Note: This post was updated in January 2023 with new information.
There’s not a lot happening along I-80 between Chicago and Connecticut. At least that’s what we found earlier this week when my mom and I made the trek. On our second day, we were driving for what seemed like an eternity across Pennsylvania. So, we decided to make a detour to visit the Weather Capital of the World: Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
Now, I’m not a person who gets particularly excited about rodents (of any kind). But this small town just happens to be the home of Groundhog Day and the famed Punxsutawney Phil.
While we didn’t visit during the right time of year to see Phil’s famed weather predictions, we spent a little while wandering around the Groundhog Day obsessed little town. First, we stopped by Phil’s burrow (located at the Punxsutawney Public Library and visible from outside) to say hello. Then we visited the Chamber of Commerce to peruse every possible groundhog-themed souvenir imaginable. Finally, we took a short drive to Gobbler’s Knob where the February 2 festivities take place each year.
Punxsutawney Phil’s Burrow, 301 E. Mahoning Street in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Chamber of Commerce, 102 W. Mahoning Street in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Punxsutawney Phil live the rest of the year?
When he’s not predicting the weather, Punxsutawney Phil lives in a burrow at the Punxsutawney Public Library. Don’t worry if you visit on a day other than Groundhog Day. There’s a window where you peek in on him any time.
Is Punxsutawney Phil the same groundhog?
If you choose to believe local lore, there has only ever been one Punxsutawney Phil. Despite the fact that groundhogs only typically live to be six or seven years old, Phil is said to have been sustained for more than 100 years by drinking a special dandelion potion.
Share Your Thoughts
I would love to hear from you! Have you been to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania? What’s your favorite thing about this wacky Groundhog Day-obsessed town?
