This Midwest Donut Trail Has 14 Mom-and-Pop Shops

When you think of Ohio, chances are you don’t think of donuts, but Butler County in southwestern Ohio is working to change that. It claims to have one of the most donut shops per capita in the Midwest, many of them mom-and-pop outfits. Donuts are such a thing in Butler County that they launched a donut trail in 2016, a route that just got a big expansion for its 10th anniversary.

For its 10th year, the Butler County Donut Trail has added five new donut shops bringing the trail total to 14 donut destinations. The route starts in Middletown, Ohio, and winds its way through the towns of West Chester, Fairfield, Hamilton, Trenton, Monroe, and Oxford. The trail has been successful due to its location just off Interstate 75 between Cincinnati and Dayton, and for its eats, which includes several longstanding, locally owned shops.

The route includes a stop at Stan the Donut Man in West Chester, a family-owned donut shop whose recipes have been used for over 50 years, and a visit to Milton’s Donuts in Middletown, a regional icon that’s known for its huge selection of fluffy glazed donuts. Another favorite is the Oxford Doughnut Shoppe in Oxford, which is famous for its kettle-fried cake donuts and loyal local following.

All 14 stops are outlined on the Butler County Donut Trail map, but there’s also a dedicated Donut Trail concierge who can help customize your trip between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern, Monday–Friday (just call 513-860-0917). There is also an official donut trail passport where you can collect stamps from each shop you visit. If you visit 12 of the 14 donut shops you can pick up a free T-shirt at the Travel Butler County office in West Chester or request your shirt by mail. The passport can be downloaded and printed, or picked up from the Travel Butler County office or any participating donut shop.

When you plan your journey on the donut trail keep in mind that some shops sell out of donuts early and that each shop’s opening hours vary. Travel Butler County notes that some shops are closed on Sunday and Mondays.

The Butler County Donut Trail has welcomed over 42,000 people from all 50 states and 25 countries. It is located about 20 minutes north of Cincinnati near Interstates 75 and 275. The trail is around 30 minutes from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and 45 minutes from Dayton International Airport (DAY).