Tips for Traveling for Groundhog’s Day

If you are among those who love Groundhog’s Day, make plans to travel for the special day.

Punxsutawney is a small town in western-central Pennsylvania, and home to the world’s most famous groundhog.

If you are traveling for Groundhog’s Day and don’t mind flying into a smaller airport, the closest airport you will find is BuBois (DUJ). There is plenty to do to make driving or flying into the town a few days before Feb. 2 worthwhile.

Make a point to visit Gobbler’s Knob before the crazy festivities of the day begin. Gobbler’s Knob is famously the staging area for Phil’s predictions, but it also serves as a trailhead for some family-friendly hiking. You can bet come Feb. 2, this stage is going to be packed. Come back on the morning of the big day to see Phil’s interpreters do what they do best and talk to the groundhog.

Phil’s Burrow. Photo: Darren Walker | Dreamstime.com

Check out the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center for an educational look at the climate. This science museum lets kids and adults alike learn about weather phenomenon ranging from tornados to thunderstorms. To top it off, the museum is located in the old post office, making it a cool historic site as well.

If you plan on being in Punxsutawney in the middle of the winter, make sure you are equipped to deal with the cold. Thousands of people assemble at Gobbler’s Knob for the annual prediction. Just like any other famous gathering, the family should plan to get there early enough for a good spot. This also means hours of standing relatively motionless in the bitter cold. Wear layers and bring snacks for the younger kids.

Before leaving Punxsutawney, there are a few places you need to make sure you see. Visit Phil in his burrow, where he lives with Phyllis (his wife!). The burrow is visible from windows which open to the street. Don’t worry, though, Phil and Phyllis live in a comfortable, climate-controlled environment.

Punxsutawney’s fame clearly comes from its prophetic groundhog, but there is a ton to see and do in the town, so make sure you make the most of it when you visit.