9 Ways to Explore Butler County This Summer

Barn-N-Bunk Farm Market
With four barns to explore and a slew of annual events, Barn-N-Bunk Farm Market offers more than your typical farmers market. At the first barn, visitors find three floors of foods such as jams, baked goods and pickles ­— some of it grown on the farm itself — as well as around 50 local craft vendors. The second barn offers homemade candy and crafts, while another is reserved for events. The final barn serves as a museum of old farm equipment. When outside, don’t forget to take a picture with the two grain silos on the property that have been painted with rural scenes and memories from the family farm’s more than 100 years of history. 3677 Wayne Madison Rd., Trenton 45067, 513/988-9211, barnnbunk.com


Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
Art and nature become one at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, where a collection of over 70 outdoor sculptures complements the rolling natural landscape. Take the paved Gallery Loop by foot or rent an Art Cart to see the park’s sculptures, including Alexander Liberman’s “Abracadabra,” a three-dimensional collage of red shapes that stands in stark contrast to the field where it sits. The newest addition to the park’s collection is “Halfmoon Lake” by Deborah Butterfield, which features a horse sculpted out of bronze that is made to look like driftwood. The 470-acre park also features three gardens, two hiking trails and two indoor museums to explore, including the Pyramid House built by the park’s founder. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton 45013, 513/868-8336, pyramidhill.org


Start Skydiving
With its emphasis on both fun and safety, Start Skydiving makes it easy for first timers to take the leap at the largest drop zone in the Midwest. Book a high-altitude tandem skydiving experience and jump from 16,000 feet while strapped to a professional instructor or sign up for a class to learn how to become a solo skydiver. Start Skydiving also offers tandem skydiving experiences for those with a disability (visit website for specifics). Additionally, the drop zone offers more than a simple airplane hangar. While you wait for your jump, take advantage of the climbing wall, ropes course and games or watch other skydivers from the picnic areas. Start Skydiving also films your jump and edits a cut of before you leave. 1711 Run Way, Middletown 45042, 513/422-5867, startskydiving.com

The Mullen Dairy & Creamery
Fourth-generation owner Emily Mullen knew she would have to get creative to make sure her family farm stayed afloat after she took over. Today, The Mullen Dairy & Creamery sells over 30 different flavors of milk in about 20 local stores. Flavors range from classics such as chocolate and strawberry to unique specialties such as cookies and cream, cotton candy and blueberry. Book a tour to see how the bottles make their way to store shelves and gain an appreciation for what Mullen calls the “story behind every refrigerator door.” You’ll see behind the scenes of the creamery and barn, including the robotic milker and the devices worn by the cows to track their health. 7938 Hamilton Scipio Rd., Okeana 45053, facebook.com/TheMullenDairyandCreamery


‘Oxford Beehive’ Mural
Artist Joe Prescher has been on a mission to bring public art to Oxford ever since he moved there in 2011, and his most recent project has the city buzzing. The “Oxford Beehive” mural’s bright honeycomb and larger-than-life bees are painted on both sides of an Uptown alley to create an immersive experience for viewers. Completing the work was a community affair. Many Oxford residents and some Miami University students sponsored bees and even assisted in the painting itself. Prescher chatted with dozens of curious pedestrians who walked by each day and asked them to paint part of a cell. The mural also pays homage to L. L. Langstroth, inventor of a commonly used modern beehive design, who lived in Oxford from 1858 to 1887. The “Oxford Beehive” mural is located between 21 and 23 E. High St., Oxford 45056  


Wake Nation
With Wake Nation’s cable wakeboarding system, the exhilarating water sport doesn’t require a boat and can even be enjoyed by beginners. Just step onto the board and the cables will pull you along the course. Beginners can start with knee boarding, but anyone looking to level-up their skills can sign up for wakeboarding lessons. Summer camps and group events are offered as well. Wake Nation’s other draw is its Aqua Park. With one section designed for kids 6 and up, and two others made for older kids and adults, everyone can climb, slide, jump and swing across the inflatable waterpark. Teens and adults can make a trip down the Launch Slide, which sends riders flying into the air before splashing down into the pool below. 201 Joe Nuxhall Way, Fairfield 45014, 513/887-9253, wakenation.com

The Cone
With a roof shaped like its signature Orange & Vanilla Swirl ice cream, The Cone is not only an eye-catching destination but also a local favorite for soft serve and other sweet treats. Items on the menu are customizable, and patrons can choose from a variety of flavors and toppings. Have your favorite ice cream and candy blended into a Wizard or try one of the novelties made in-house. The Cone also offers shaved ice, parfaits and ice cream cakes. New owners Beth and Mike Heydt are excited to continue the legacy of the stand’s founders, the Wren family, by maintaining the menu that the community loves. Order at the drive-through or enjoy your treat at the indoor or outdoor seating. 6855 Tylersville Rd., West Chester 45069, 513/779-7040, thecone.com


Holiday Auto Theatre
With its original entrance sign, concession stand and box office from 1948, pulling up to the Holiday Auto Theatre feels like a trip back in time. Each night brings a double or triple feature, projected on the 60-by-80-foot screen, with 1950s-era trailers and cartoons before the movies and during intermission. Whether you want to sit in your car or in a lawn chair, make sure to have a radio available to tune into 87.9 FM for sound. Arrive early to spend time in the outdoor space and play area, and don’t forget to check out the variety of high-quality classic meals and snacks at the concession stand. 1816 Old Oxford Rd., Hamilton 45013, 513/929-2999, holidayautotheatre.com

Paintball Country
Located on the Niederman Family Farm, Paintball Country encourages fun and play for all skill levels. Duck in and out of inflatable bunkers, defend an elevated fort and hide behind obstacles as you dodge paintballs and eliminate your opponents. Participants are encouraged to create their own games inspired by the unique terrains of the facility’s six fields, and referees are there to ensure safety. (For the most comfortable experience, its recommended participants wear loose-fitting long sleeves and long pants.) Weekends are open for walk-on play, so rent a safety mask and paintball marker (or buy them at the on-site pro shop), and prepare for fun. After playing, grab a bite at the snack shop. 5110 Lesourdsville West Chester Rd., Hammilton 45011, 513/779-3228, paintballcountryohio.com

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