Your List of All Things Butler County!
Start the new year off strong with a list of iconic Butler County activities to complete throughout the new year. As we bid farewell to another year, the tradition of crafting New Year's resolutions beckons us with the promise of fresh beginnings.
1. Celebrate 250 Years of America
Throughout Butler County, Ohio
Experience Butler County’s can’t-miss America250 festivals, events, and specials throughout 2026 — from lively music festivals and patriotic parades to immersive historic reenactments. Download our America250 Time Travel Trail pass to visit fascinating historic sites and landmarks and earn an exclusive plushie eagle!
2. Complete the Butler County Donut Trail
Throughout Butler County, Ohio
Finish the trail in 1 morning or span it out over several days, weeks, or months! The Butler County Donut Trail is a fun-filled adventure for everyone, supports local mom and pop donut shops, and is the ultimate road trip to see all the communities in Butler County. Plus, you get a pretty sweet t-shirt once you complete the trail!
3. Watch a Performance at the Sorg Opera House
63 S Main Street | Middletown, Ohio
The Sorg Opera House hosts a myriad of live entertainment in a beautiful theater, from musicals to plays and concerts. Take a tour of the historic building or catch a live performance. See the upcoming schedule of events here.
4. Check Out a New Exhibit at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts
101 S Monument Avenue | Hamilton, Ohio
Visual arts more your jam? Fitton Center for Creative Arts has 5 galleries offering about 20 diverse exhibits annually for you to peruse.
5. Take a Cooking Class at The Learning Kitchen
7659 Cox Lane | West Chester, Ohio
Challenge yourself by learning to cook something new! Seasoned chefs pull back the curtain and reveal their cooking secrets during these hands-on cooking classes. All cooking levels are welcome!
6. Wander Through Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
1763 Hamilton Cleves Road | Hamilton, Ohio
Pyramid Hill brings people to art in nature. With over 400 acres of rolling hills, hiking trails, forests, meadows, and lakes, there is no shortage of nature and art to explore at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.
7. Catch a Comedy Show at Funny Bone
7518 Bales Street | Liberty Township, Ohio
Spend an evening with laughter, drinks, and your favorite comedian at Funny Bone in Liberty Center.
8. Walk across the Black Covered Bridge
5401 Corso Road | Oxford, Ohio
Recognized as one of Ohio's longest and most impressive covered bridges, the Black Covered Bridge also features a paved trail that is great for a peaceful walk. Admire the bridge's unique construction, as well as its surrounding nature along Four Mile Creek.
9. See a Movie Under the Stars at Holiday Auto Theatre
1816 Old Oxford Road | Hamilton, Ohio
The Holiday Auto Theatre is a classic experience that takes the best of both worlds — movies and the outdoors — to combine them into one amazing night. As one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in Ohio, Holiday Auto has been a staple for over 70 years!
10. Snap a Selfie with the Silos at Barn-N-Bunk
3677 Wayne Madison Road | Trenton, Ohio
Slow down from the hustle and bustle of life to take in the sights of colossal silos, antique farm equipment, local products, and the vast farmland you'll encounter at Barn-N-Bunk in Trenton.
11. Explore Jungle Jim's International Market
5440 Dixie Highway | Fairfield, Ohio
Taking a picture in the famous restrooms is a must during your visit. Plan your trip and make sure to save plenty of time to explore everything there is to offer in this wild attraction!
12. Paint Your Own Pottery
Hamilton & Oxford, Ohio
Test your artistic abilities at The Studio in Hamilton or You're Fired in Oxford.
13. Tour the Voice of America Museum
8070 Tylersville Road | West Chester, Ohio
The Voice of America Museum is housed in the historic Bethany Relay Station. Take a walk through history at this unique museum and learn more about how this historical landmark played a significant role in United States history.
14. Go Skydiving
1711 Run Way | Middletown, Ohio
Skydiving is the perfect activity for adrenaline junkies or anyone with a bucket list, and Start Skydiving in Middletown is the #1 place to do it.
15. Meet the Animals of Butler County
Throughout Butler County, Ohio
Cats, dogs, horses... even cows! We love our local businesses, and we especially love their friendly companions. If you visit any of the places below, don't forget to say hi to these special friends.
16. Order the Lottery Bagel at Bagel & Deli
119 E High Street | Oxford, Ohio
Over 45 Years. 18 Bagel Flavors. 90+ Outrageous Bagel Combinations. One Fantastic Foodie Experience! The Lottery Sandwich consists of one meat, one cheese, two solid toppings, and two liquid toppings, all selected by Bagel & Deli Shop. Feeling lucky?
17. Experience a Drive-In Food Experience
Hamilton & Middletown, Ohio
This classic drive-in dining experience allows for you to order food from your car and have it delivered straight to your window. Have a burger or a chili dog or even a frosty root beer at Jolly's in Hamilton, J&E Root Beer, or The Jug in Middletown.
18. Bike the Great Miami River Bike Path
Throughout Butler County, Ohio
Biking is always a fun activity, whether you're looking for exercise or just some time to relax and take in all that nature has to offer. Explore more than 99 miles of paved trails and connected communities where you can cycle the Great Miami River Trail and find your way through charming downtowns in southwest Ohio.
19. Snap a Photo of Your Coffee Art at Cavu Coffee
7755 Cox Lane | West Chester, Ohio
Cavu's talented baristas can craft a variety of art in your mug, and they make it look easy.
20. Try the Uglies at Central Pastry Shop
1518 Central Avenue | Middletown, Ohio
Despite the name, these fluffy donuts make a delicious morning treat! The story goes: A Middletown local (and lover of the "Uglies") many, many years ago said, "That is one ugly donut," and the name stuck. However, this story is unverified, so it remains folklore amongst the shop!
21. Take Flight
Throughout Butler County, Ohio
Whether it’s beverages or appetizers, main courses or desserts, food and drink flights are a delicious way to try more on a menu. Try a flight at one or all of these local spots:
22. Try Your Hand at Pickleball at The Pickle Lodge North Shore
7373 Kingsgate Way | West Chester, Ohio
Pickleball continues to be one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation. Whether you're a pickleball enthusiast or a beginner, The Pickle Lodge North Shore in West Chester is a destination you can't miss. As the second largest indoor pickleball facility in the country, The Pickle Lodge isn't just a place to play — it's a full experience combining top-tier courts, delicious dining, and craft brewing all under one roof.
23. Take a Pedal Tour with Pour House
138 Riverfront Plaza | Hamilton, Ohio
Looking for a new way to party and see the sights of Hamilton with your group? Book a pedal tour! The Pour House Pedal offers tours throughout downtown Hamilton, which includes dozens of bars/restaurants, shops/boutiques, sculptures/art exhibits, and more!
24. Go Kayaking at Voice of America MetroPark
7850 VOA Park Dr | West Chester, Ohio
Whether you're looking for a calming retreat on the water or a fun summer adventure with your friends, renting kayaks at VOA is easy and can be done right from your phone!
25. Go on a Mural Tour Around Butler County
Throughout Butler County, Ohio
Murals make for the perfect Instagram-worthy photos! Wander around Hamilton to see the StreetSpark murals, pose with Kelsey Montague's famous What Lifts You mural at Liberty Center, check out the larger-than-life Jammin' mural in downtown Middletown, or buzz into Oxford to see the popular Hive mural in the alleyway by Mac & Joe's.
26. Horseback through the Oxford Countryside
Saddle up and take in the scenic Oxford countryside at Nation Road Horse Rental. This family-owned horse haven is home to 21 beautiful horses and offers different guided trail rides catered to all experience levels.