The new Groundhog Visitor Center located at the historic Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney is a place to learn about Punxsutawney Phil, The World’s Most Famous Groundhog, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinaire. The beautiful new building includes a groundhog sanctuary, souvenir outlet, visitor information, murals, both interactive and historical displays, and serves as the new home of the Groundhog Club headquarters.

Ever since the release of the hit movie Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray, one of the most popular landmarks in Punxsutawney and in Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors region is Gobbler’s Knob. It is the site of the annual Groundhog Day celebration and where Punxsutawney Phil makes his prediction every February 2nd. Thousands of visitors from around the globe and television news crews from across North America descend on Gobbler’s Knob to witness the spectacle that is the Groundhog Day celebration. The new Groundhog Visitor Center now makes Gobbler’s Knob a year-round attraction for visiting tourists from around the world.

The first Groundhog Day festivities took place in Punxsutawney on February 2, 1887. Groundhog Day is now a tradition in Canada and the United States. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerging from his burrow on this day, sees his shadow due to clear weather, he will retreat to his den and winter will persist for six more weeks, and if he does not see his shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early.

Since that first celebration, every February 2nd, the town of Punxsutawney has grandly celebrated the occasion annually. 2021 marked the 134 time that Punxsutawney Phil has been called on to make his winter prediction.

Find more fun things to do and see in Punxsutawney and the entire Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors region online at VisitPAGO.com.