Venture Up to Punxsutawney

Have you always wanted to see Punxsutawney Phil and his wife Phyllis? Join Venture Outdoors and many other organizations this weekend at the Groundhog Day Festival in Punxsutawney, PA! There will be a wide variety of activities, vendors, food trucks, and more.

Venture Outdoors will be hosting an array of adventures from snowshoe hikes to groundhog themed geocaching. We will also be doing live demos and workshops for fire and shelter building. All activities and descriptions are listed below.

Snowshoe Shadow Hike

Reserved for the snowiest days, snowshoeing is an exhilarating and fun activity for the winter. This low-impact activity is just as easy as walking but more fun! On snowshoes, you’ll explore 1-2 miles of the Mahoning Shadow Trail just outside of downtown Punxsutawney, while enjoying the beautiful winter scenery and crisp air.  Family fun for ages 8+.  Offered Saturday, February 1^st at 11:30AM.

Groundhog Geocaching

Geocaching is a fun outdoor treasure hunt hike using a handheld GPS (Global Positioning System). We’ll teach you the basics of using a GPS then send you out in groups of three to five people to hunt for a variety of Groundhog Day clues hidden in the streets and history of Punxsutawney. All ages are welcome! Offered Saturday, February 1^st from 2 – 3PM and Sunday, February 2^nd from 11AM – 12PM.

Punxsutawney Neighborhood Hike

Enjoy a 2-3 mile hike around this famous Pennsylvania neighborhood to learn about its history and heritage. Recommended for ages 8+. Offered Saturday, February 1^st at 3PM and Sunday, February 2^nd at 9AM.

Barclay Square Demos

Snowshoe Demo: Try on a pair of snowshoes as you walk around in Barclay Square! Tyke snowshoes are available for children under 40 lbs.  Offered Saturday, February 1^st from 10 – 11AM.

Fire Building Workshop: Learn how to start a (small) fire in a personal aluminum pan! Parents must assist children under age 12. Offered Saturday, February 1^st from 11:30AM – 1PM and Sunday, February 2^nd from 11AM – 12:30PM.

Shelter Building Workshop: It’s cold out here! Can you make a shelter that would keep Punxsutawney Phil warm and safe? Learn how in this workshop. Offered Saturday, February 1^st from 11:30AM – 1PM and Sunday, February 2^nd from 11AM – 12:30PM.

Check out the official Groundhog Club’s schedule of events here.

If you’re in town, stop by the Venture Outdoors booth and say “hello”!

Special thanks to Beth Zabielgalski for her assistance with this post.