historical Museum
Fried Onion Burger Day
Annual weekend festival that features the World's Largest Fried Onion Hamburger, called The Big Burger. Music, games, classic cars, and plenty of fried-onion burgers. In early May each year.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 94°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Oklahoma City)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- OKC OKC Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City — 22 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SWO Stillwater Regional Airport, Stillwater — 66 mi away. Directions
It lies about 25 miles (40 km) west of downtown Oklahoma City.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $60–$75 a night (typical $75), from 3 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $6 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$80, mid-range ~$120, comfortable ~$170.
Options are grouped as Hotels/Motels, Inns, Campgrounds in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Fort Reno, Canadian County Historical Museum
- Lunch Johnnie's Hamburgers and Coneys
- Afternoon Fried Onion Burger Day
- Dinner Montana Mike's Steakhouse
- Evening Vices Bar And Venue
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
It lies about 25 miles (40 km) west of downtown Oklahoma City.
Get around
- Heritage Express Trolley. Runs from Heritage park through downtown Wednesday though Sunday.
See
See Canadian County Historical Museum
Do
Eat
Eat Johnnie's Hamburgers and Coneys
One of three hamburger joints in town where you can buy El Reno's famed fried-onion burgers.
Drink
Sleep
Hotels/Motels
Stay Regency Inn
Inns
Campgrounds
Stay Hensley's RV Park
Stay Lake El Reno RV Park
Stay safe
El Reno was the site of the infamous 2013 "El Reno" tornado that had a width of 2.6 miles and killed 8 people, including three storm chasers caught up in the subvortex while in their car. All visitors to the six-state region called Tornado Alley should be familiar with tornado safety – including not chasing tornadoes in cars.
Nearby
Yukon
City / town · 3 listings · 12 mi away
Bethany
City / town · 3 listings · 18 mi away
Tuttle
City / town · 1 listings · 18 mi away
Kingfisher
City / town · 2 listings · 23 mi away
Nichols Hills
City / town · 3 listings · 23 mi away
Oklahoma City
City / town · 13 listings · 25 mi away
Newcastle
City / town · 1 listings · 28 mi away
Edmond
City / town · 25 listings · 28 mi away
My experience
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