What it's like to attend the Most FAMOUS Weather Event in the U.S.
This February, I ventured to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to experience one of the quirkiest and most iconic American traditions—Groundhog Day. Home to the legendary Punxsutawney Phil, this small town fully embraces its claim to fame, and I was all in for the ride.
I’d grown up hearing about the event, laughing at memes, and seeing Phil’s big moment pop up on my social feeds every year—but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer energy, the deep-rooted tradition, and, yes, the brutal 1:45 AM wake-up call that comes with attending in person. It’s early, it’s cold, and it’s absolutely worth it.
Before you dive in, watch my recap reel for a peek into this unforgettable experience!
Trip Summary
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Day 1
Travel Day + Visit to Flight 93 National Memorial
Morning Drive: Left Washington, DC around 7 AM and hit the road toward Punxsutawney. On the way, we made a meaningful stop at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stoystown, PA — a detour I’d highly recommend if you have the time.
The first thing you’ll encounter is the Tower of Voices, a striking 93-foot structure that houses 40 wind chimes, each representing a passenger or crew member lost on Flight 93 on 9/11. Hearing the wind move through the chimes was peaceful, moving, and a beautiful tribute.
We also visited the Memorial Plaza and Wall of Names, which overlook the crash site and offer space for quiet reflection.
Lunch Stop: Grabbed a quick fast food bite along the way to keep things moving.
Hotel Check-In: We arrived in the afternoon at Fairfield Inn & Suites DuBois, where I’d booked a room nearly a year in advance. Booking early is essential as accommodations fill up fast.
Dinner at Station 101: A cozy spot for dinner with hearty portions and a lively atmosphere. Grab a reservation to make sure you can get a table.
Prep for the Big Morning: After dinner, we headed back to the hotel and got everything ready for the next day’s very early start. We went to bed around 7 PM to try to get in some good sleep.
P.S. I didn’t prioritize the official Groundhog Day events (Gobbler’s Knob Got Talent Show, Groundhog Banquet, The Dueling Pianos, etc.) or unofficial happenings throughout town, but if you want to fully immerse yourself, they could definitely be worth factoring into your itinerary!
Day 2
Groundhog Day Festivities + Drive Home
- Wake-Up: My alarm went off at 1:45 AM, and after a quick start, I layered up for the 19°F morning. I packed hand warmers everywhere—inside gloves, pockets, and boots—anything to stay warm. I also consciously avoided drinking too much liquid, knowing bathroom breaks would be tricky with all the layers.
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Leaving for Gobbler’s Knob: My friend and I left the hotel around 2:15 AM and drove to the Walmart parking lot, where shuttles to Gobbler’s Knob depart. When we arrived around 3:00 AM, parking was almost gone.
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Tip: If you want a closer spot, park the night before and sleep briefly (and safely) in your car. Buses run from 3:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and you can find full shuttle info on the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club website.
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Shuttle Ticket Info: There’s a huge line for shuttle tickets if you wait until the day of, so buy your tickets online in advance. Tickets are $5 per person (free for kids 12 and under), and ticket booths open at 2:00 AM.
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Hiking to Gobbler’s Knob: For the brave, you can hike to Gobbler’s Knob—it’s a 1.5-mile uphill trek, so only attempt it if you’re up for the challenge in the dark and cold!
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The Waiting Game at Gobbler’s Knob: By 4:00 AM, we were at Gobbler’s Knob, and the energy was palpable. The crowd, which was already growing by the hour, began to come alive with excitement. Live music kicked off soon after, with local bands playing tunes to keep spirits high despite the frigid cold. At 5:00 AM, the first round of fireworks lit up the sky, followed by more performances, dances, and even fun surprises.
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The closer it got to sunrise, the more the crowd surged forward, eager for Phil’s big moment. By 6:00 AM, as the sun began to rise, the anticipation reached a fever pitch, and finally, out came Punxsutawney Phil—the star of the show.
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After Phil’s Appearance: Once Phil did his thing, he lined up for photos with the crowd for as long as he was willing to. It was so cold by then that I opted to skip the line and head back to the shuttle instead of waiting for the photo op.
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Getting Back: Once the event ended, the crowds began to disperse, but it wasn’t as quick as you might hope. With 30,000+ people all trying to get back at the same time, it took quite a while to get on a bus. Patience is definitely required here, so be prepared for a bit of a wait as everyone piles into the buses.
- Defrosting with Brunch: After making our way back to the car and starting to warm up, we hit the road toward DC and stopped at Cresson Springs Family Restaurant for a hearty, much-needed brunch. It was the perfect way to refuel and defrost after a freezing but unforgettable morning at the Knob.
Final Thoughts
Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney is a little bit weird, super charming, and completely unforgettable. If you’re looking for a unique winter experience that feels like something out of a movie—literally—this is it. Whether you’re coming from the DMV or a little farther out, it’s absolutely worth making the trip at least once.
COUNTDOWN TO GROUNDHOG DAY
Are you ready to embrace the quirky magic of Groundhog Day? The countdown is on to the big day! Are you planning to visit or celebrate from afar?
