Embark on a Sweet Scavenger Hunt

Grab your scavenger hunt gear, fill your backpack with your treasure map, passport and maybe some water and revel in the excitement of the hunt! The hunt is for the best donut in Butler County, Ohio, the treasure map is a cartoonish trail of bakeries, and the passport is a cute keepsake from your favorite stops along the way — but it’s a hunt, nonetheless.

Founded in 2016, the Butler County Donut Trail was the first in the country and only one of its kind in the Midwest and Ohio. Since its founding, more than 17,400 visitors from around the world made their way through the trail. Now, with 12 family-owned donut bakeries and businesses on the map, the Donut Trail is more flavorful than ever.

Stan the Donut Man. Photo: Butler County Visitors Bureau

With a host of unique flavors, including tiger tails, s’mores, raspberry cheese and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, any taste-tester can find their favorite along the way.

Follow along with others on the trail on social media, @DonutTrail, or pay a visit yourself. Butler County happens to be a 30-minute drive from Dayton and about a 90-minute drive to Columbus, so you can easily spend the day filling up on sweets and exploring the town in a multicity visit.

For those who trekked the trail before, there’s a new stop on the list: The Donut Spot. This new addition coincides with the trail’s anniversary, as well as new t-shirt designs for participants.

Photo: Butler County Visitors Bureau

The entire trail has actually been a real economic boost for the area and great addition to the community. Not only does the “sweetest adventure” bring in tourists each year (significantly boosting the whole county’s economy), it supports mom-and-pop businesses and even enlists the help of creative locals. The Butler County Visitors Bureau held a contest where local residents could get creative and submit designs that highlight the 12 donut shops of the trail. Those designs were used to make t-shirts for each participant who completes the trail — don’t forget to fill your passport for proof.

All in all, your family will walk away completely full with new t-shirts and sweet bragging rights.