Whether it’s your first time to Punxsutawney or your fifteenth, discover the magic that makes this town iconic, beyond its most famous resident and world-renowned weather prognosticator. While filled with endless pride and enthusiasm for Punxsutawney Phil with the beloved tradition fully engrained into the town and its surroundings, you’ll find many ways to embrace all the quaint town has to offer throughout the year, regardless if there’s six more weeks of winter or spring arrives early!
Tops Things to Do in Punxsutawney
Gobbler’s Knob: Before Phil takes center stage, take a self-guided tour of Gobbler’s Knob where the main event happens each and every year. Here’s your chance to stand on the very ground where our furry friend has made his annual prognostication since 1886, declaring six more weeks of winter or an early spring. Stop by the Gobbler’s Knob Visitors Center to take home special Groundhog Day memorabilia and stick around for the annual event on February 2.
Phil’s Burrow: Where can you find Phil when it isn’t Groundhog Day? Visit him all year round at his burrow from dawn until dusk every day. Residing in a climate-controlled environment with his wife, Phyllis, see where and how this local legend spends his days in downtown Punxsutawney.
Weather Discovery Center: There’s more than one reason Punxsutawney is known as the “Weather Capital of the World.” Located in the downtown’s former post office, you can learn about the folklore of weather against a backdrop of beautiful architectural details at the Weather Discovery Center. Explore interactive history, science, and technology exhibits that both adults and children will enjoy. The center is also home to the Meteorologist Hall of Fame!
Phantastic Phils! Art Project: Not surprisingly, it’s easy to find groundhog pride all throughout Punxsutawney, but especially thanks to the public art project, Phantastic Phils!. Grab a map and take yourself on a tour of downtown to try to spot all 41 of the larger-than-life fiberglass groundhogs, each one uniquely painted and designed by a local or national artist.
Mahoning Shadow Trail: Whether there’s six more weeks of winter or an early spring, you can embrace western PA’s beautiful natural landscape taking a hike along the Mahoning Shadow Trail. Named after Mahoning Creek and Punxsutawney Phil’s famous shadow, this 14.9-mile trail takes outdoor enthusiasts on an easy route along the scenic Mahoning Creek with highlights that include the historic Pennsylvania & Northwestern Railroad line and abandoned ovens that burned coal into coke for iron furnaces.
Punxsutawney Historical and Genealogical Society: Have a family connection to Punxsutawney, or just want to discover the ancestorial history of the area? The Punxsutawney Historical and Genealogical Society offers experiences of all kinds to take a deep dive into the roots of the borough (or as those in the area might call it “burrow”) and the stories of the Punxsutawney people. Take a tour of the Bennis and Lattimer Houses and find artifacts that tell the tales of the first inhabitants, learn about the area’s coal mining and coke production, and hear about how the annual Groundhog Day tradition came to be a beloved, worldly event.
Gobbler’s Knob Trail: Newer to the area, the Gobbler’s Knob Trail will take you on a trip down history lane — literally. This 0.4-mile trail includes informational signage along the way with info about the Groundhog Day legacy, The Inner Circle, and Punxsutawney Phil. Hit the trail to take a deep dive into the tradition before February 2.
Cloe Lake: Reel in some outdoor fun at Cloe Lake! This 27-acre reservoir is perfect for the fishing fanatic as it’s fully equipped with a pier and easy-access shore fishing. Open year-round and permitting only electric motors and unpowered boats, at this lake you can catch species such as trout, bass, walleye, and blue gill. You can even bring your furry friend for them to also enjoy Punxsutawney’s great outdoors.
Rainbow Mountain Alpacas: Phil isn’t the only furry favorite in this small town. Located just 15 minutes outside of downtown Punxsutawney, you can shop locally made alpaca products at Rainbow Mountain Alpacas. You’ll stay warm and toasty during your Gobbler’s Knob adventure wearing their socks, gloves, hats, and even cardigans. While there, be sure to say hi to the alpacas themselves as they graze on the open farm.