If you’ve ever watched curling during the Olympics and wondered where people actually play in Connecticut, you’re not alone. Curling isn’t just a once-every-four-years sport around here—it’s been part of Norfolk’s winter life for generations. At the center of it all is the Norfolk Curling Club, one of the oldest and most storied curling clubs in the state.
Whether you’re curious about how curling works, visiting town for a bonspiel, or just looking for something uniquely Norfolk to experience, here’s a simple, local guide to curling in Connecticut—starting right here at home.
What Is Curling? (The Short, Friendly Version)
Curling is a team sport played on ice where players slide heavy granite stones toward a target, called the “house,” while teammates sweep the ice to control speed and direction. It’s part strategy, part skill, and part social tradition.
What surprises most people is how welcoming the sport is. Many curlers start with zero experience, learn the basics quickly, and stick around for the community as much as the game. It’s competitive, sure—but it’s also friendly, social, and built around shared time on (and off) the ice.
The Norfolk Curling Club: A Connecticut Original
From Frozen Ponds to a Lasting Tradition
The Norfolk Curling Club was founded in 1953 by Elizabeth and Ted Childs and a small group of curlers who played outdoors on Tamarack and Tobey ponds. A few years later, in 1956, the club built a simple wooden curling shed—no artificial ice, just cold air and dedication.
On January 1, 1957, the first official curling took place in that shed, in well-below-freezing temperatures. By 1958, artificial ice equipment was installed, and Norfolk hosted its first invitational bonspiel. In 1959, the club upgraded to matched Ailsa Craig granite stones, marking its transition into a fully established curling facility.
Growth, Upgrades, and Community Commitment
Over the decades, the original shed was replaced with an insulated metal building. Improvements followed—better lighting, a concrete floor, upgraded piping, and roof work in the late 1990s and early 2000s—each step making the club more comfortable and more accessible.
The Norfolk Curling Club became known not just for its facility, but for its people. Members competed in regional and national events, hosted bonspiels, and welcomed new curlers season after season. Junior programs, mixed leagues, and social events kept the club active and connected.
The 2011 Fire—and the Rebuild That Followed
On December 18, 2011, the clubhouse was destroyed by arson. The fire took the building, equipment, stones, and decades of memorabilia. Some granite stones were so hot they cracked when water hit them.
What followed was a wave of support—from local neighbors, curling clubs across the country, and volunteers who believed the club was worth rebuilding.
Construction began in September 2012. By October 2013, the Norfolk Curling Club reopened with a modern, two-sheet facility featuring state-of-the-art ice, viewing areas, locker rooms, a kitchen, lounge, and social spaces with clear views of the ice.
Today, the club continues to host leagues, bonspiels, and a growing membership from Connecticut and beyond.
Location: 70 Golf Drive, Norfolk, CT
Facility: Two-sheet dedicated curling club
Curling Days in Norfolk (And Where to Refuel)
Curling days tend to start early and stretch out in the best way. There’s coffee before the first draw, time to warm up between matches, and usually a story or two shared afterward.
If you’re coming to Norfolk for a game, or just stopping in to watch. We’re used to seeing curlers swing by the Berkshire Country Store for hot coffee, a breakfast sandwich to-go, or something warm after a few hours on the ice. We’re just a short drive from the club, and it’s easy to pop in on your way.
Order ahead if you’re on a schedule, or come in and tell us what you’re craving. We’ll make sure you head back out ready for the next end.
Curling in Connecticut: Other Clubs to Know
While Norfolk is the heart of curling in Connecticut, there are a few other active clubs across the state.
Nutmeg Curling Club — Bridgeport, CT
A dedicated-ice curling club operating seasonally from October through April. Nutmeg hosts leagues, bonspiels, and learn-to-curl events and plays on dedicated curling ice in Bridgeport. Visit Their Site
Hartford Curling Club — Greater Hartford Area
Originally founded in 1908 and re-established in 2015, the Hartford Curling Club is an arena-based organization. Members play on shared ice at area rinks and keep the sport going in central Connecticut.
Together, these clubs keep curling alive and growing across the state. Visit Their Site
Why Curling Belongs in Norfolk
Curling fits Norfolk the same way winter, tradition, and community do. It’s not flashy. It’s not rushed. It’s about showing up, learning something new, and spending time together—year after year.
Whether you’re here to curl, to watch, or just to see what all the sweeping is about, the Norfolk Curling Club is a reminder that small towns can hold big traditions.
If curling brings you to town, make a day of it. Grab coffee or breakfast at the Berkshire Country Store before you head to the ice, or stop back in afterward to warm up and swap stories.
Small-town traditions deserve good food and friendly faces. We’ll be here when you’re ready.
Curling in Connecticut FAQ
You can watch live curling at the Norfolk Curling Club in Norfolk, CT, which hosts leagues, bonspiels, and special events throughout the season. Nutmeg Curling Club in Bridgeport also runs events and tournaments open to spectators at select times. Check each club’s event calendar before heading out so you know what’s happening on the ice.
Yes, curling in Connecticut is very beginner-friendly. Clubs like the Norfolk Curling Club and Nutmeg Curling Club regularly offer learn-to-curl sessions where first-timers can try the sport in a relaxed, supportive setting. No experience is needed, and equipment is typically provided.
The Norfolk Curling Club welcomes visitors for scheduled events, bonspiels, and instructional programs. While it’s a member-based club, many events are open to the public. The best way to plan your visit is to check their website calendar or contact the club directly for upcoming opportunities.
Connecticut currently has two dedicated curling facilities — the Norfolk Curling Club in Norfolk and the Nutmeg Curling Club in Bridgeport. There is also the Hartford Curling Club, an arena-based organization that plays on shared ice in the Greater Hartford area.
If you’re looking to learn curling in Connecticut, the Norfolk Curling Club and Nutmeg Curling Club both offer beginner programs and learn-to-curl clinics throughout the season. These sessions teach the basics — how to slide a stone, sweep, and understand scoring — in a welcoming, hands-on environment. It’s a great way to try something new, especially during the winter months in Connecticut.
