Rhinelander’s Curling Scene Brings Northwoods Together on Ice

Every Sunday evening at the Rhinelander Ice Arena, something special happens on the ice. It’s not hockey or figure skating — it’s curling, and the Rhinelander Curling Club is bringing neighbors together in a way that feels uniquely Northwoods. What started three years ago as a group of enthusiasts filling a gap in the community has blossomed into a thriving social hub where teenagers compete alongside retirees, and where the clack of granite stones echoes the kind of inclusive, welcoming spirit that defines life up north.

For a region known for its lakes and forests, curling might seem like an unlikely passion. Yet this winter sport — with its emphasis on strategy, teamwork, and a little friendly competition — fits right in with the Northwoods way of life. Whether you’re a transplant from downstate or a lifelong Rhinelander, the curling club offers something rare: a place where everyone belongs, regardless of age or athletic background.

How Curling Found Its Home in Rhinelander

The Rhinelander Curling Club didn’t just appear overnight. About three years ago, local residents including Steven O’Keefe, Terri and Mike Gleason, Geoff Goodland, and Peter Chladil recognized something missing in the Northwoods sports scene. Through conversations on social media and a shared love of the sport, they decided to establish the first new curling club in Wisconsin in roughly three decades — the first since Marshfield’s club formed back around 1975.

Peter Chladil, now vice president of the club, had moved from Minocqua and was thrilled when Rhinelander’s club took shape. “When I moved up from Minocqua, there was no curling club, so I was super excited that they were starting a club here,” he recalls. That excitement proved contagious. By 2023, the group had incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, securing ice time at the Rhinelander Ice Arena and building a membership that now spans generations.

The timing couldn’t have been better. National interest in curling surged after the U.S. men’s team captured gold at the 2018 Olympics, introducing millions of Americans to the sport. That momentum has sustained itself, and Rhinelander is riding the wave while adding its own Northwoods character to the mix.

What Makes Curling Click in the Northwoods

At its core, curling is deceptively simple: teams of four players slide 44-pound granite stones across the ice toward a circular target called the “house.” But anyone who’s tried it knows there’s far more happening beneath the surface. Players must master the release, judging weight and spin while teammates sweep the ice ahead of the stone to control its speed and curl. Communication is constant — the skip (team captain) calls the shots while sweepers respond in real time.

“It’s all about understanding your weight, how you’re throwing the stone, and communication is really important,” explains Alexa Megna, a two-year member who’s become a passionate advocate for the sport. “There’s just so many different things you can fine-tune that every day it’s going to be different when you’re on the ice.” For Megna, curling has become transformative. “I would describe it as the best thing in the entire world,” she says, capturing the infectious enthusiasm that newcomers often develop.

What sets curling apart from many sports is its accessibility. You don’t need to be a lifelong athlete or in peak physical condition. Club members range from 15-year-olds to folks in their 90s, all competing on equal footing. The sport rewards strategy and finesse over pure strength, making it ideal for the multigenerational community that defines small-town Wisconsin. That accessibility is particularly valuable in a region where winter can feel isolating — curling offers a reason to get out, stay active, and connect with neighbors.

Building Community Through the Spirit of Curling

Ask any curler what keeps them coming back, and you’ll hear less about stones and sweeping and more about people. The Rhinelander Curling Club embodies what participants call “the spirit of curling” — a tradition of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and genuine friendship that transcends the competition itself. It’s not uncommon for opponents to share tips between matches or gather for conversation after games, creating bonds that extend well beyond the ice arena.

“The power of the sport is what we call the spirit of curling, and that is the camaraderie, hanging out with everyone,” Megna notes. That welcoming atmosphere has drawn transplants and longtime locals alike. Veterans like Geoff Goodland, who brings 59 years of curling experience including high school WIAA competitions and world championships, mentor newcomers with patience and encouragement. The club’s unofficial motto — “everybody helps everybody” — isn’t just talk; it’s how members actually operate.

For a Northwoods community that values neighborliness and shared experiences, this social dimension matters deeply. The club runs leagues from November through March, hosts “Learn to Curl” sessions for beginners, and organizes bonspiels (curling tournaments) that bring together teams from across the region. These events don’t just grow the sport — they strengthen the fabric of Rhinelander itself, creating connections that last year-round.

Wisconsin’s Curling Roots Run Deep

While curling might feel novel to some Rhinelander residents, Wisconsin actually has one of the richest curling traditions in America. Two of the nation’s earliest curling clubs were established in Milwaukee (1847) and Portage (1850), and the Wisconsin State Curling Association has been organizing bonspiels since 1908. The sport arrived with European immigrants in the 1800s and thrived in the state’s cold climate.

The Rhinelander club honors this heritage while carving out its own identity. The club’s nickname, “Hodag,” references the mythical beast that’s become synonymous with Rhinelander’s logging-era history — a perfect fit for a Northwoods organization. By reviving curling in this part of Wisconsin, the club connects to a deeper tradition while making it accessible to a new generation.

The timing also aligns with renewed Olympic excitement. With the 2026 Winter Olympics featuring Wisconsin athletes on the world stage, local interest continues to build. The Rhinelander Curling Club hopes to capitalize on this momentum, potentially expanding beyond rented arena time to a dedicated facility that could support junior programs, high school teams, and even international competitions.

Looking Ahead: Curling’s Future in the Northwoods

The Rhinelander Curling Club’s growth over the past three years has exceeded founders’ expectations, but they’re not satisfied yet. Operating on rented ice at the public arena limits the club to Sunday evenings at 6:30 PM and Monday mornings at 8:30 AM during winter months. While this schedule works for now, club leaders dream of a dedicated facility that would enable year-round programming and attract tournaments that could boost Rhinelander’s economy through sports tourism.

Such expansion would be ambitious but not unprecedented. As a nonprofit, the club relies on memberships, event fees, and potential donations to fund its vision. The payoff could be substantial — not just for curlers, but for the broader community. Youth programs could introduce curling to Northwoods schools, giving students another avenue for winter athletics and team building. Regional and national events could fill local hotels and restaurants, demonstrating that economic development sometimes arrives on granite stones.

For now, though, the club focuses on what matters most: welcoming new members, perfecting their throws, and strengthening the bonds that make this sport special. Whether you’re curious about trying something new this winter or looking for a community to call your own, the Rhinelander Curling Club proves that sometimes the best Northwoods experiences happen where you least expect them — right there on the ice, surrounded by neighbors who’ve become friends.