Loves Park, IL — As the 25th anniversary of the beloved film “Groundhog Day” draws attention, it serves as a reminder of the unique charm that this classic continues to bring each February 2. The film stars Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a weatherman caught in a time loop, forced to relive the same day repeatedly. Despite the passage of time and the closing of Nimtz Quarry, where some scenes were filmed, the movie’s appeal has not diminished among its dedicated fan base.
Nimtz Quarry, located along Nimtz Road, was the setting for a memorable scene in the movie where Murray’s character steals a red pickup truck to kidnap the iconic Punxsutawney Phil, only to drive the vehicle off a cliff into the quarry. Local resident Larry Butt, an electrician with nearly 40 years of experience at William Charles Construction, which operated at the quarry for many years, reflects on the excitement of being part of the film’s production.
“Every day, it was something different,” recalled Butt, who was charged with capturing behind-the-scenes footage for company archives during filming in the spring of 1992. Although he couldn’t locate the video, he retained several photographs from the set. He vividly remembers witnessing two cars being strategically pushed into the quarry to provide director Harold Ramis with varying shot options, complete with pyrotechnics that made for an explosive scene. “It was surreal watching it,” Butt noted, ensuring viewers knew that both the groundhog and Murray were not in the vehicle during the stunt.
The filming process at Nimtz Quarry lasted approximately two weeks during the quarry’s off-season, allowing for a temporary transformation complete with trailers and catering for the cast and crew. Jim Kohlhorst, a superintendent with William Charles Construction, expressed the magnitude of the effort for the short scene, highlighting how the film took advantage of the quarry’s dramatic depth for visual impact.
While Nimtz Quarry now sits silent, the memories of its days as a bustling film set evoke nostalgia for those who participated in the production. The impact of “Groundhog Day” continues to resonate, inspiring events in Woodstock, Illinois, where the majority of the film was shot. As the community embraces the legacy of this film, fans can look forward to future celebrations, including Woodstock’s “Groundhog Days” event scheduled for January 30 to February 2, 2026.
The enduring appeal of “Groundhog Day” illustrates the film’s significance not only in cinematic history but also in the hearts of those who contributed to its making, showcasing a lighthearted perspective on the quirky traditions that come with this unique holiday.