Weather Discovery Center, Punxsutawney, PA

It’s no surprise that a town like Punxsutawney, the “weather capital of the world,” is home to a museum dedicated to weather education. After all, this is the hometown of Punxsutawney Phil, the famous prognosticator who’s been sharing his forecast for over 120 years!

While the Weather Discovery Center is primarily geared toward younger visitors, teens and adults will find the interactive exhibits educational and informative. The exhibits teach visitors about a range of topics, from thunderstorms, lightning, and tornados to clouds, precipitation, and ice dating. One of the museum’s most popular exhibits focuses on weather folklore and features Punxsutawney Phil.

While Phil draws from over a decade of forecasting experience, technology is crucial to weather emergency readiness. Both technology and readiness are part of the learning at the Weather Discovery Center.

Young visitors reporting the weather in front of the Green Screen at the Weather Discovery Center, Punxsutawney

Ever wonder what it’s like to stand in front of the green screen and do a weather forecast? Visitors get a chance to get in front of the camera and show off their inner weather persona at the Daily Forecast exhibit.

Admission to the museum covers the Allstate Catastrophic Weather Theater, where guests can become absorbed in weather events. Videos are available for visitors of all ages.

In addition to regular exhibits, the Weather Discovery Center welcomes classrooms, scouting groups, and programs for children and adults. The museum will host Lunch with the Grinch on December 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fun event will feature crafts, music, and pizza with the Grinch. Lunch wouldn’t be complete without dessert, so there will also be sugar cookie decorating and eating! Registration is required.

Another family event will be held on December 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make a family yule log at the Winter Solstice Yule Log Craft event. Like other centuries-old traditions, the yule log signifies prosperity and good health in the new year. The event is free with your paid admission.

Events are held throughout the year, so be sure to check the website for upcoming events. But the biggest day of the year for the Weather Discovery Center and all of Punxsutawney is February 2, Groundhog Day!

The museum will have events like the crowning of Little Mr. & Miss Groundhog, activities, and extended hours.

Punxsutawney Phil being inducted into the Meteorologists hall of Fame.

Every Groundhog Day, the museum adds a name to its Meteorologist Hall of Fame, which pays homage to those who have brought the science of meteorology to the forefront.

The museum is housed in the historic post office building at 201 North Findley Street. Guests may visit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday – Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday. Reduced winter hours start in January and run through March. Check the website for days and times.

Immerse yourself in the weather this winter by visiting the town made famous by a large rodent named Phil.

For more information on the Weather Discovery Center, visit weatherdiscovery.org.

For information on Groundhog Day at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, visit groundhog.org

Photo credit: Weather Discovery Center