Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Culture

Did you know you could go to a groundhog reveal (and they’re kind of a big deal)?

Meet the world's most famous groundhog in Punxsutawney, PA, and celebrate Groundhog Day

Dawn Miller
By

February 2 may conjure up memories of funny memes on social media using images from Bill Murray’s cult classic 90s film Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day is a pretty big thing, especially for people living in Pennsylvania. Punxsutawney Phil, Groundhog Day’s famous furry forecaster, is a local celebrity and the United States official groundhog — but did you know you can see him do his thing in person? It might sound a little weird, but the unveiling of a groundhog is something you can — and many people do — make the trek to.

man holding a chalkboard with Happy Groundhog Day written on it
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Groundhog Day history

The first Groundhog Day celebration in the United States took place in Punxsutawney, PA, with roots that came across the Atlantic Ocean with German immigrants. February 2 is the halfway point between the winter and spring equinox. As legend has it, if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If not, it’s an early spring. Where you fall on the spectrum as far as the groundhog’s prediction depends on how much you love winter weather.

Recommended Videos

The idea for turning Groundhog Day into a full-blown party in Punxsutawney, PA, came from Clymer Freas, a newspaper editor, back in 1887. It stuck, and the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club was founded.

Related

Getting to Punxsutawney, PA

Punxsutawney is a small town in west-central Pennsylvania. The town is about a two-hour drive from Pittsburgh. Punxsutawney is best accessible by car. The nearest airport, Dubois (DUJ), is a little over 17 miles away. Travelers can also utilize the train or bus to get to the annual Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney.

Many of the Groundhog Day faithful living in PA make the trip to Punxsutawney on February 2 as a very early day trip. Others make the trek from all over the United States and beyond. Punxsutawney Phil’s reputation is far-reaching thanks partly to Murray’s movie.

People begin gathering for the big moment at 3 a.m. for Phil’s big forecast. Fireworks start at 6:30 a.m., and the forecast takes place at sunrise at 7:20 a.m. The early hour is why many decide to get hotel accommodations in the area, arriving the night before. Places are available but be sure to plan ahead. Many accommodations are booked a year in advance.

Couple posing at Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney, PA
Paige Matzerath

Gobbler’s Knob

Punxsutawney Phil’s actual forecast takes place in Gobbler’s Knob. This “natural amphitheater” is where everyone gathers to see if Phil sees his shadow or not. Phil’s handlers are members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle. Attending the celebration is free, but getting to Gobbler’s Knob is not unless you walk. Gobbler’s Knob is a two-mile walk from Punxsutawney.

Shuttle buses begin running at 3 a.m. from Punxsutawney and are $5 per person. Bus tickets are cash only. A limited number of parking passes are available for regular-sized cars at Gobbler’s Knob. The parking passes go on sale online at midnight on December 1 and are also sold at the Visitors Center for $60.  All roads leading to Gobbler’s Knob are closed to traffic except for Route 36 and Elderberry Hill Road, which is monitored by Pennsylvania State Police. Only vehicles with parking passes are allowed access.

Punxsutawney, PA town sign
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Gobbler’s Knob VIP passes

For people who’d rather not find a spot to stand to see Punxsutawney Phil’s moment to shine, there are a limited number of VIP passes for $25. This allows people to stand within the amphitheater. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club also offers a Hospitality Village which is heated with food and coffee, a live feed to the big event, seating, and access to the building’s restrooms. Tickets are required and do sell out quickly.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Groundhog Day 2023

The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club plans an array of events beginning on February 1 and running through February 4. A full schedule of events is available on the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s website. Ticket prices vary per event and are available online. Remember, entrance to Gobbler’s Knob is free. Phil also hangs out in his stump following his much-anticipated forecast to pose for pictures.

If this sounds like your sort of thing, it’s definitely a different kind of trip to put on your travel bucket list. And if it doesn’t sound like your kind of trip? There’s always Bill Murray.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Dawn Miller
Dawn Miller
Contributor
Dawn Miller began her professional life as an elementary school teacher before returning to her first love, writing. In…
Forget roses and chocolate: The best Valentine’s Day gift is one you do together
Give your partner an experience-based gift this Valentine's Day to build memories together you'll never forget
Couple riding bikes together at sunset

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, so it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to celebrate with that special someone in your life. You can always go with a classic gift — flowers, chocolate, or a fancy dinner. Whether you’re hoping to mix it up this year or you just want to make your first Valentine’s Day special, you may be looking for the most show-stopping Valentine’s Day gifts. Why not try out an experienced-based gift this year? 

Chocolate hearts come and go, but memories last forever. When you give your partner an experience, it creates a chance to connect and truly appreciate the holiday together. Need some inspiration? Here are Valentine’s Day gift ideas based on experiences to give your loved one. 
Daytime activities

Read more
Weed is now legal in Thailand: Here’s what you need to know
Is weed legal in Thailand? Yes! Here's what you need to know
Marijuana leaf held up to the sky.

Over the course of the past several decades, many have traveled to the sunny, laid-back climes of Thailand and thought all this place is missing is weed—myself included. For the sake of accuracy, weed always has been available there, but it has notoriously been accompanied by stiff penalties for those caught selling or enjoying it. And Thai prison is an infamously terrible place to end up. Marijuana laws around the world have been loosening up recently, however, leaving many to wonder—would Thailand legalize weed?

Then in 2022, a change finally came. I didn’t realize it until I was walking down the street in Chiang Mai and passed a shop that had the weed version of the Bat Signal: a glowing neon pot leaf. I stopped short. Wait—Is weed legal in Thailand?, I wondered aloud. And happily, yes, it is. To that end, here’s what you need to know.

Read more
You’re not imagining it: Winter weather is getting worse
Climate change is bringing in rougher winter weather
A 2016 blizzard in the United States.

Old news that is more relevant every day: Planet Earth continues its substantial warming, threatening and affecting life, liberty, and property with every new climate disaster.

The most recent example? Nearly 30 people died in Buffalo's most recent winter storm, per CNN, as the area was hit with more than 50 inches of snow. This follow's last month's winter storm, which dumped the fifth-highest amount of snow the region has ever experienced in a three-day period. More than 80 inches of snow stuck on the ground a full month before the official beginning of winter (per Fox Weather). Of the four Buffalo winter snowstorms preceded by last month’s dump, three of them occurred in the last 27 years — and Buffalo is far from unique among the world's cities experiencing record snowstorm weather events. (Just look at the most recent weather forecasts across the country.)

Read more