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The sweet and comforting side of Estes Park

Omayra Acevedo
Posted 4/6/23

I’d like to think I have a healthy lifestyle. Part of my healthy choices includes allowing myself special treats now and then or when I need comfort. However, treats need to be truly worthy of

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The sweet and comforting side of Estes Park

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I’d like to think I have a healthy lifestyle. Part of my healthy choices includes allowing myself special treats now and then or when I need comfort. However, treats need to be truly worthy of breaking my strict diet.

The Donut Haus was opened in 1975 by founder Dieter D’Alguen, who developed the original recipes. Today, the donuts live inside the Sinclair gas station on Moraine Avenue, near Mary’s Lake Road.

The Donut Haus is owned by Diane Stovall, Karen Stovall, and Katie Sampson. Donuts are made fresh daily at a sister store in Loveland, located at 265 East 29th Street.

For the most options, get there when they open or shortly after. And when I say options, I mean it! Between 3,000 and 4,000 donuts are made nightly, beginning at 7 p.m. and finishing just in time to meet morning delivery demands across the Front Range and Estes Park.

From cake donuts covered in mouth-watering coconut, vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry toppings to old fashions, raised glazed donuts, turtles, date nut rolls, gourmet cinnamon rolls, long johns, razzberry twists, and pretzels, you’re sure to find something to drool over.

When I first heard these donuts were a tradition in Estes, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Customers who have come as children come back as adults with their children. There is a true sense of family between the Donut Haus and their customers.

Now that I’ve had a taste, or two, or three, I have deemed them worthy of breaking my diet. If I could, I’d eat about five Donut Haus treats every morning after my workout routine. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday between 6 a.m. and until donuts run out, generally around noon.

Come summertime the shop will be open on Tuesdays as well. I’m not sure what magic spell they put on these donuts, but it’s no surprise they sell out quickly. I’m calling dibs on the coconut cake donuts.

The Donut Haus is located at 860 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/donuthausep or give them a call at 970-586-2988.