Detroit Curling Club

“A sheet of ice, a stone, and a roar.” That’s the essence of the Detroit Curling Club. Right here in Ferndale, you’re standing before a piece of Detroit’s sporting history. The Detroit Curling Club, established in 1885, isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of a unique sport. The club’s roots trace back even further, to 1840, making it one of the oldest curling clubs in the US. Imagine Detroit’s early settlers, farmers mostly, gathering on the frozen surface of Orchard Lake. They used primitive hickory “stones,” their shouts echoing across the winter landscape. Divers still find these relics on the lakebed, silent witnesses to the club’s humble beginnings. The Detroit Curling Club eventually moved indoors in 1906, finding a home on Forest Avenue. But progress, in the form of Wayne State University’s expansion, forced another move in 1979. The club faced hard times in the 1990s, threatened by dwindling membership and high taxes. They persevered, striking a deal with the city of Ferndale to build this dedicated curling facility in Martin Road Park, which opened in 2002. The 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics brought curling into the spotlight. The Detroit Curling Club saw a surge in membership, with one open house drawing 500 eager newcomers. In the summer, the ice comes out, and the Detroit Curling Club transforms into a community center. This adaptability reflects the club’s enduring spirit. Interestingly, despite being in Michigan, the Detroit Curling Club is a founding member of the Ontario Curling Association. This cross-border connection underscores the club’s deep ties to Canada, dating back to their first matches against Ontario teams in 1917. The Detroit Curling Club is more than just a place to curl. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, where community thrives, and where the roar of the stone on ice echoes the spirit of Detroit.