Interior and exterior of the Woodstock Opera House that appeared as the Pennsylvanian Hotel in the movie.
A beautiful theater, a leafy park surrounded by historic buildings, and welcoming businesses combine to make Woodstock, Illinois, famous. Although it’s also part of the Chicago metro area, Woodstock maintains a small-town feel and has been named one of the nation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations (2007) by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. These and more are reasons to visit, but that’s not really why it’s famous. It’s famous because so many scenes from the 1993 movie classic Groundhog Day were shot in and around the town. Woodstock’s undeniable charms were showcased and movie viewers soon became Woodstock visitors. In the story, the definitely egotisti- cal weather reporter Phil Connors is dispatched to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Once there, he becomes stuck in a time loop, waking up each morning to the same day. Over and over.
The movie chronicles his evolution and ultimate redemption and his successful wooing of Andie MacDowell.
in Woodstock. The town provided a perfect green space in the center of town surrounded by many historic building. A number of places in town “star” in the movie, and visitors can pick up a walking tour pamphlet at the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, 136 Cass Street. There are also plaques at the sites of major movie events, including one on the curb at 108 Cass Street where Bill Murray jumps over the persistent puddle. But in order to fully appreciate Woodstock, don’t jump right into visit- ing the movie sites. Instead stroll through the town and experience its true delights. The Woodstock Square Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982, contains major 19th- century buildings.
Although ostensibly set in Punxsutawney, the producers weren’t convinced that it was actually the best location to shoot the movie—it didn’t have quite the right feel. Woodstock’s former under-the-radar existence gave way to star status when director Harold Ramis saw it and felt it looked just the way Punxsutawney should look. Ramis, who died in February 2014, noted that it was the town square that convinced him to film
Woodstock Opera House The Woodstock Opera House is
a delightful pastiche of architectural styles. Constructed in 1889 as a multi- purpose building, it contains City Hall
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