The Donuts At This Michigan Bakery Have Tourists Lining Up Every Morning

Clare, Michigan, is home to one of the most unusual and beloved bakeries in America. Cops & Doughnuts isn’t just a place to grab a sweet treat, it’s a destination with a fascinating backstory, incredible food, and a community spirit that makes every visitor feel welcome.

Whether you’re a donut lover, history buff, or road-tripper looking for a memorable stop, this unique bakery has something special waiting for you.

1. The Amazing Story Of The Nine Cops

Back in 2009, Clare faced losing a beloved piece of its history when the local bakery announced it would close after 113 years. Rather than watch their community treasure disappear, all nine members of the Clare Police Department pooled their resources and bought the business themselves.

This heartwarming rescue story embodies everything great about small-town America. The officers turned business owners preserved jobs, saved a local landmark, and created something entirely new in the process. Their courage and commitment transformed a closing bakery into a thriving tourist destination that draws visitors from across the country.

2. The “Cops” Experience And Theme

Walking into Cops & Doughnuts feels like stepping onto a movie set. Police badges, handcuffs, and vintage law enforcement memorabilia cover the walls, creating an immersive experience you won’t find at any ordinary bakery.

The themed restrooms designed like jail cells are Instagram-worthy, and the staff uniforms add to the playful atmosphere. Employees wear shirts labeled “inmate,” keeping the cop-and-criminal theme alive throughout your visit. This attention to detail transforms a simple donut run into a full-blown attraction that entertains the whole family while you wait for your order.

3. Delicious, Old-Fashioned Donuts

Novelty alone wouldn’t keep people coming back if the donuts weren’t outstanding. Fortunately, Cops & Doughnuts delivers exceptional quality that matches its clever concept perfectly.

Using recipes that have been perfected over generations, the bakers create fresh, handmade donuts daily. The texture, flavor, and freshness consistently earn rave reviews from tourists and locals alike. Long lines form regularly, especially on weekends, as word spreads about these genuinely delicious treats. The bakery proves that combining tradition with creativity creates something truly special that keeps customers returning year after year.

4. Try The Signature “Bacon Squealer”

Among all the creative flavors available, one donut reigns supreme as the must-try signature creation. The Bacon Squealer combines sweet maple glaze with crispy, smoky bacon strips on an elongated long john base.

This sweet-and-salty masterpiece perfectly represents the bakery’s willingness to push boundaries while respecting classic techniques. First-time visitors often order it based on reputation alone, and rarely leave disappointed. The combination might sound unusual, but one bite explains why this particular donut has achieved legendary status among Michigan food enthusiasts and travelers nationwide.

5. A True Piece Of Small-Town History

The building housing Cops & Doughnuts has operated continuously as a bakery since 1896, making it a rare survivor from Michigan’s nineteenth-century commercial landscape. Over 125 years of baking history live within these walls.

Visiting offers a tangible connection to the past that few modern businesses can provide. The structure itself tells stories of generations who gathered here for daily bread and special occasion cakes. When you step inside, you’re walking the same floors countless Clare residents have crossed for more than a century, experiencing living history alongside your morning coffee.

6. Support For A Community-Focused Business

Every dollar spent at Cops & Doughnuts directly supports a business built on civic pride rather than corporate profit margins. The founding mission centered on preserving community character and creating local employment opportunities.

Your purchase helps revitalize downtown Clare, supporting the broader economic health of this small Michigan town. The bakery’s success has inspired other businesses and brought renewed energy to the area. Choosing to stop here means voting with your wallet for communities over chains, for character over convenience, and for businesses that genuinely care about the places they serve.

7. Fun And Unique Merchandise

Why leave with just memories when you can take home a piece of the experience? The gift shop stocks an entertaining array of police-themed merchandise that makes perfect souvenirs or gifts for friends back home.

T-shirts proclaiming “D.W.I., Donuts Were Involved” and similar puns appeal to anyone who appreciates clever wordplay. Coffee mugs, aprons, hats, and other items let you extend the fun long after your visit ends. These aren’t generic tourist trinkets but thoughtfully designed products that capture the bakery’s unique personality and sense of humor perfectly.

8. Named One Of America’s Best

National media outlets have discovered what locals knew all along, this bakery produces some of America’s finest donuts. NBC Nightly News featured the shop, introducing millions of viewers to its remarkable story.

Food magazines and travel publications regularly include Cops & Doughnuts on “best of” lists celebrating exceptional bakeries nationwide. This recognition isn’t just marketing hype but genuine acknowledgment of quality and uniqueness. When experts and critics consistently praise an establishment, you know you’re experiencing something genuinely special rather than just following a trend or falling for clever branding alone.

9. More Than Just Donuts

While donuts earn top billing, limiting yourself to just those would mean missing half the experience. The bakery employs a fifth-generation bread maker who creates exceptional loaves using time-honored techniques passed down through family tradition.

Fresh-baked cookies, homemade pies, and various pastries fill the cases alongside the famous donuts. A full-service diner operates within the same space, serving breakfast and lunch to hungry travelers. You could easily spend an entire meal here, sampling different items and discovering new favorites beyond the signature sweets that initially drew you through the door.

10. The Road Trip Destination Vibe

Perfectly positioned along US-127, Cops & Doughnuts has become an essential checkpoint for travelers moving through Michigan’s midsection. The convenient location makes it an easy, worthwhile detour that breaks up long drives beautifully.

Road-trippers heading north to vacation destinations or south toward home have adopted the bakery as a traditional stopping point. It offers exactly what weary travelers need, delicious food, clean facilities, entertainment, and a chance to stretch legs while experiencing something memorable. The bakery has earned its place on countless Michigan bucket lists and travel itineraries nationwide.