The longstanding traditions and folklore that surround Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pa., have made it one of the nation’s most quirky and family-friendly celebrations. This former coal mining town provides visitors with the perfect setting for the famous weather forecast, while offering many fun attractions for the entire family both in and around town any time of year. So whether Phil has decided on six more weeks of winter or an early spring, be sure to explore all that Punxsutawney and the Pennsylvania Wilds region has to offer.
The Groundhog Club Headquarters
The Groundhog Club Headquarters is the site for historical and rare Groundhog Club and Punxsutawney Phil items. Located in the historical library on Mahoning Street, in downtown Punxatawney.
The Gobbler’s Knob Trail
The Gobbler’s Knob Trail is nearly a half mile and features the metal art created each year on Groundhog Day by Jeff Tech, a local trade school. The flora and fauna along the way is identified by markers and in a brochure at the entrance of the trail. Signage that gives the history of Groundhog Day, the Inner Circle, Punxsutawney Phil, groundhog facts, and much more serve as a main focal point and includes smart phone technology to enhance the visitor experience.
Phil’s Burrow
When Punxsutawney Phil isn’t busy forecasting the weather, he can be found in his burrow, a terrarium built into the Punxsutawney Memorial Library. The clear glass walls offer a great view from both inside and outside the library. No matter what time of year, visitors can stop by and say hello to Phil and his friends as they play, eat and do what groundhogs do best, sleep.
Weather Discovery Center
The Weather Discovery Center allows visitors of all ages to participate in fun and interactive hands-on exhibits. Located in a beautiful historic building situated in downtown Punxsutawney, the “Weather Capital of the World,” there is no better place to explore the technology and folklore behind predicting and studying the weather.
Groundhog Wine Trail
(Closest vineyard is the Shadow Vineyard and Winery, located at the airport in Punxsutawney)
Discover a new side of western Pennsylvania by traveling the route of the Groundhog Wine Trail. Take a break from the crowds and experience the 14 wineries that make up this unique trail, packed with award-winning wineries, beautiful scenery and of course, delicious wine. No matter what Phil’s weather forecast turns out to be, a delightful glass of locally made wine is the perfect way to celebrate the outcome. Don’t forget to stop by the Groundhog Winery, offering 12 different wines in the tasting room!
Mahoning Shadow Trail
Winding its way through most of the Punxsutawney area, the Manhoning Shadow Trail is the ideal spot for an outdoor adventure with the family. This 15.5-mile long, multi-use trail is perfect for hiking and biking, as well as cross country skiing and snow shoeing in the winter. Named for the creek that runs alongside it, the Manhoning Shadow Trail also offers many interesting features along the way, including its own waterfall.
Phantastic Phils!
There is no shortage of groundhog pride in this enthusiastic community, and they have the art to prove it. Located throughout town, the Phantastic Phils! Public art project includes 32 larger-than-life fiberglass groundhogs all creatively painted and designed by local and national artists. Visitors can see how many they spot on their own or can grab a map of the Phils and pick their favorite.
Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogy Society
Learn about Groundhog Day history and the area's rich industrial heritage by visiting the Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society. The extensive museum complex features Native American artifacts, lumbering and area coal mining history, local railroad memorabilia, and more.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
Jimmy Stewart Museum
Indiana (28 miles from Punxsutawney)
Just a short trip outside of Punxsutawney, visitors will find a museum that celebrates the life and career of the American film icon, Jimmy Stewart. Located in his birthplace of Indiana, Pa., the Jimmy Stewart Museum pays homage to his roles as a military hero, civic leader, family man and movie star through interactive displays, gallery talks, and artifacts from his personal life and film presentations. The one-of-a-kind museum dives into the world of the Oscar-winning movie star and demonstrates why his on and off-screen personality serves as an inspiration to so many.
Cook Forest State Park
Cooksburg (36 miles from Punxsutawney)
With the Clarion River running along the border of the park and the famous stands of old growth trees, Cook Forest State Park is a wooded paradise just a short drive outside of Punxsutawney. The park is packed full of natural beauty and ecological history, such as the park’s towering White Pines and Hemlocks that make up the “Forest Cathedral,”a National Natural Landmark.
Elk Country Visitor Center
Benezette (52 miles from Punxsutawney)
Situated on 245 acres within the heart of Pennsylvania's elk range, the Elk Country Visitor Center is a premier elk watching and conservation education facility in the Pennsylvania Wilds and the entire Eastern United States. The Center’s state-of-art interpretive and interactive exhibits inform and educate the public about elk, wildlife conservation and green building design and make the facility popular for school field trips and family vacation travelers alike.
Can't visit Gobbler's Knob on Groundhog Day? Don’t miss our Groundhog Day live stream to watch the virtual prognostication on Feb. 2 beginning at 6:30AM! Be sure to join in the conversation by using the hashtag #GHD2023 on your social channels and following along with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.