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Every February 2nd, crowds gather in Sun Prairie before dawn to hear whether Jimmy the Groundhog has seen his shadow. The city northeast of Madison calls itself the Groundhog Capital of the World, and the tradition is as much a part of local identity as the Sweet Corn Festival, which has filled the streets with steaming ears of corn every August since the 1950s.
Settlers named the place in 1837 after surveyors emerged from days of rain to see sunshine over the prairie. Georgia O'Keeffe was born on a farm just outside town in 1887, and the Sun Prairie Historical Library and Museum keeps her story alongside that of the farms, railroads and cannery that built the community. The old downtown along Main Street has a clock tower, the restored Old City Hall and local restaurants, while Cannery Square has become the city's gathering place.
In summer, midget car racing roars at Angell Park Speedway, and parks and trails lead into the countryside. Madison's lakes, the State Capitol and the University of Wisconsin are only about twenty minutes away.
Each February 2nd, Jimmy the Groundhog makes his weather forecast at an early-morning ceremony attended by city officials in top hats and a crowd of locals and visitors. Sun Prairie has claimed the title of Groundhog Capital of the World since the 1940s. Dress very warmly and arrive early for a good view.
A late-August festival in Sun Prairie since 1953, famous for tons of freshly steamed sweet corn served dripping with butter, plus a parade, carnival rides, live music and food stands. It is one of the biggest community festivals in the Madison area. Buy corn tickets early in the day and bring napkins.
A local museum in a historic building downtown with exhibits on pioneer settlers, farming, the canning industry, Groundhog Day and Georgia O'Keeffe, who was born nearby. Volunteers are happy to share stories. Opening hours are limited, so check before visiting, and pair it with a walk on Main Street.
A state historical marker in the Town of Sun Prairie notes that the famous painter Georgia O'Keeffe was born on a dairy farm near here in 1887 and attended a nearby one-room school before her family moved east. The farmland around it still looks much as it did. Combine it with a scenic drive on the country roads.
A historic clay oval inside Fireman's Park, known for midget and sprint car racing for generations and one of the best-loved short tracks in the Midwest. Summer race nights draw families with blankets and earplugs. Check the season schedule and arrive early for parking.
A redeveloped plaza and mixed-use district on the site of the old cannery downtown, with apartments, shops and restaurants around an open square used for the Saturday farmers market, summer concerts and holiday events. It is the liveliest corner of the city on summer weekends. Bring a market bag.
The historic core along Main Street, with the restored brick Old City Hall, a town clock tower, local cafes, pubs and shops in older storefronts. It is compact and easy to walk in an hour. Start at the clock tower, walk down to Cannery Square and finish with dinner at one of the family-run restaurants.
One of Sun Prairie's largest parks, with athletic fields, shelters, a playground, walking paths and open lawns used for community events and youth sports through the warmer months. It is a relaxed spot for a picnic. Check the city parks calendar for summer events, and expect busy weekend sports tournaments.
A Dane County park just west of Sun Prairie with trails through restored prairie, oak woods and wetlands along Token Creek, plus a campground, picnic areas and a dog exercise area. It is quiet on weekdays. Look for wildflowers in midsummer and bring insect repellent for the creekside paths.
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Photo: Corey Coyle, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
