At Lake El Reno, you can tailor your visit to suit different interests: the lake offers opportunities for camping, fishing, swimming, boating, and picnicking. Two large boat ramps and a designated ski area for personal watercraft add to the watersports options. There is also a hiking trail and a paved runway for radio-controlled aircraft. The contrast is part of the appeal: at the same lake, water activities meet a trail for walking and a runway for model aircraft. Lake El Reno brings several distinctly different activities together in one place.
History and Architecture
Historic Fort Reno was established in 1874 to protect the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. More than 25 historic buildings at the fort are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For orientation, Fort Reno is on Old Route 66/Business 40, four miles west of downtown El Reno. The fort’s founding purpose and historic buildings offer two perspectives on the site: its role at the time and its architectural history.
The Yukon Czech Hall also has a clearly dated history. It was built in 1901 on land donated by local Czech immigrants and is recognized as a State and National Historic Site. The Clydesdale Barn was originally built in 1936 and restored to bring it as close as possible to its original appearance. The two building histories emphasize different things: for the hall, the land donation and Czech immigrants are part of the story; for the barn, the focus is on recreating its earlier appearance.
Festivals and Local Food
Held annually in Yukon, the Oklahoma Czech Festival celebrates Czech heritage with a carnival, parade, craft booths, music, dancing, games, and Czech food. The parade runs along Route 66 in Yukon. Traditional foods include kolaches and other Czech specialties. The festival thus combines a varied program with culinary traditions, while the Yukon Czech Hall tells the story through its history.
In El Reno, the annual Fried Onion Burger Day Festival puts a distinctive dish in the spotlight: a fried onion burger weighing more than 850 pounds. The festival traces the onion burger tradition to Ross Davis, who ran the Hamburger Inn on Route 66 in downtown El Reno. Sid’s Diner is known for El Reno onion burgers made to order.
The two festivals offer different perspectives: Yukon focuses on Czech heritage and a range of activities, while El Reno celebrates a regional burger tradition and its history. Since both events take place annually, check the dates for the relevant year before you travel.
More Practical Information
The Filling Station is a restored 1930s Texaco gas station that offers travel information and clean restrooms. Visits to Express Clydesdales are currently available by appointment only, arranged in advance by phone.
Discover more destinations: Yukon, Calumet, El Reno, Stephens, Noble County, Sequoyah County, Cimarron County, Logan County.
For the overview of the wider region: Oklahoma.
