Are you a fan of Bill Murray? If so, you’ve probably already seen his hit 1993 movie Groundhog Day. The movie was actually filmed in Woodstock, Illinois so during our tour through McHenry County, Illinois we actually got our very own private Groundhog Day movie set walking tour.
About the Movie: A weatherman, Bill Murray, finds himself inexplicably living the same day over and over again.
Woodstock, Illinois starred as Punxsutawney, PA, as the main filming site for the movie. Throughout the movie you’ll see what is now known as the Cherry Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast which is where our tour started. The new owners have been a wonderful addition to Woodstock since they turned the home into a bed and breakfast. It is the perfect place to stay when you’re in town. The owners were a delight and gave us a tour through the home.
We even got to see the window where Bill Murray is seen looking out of in the movie.
Our tour continued on to downtown at Woodstock Square. We got to see many sites from the movie that are now recognized with an engraved metal plaque that refers to the appropriate scene from the movie. You can enjoy walking the paths and remembering the moments any time of the year
The Woodstock Opera House is a beautiful site on the Woodstock Square and you’ll see it in the movie. It’s a favorite venue for performers nationwide, the Opera House presents a year-round schedule of professional theater, dance, music concerts and art exhibitions, attracting thousands of visitors annually to enjoy Woodstock’s unique downtown shops and cafes.
Be sure you visit Woodstock during Groundhog Days weekend. This is when they have the guided walking tour. You can hear the stories told by people who were a part of the movie-making process.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Woodstock during Groundhog Days weekend, you can take advantage of the Guided Walking tour. Hear the stories, told by people who were a part of the movie-making process.
The main event for Groundhog Day is the annual prognostication at 7 am, February 2nd. Hundreds of people gather and brave the weather on the Woodstock Square to see Woodstock Willie emerge from his tree trunk home. Woodstock Willie came out just to meet us while we were finishing up our tour!
Off the square you’ll find the downtown mural that honors Woodstock’s cultural legends. The 15-foot-tall mural spans the 188-foot wall along Woodstock’s Main Street pedway. It’s quite impressive.
You’ll also find many businesses on the Woodstock Square. We stopped by the D&A Salon Apothecary to visit the owners and purchase a few items for ourselves. I absolutely loved the store and have enjoyed the new products I purchased. It’s definitely a must-stop while you’re in Woodstock!
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Are you a fan of the movie Groundhog Day? If so, what’s your favorite scene? Comment below and share with us!