Overview
Punxsutawney is a borough in southern Jefferson County in the Pennsylvania Wilds, famous nationwide for Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog of Groundhog Day fame, who is traditionally said to determine for the nation whether summer will come sooner or later. Upon popping out of bed on the second of February, if he sees his shadow and returns to the security of his hole in fright, then — so the story goes — the U.S. can be assured that it will be in for a cold, long, rainy spring! See North American wildlife for more on the species.
3 sights · 1 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Punxsutawney
Weather Discovery Center
A museum dedicated to educating visitors about weather, what causes certain natural phenomena, and the history of weather prediction.
Gobbler's Knob and Groundhog Zoo
Gobbler's Knob is where the annual Groundhog Day festival occurs; where everyone gathers around to see whether or not Phil will see his shadow. During the rest of the year, you can see Punxsutawney Phil at the Groundhog …
Punxsutawney Historical & Genealogical Society
A museum with displays, artifacts, and information about the area and its history from the days when Native Americans lived here to the day when Punxsutawney Phil established his own residence.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Franklin)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DUJ DuBois Regional Airport, Dubois — 17 mi away. Directions
- JST John Murtha Johnstown Cambria County Airport, Johnstown — 44 mi away. Directions
- PIT Pittsburgh International Airport, Pittsburgh — 73 mi away (major hub). Directions
Punxsutawney is really in the middle of nowhere—about two hours west of State College, a little less than two hours northeast of Pittsburgh, and an hour and a half northwest of Altoona. It's right off I-80—take exit 101 to PA-255 S, then turn left on Brady St/US-119, which will take you right to the center of town.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $110–$110 a night (typical $115), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$150, mid-range ~$190, comfortable ~$280.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Weather Discovery Center, Punxsutawney Historical & Genealogical Society
- Lunch Laska's Pizza
- Afternoon Gobbler's Knob and Groundhog Zoo
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Punxsutawney is really in the middle of nowhere—about two hours west of State College, a little less than two hours northeast of Pittsburgh, and an hour and a half northwest of Altoona. It's right off I-80—take exit 101 to PA-255 S, then turn left on Brady St/US-119, which will take you right to the center of town.
From Pittsburgh you'll have a scenic drive up PA-28 to Kittanning, where you'll need to connect to PA-85 east, then eventually turn left on PA-210, which will finally take you to a left on US-119.
From Altoona/I-99, just follow PA-36 straight to the center of town.
See
Visitors expecting to see sights from the Bill Murray film Groundhog Day will be disappointed; that movie was actually shot in Woodstock, Illinois.
There are over 30 fiberglass statues of groundhogs throughout the town.
See Gobbler's Knob and Groundhog Zoo
Gobbler's Knob is where the annual Groundhog Day festival occurs; where everyone gathers around to see whether or not Phil will see his shadow. During the rest of the year, you can see Punxsutawney Phil at the Groundhog Zoo.
- The town also has a lot of quaint old buildings, many of them from the 19th century.
Do
- Groundhog Day Virtually the only day of the year when Punxsutawney sees any visitors, Groundhog Day sees the local population rise from about 6,000 to 40,000.
Buy
Eat
Eat Laska's Pizza
A pizza place that also serves strombolis, wings on Wednesday, and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There is a covered outdoor seating area and a groundhog statue.
Sleep
Nearby
DuBois
City / town · 16 mi away
Indiana
City / town · 3 listings · 24 mi away
Clearfield
City / town · 13 listings · 28 mi away
Clarion
City / town · 2 listings · 28 mi away
Ridgway
City / town · 3 listings · 36 mi away
St. Marys
City / town · 21 listings · 40 mi away
Altoona
City / town · 16 listings · 42 mi away
Johnstown
City / town · 29 listings · 43 mi away
My experience
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