Boulder’s annual quirky tradition featuring a top-hat wearing marmot

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Forget Punxsutawney - Boulder’s own marmot, Flatiron Freddy, is predicting the season! Join this quirky Groundhog Day celebration for fun, science and history about wildlife, sun and moon patterns and holiday traditions.

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks invites the community to a uniquely Boulder celebration of Groundhog Day on Monday, Feb. 2. Meet the famous Flatiron Freddy, Boulder’s own top-hat wearing marmot meteorologist who emerges (sometimes) from his burrow to “predict” what’s ahead for the winter season. At this annual event, Rangers blend folklore with real science: explore fun facts about Groundhog Day, wildlife science, seasonal patterns and how changing a changing climate influences our marmot neighbors. Join the fun in-person at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage or watch the livestream on Monday, Feb. 2 at 8 a.m.

The city’s Flatiron Freddy event has happened for more than 15 years. In the early 2010s, Flatiron Freddy existed peacefully as a deceased, stuffed yellow-bellied marmot – a close relative to the groundhog – in Boulder's Flagstaff Nature Center, where stuffed animal mounts are typically stored until the spring. One winter Freddy was inadvertently left out where his fur got damaged. He was about to be removed from the center, but Rangers felt he deserved more.

Since then, Freddy has become part of an annual Groundhog Day tradition in Boulder. Freddy has historically appeared in many amazing ways including by canoe, fire engine, bobsled, skis, zip lines as well as through magical stumps and holes.

For more information about Groundhog Day with Flatiron Freddy, visit the city’s website.

Flatiron Freddy through the years

  • stuffed marmot being carried by a fake golden eagle

    In 2023, Flatiron Freddy was delivered by the wings of a golden eagle.

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  • Volunteers walking dogs who are pulling a sled carrying a stuffed marmot

    Volunteer dog ambassadors bring Flatiron Freddy into the Chautauqua Meadow in 2024.

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  • Rangers holding pictures of the earth from different angles

    City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks educate the community about seasonal weather patterns. 

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  • People wearing helmets carry a stuffed marmot on a bright orange stretcher

    In 2025, Freddy had a bit of an oops moment, slipping on the ice! Thankfully, our friends at Rocky Mountain Rescue were there to lend a helping hand.

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