When you think of North Dakota, what pops into your mind? Endless prairies? The beautiful Badlands? Or maybe the freezing winters? But did you know that North Dakota has an official state sport that’s perfectly suited to those cold months?

Yup, it’s curling! That quirky game with stones, brooms, and a lot of ice. Let’s explore why curling is not only fascinating but also so North Dakotan!

Curling: Made for Cold Weather

With the long winters North Dakota is famous for, it's no surprise that curling took off here. The sport actually started in Scotland centuries ago and made its way to the Midwest with European settlers. And, trust me, North Dakota was a natural fit! In 2003, the state went ahead and officially named curling its state sport—how cool is that?

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Wait, What Is Curling?

Here’s the lowdown: curling is played on ice, and the players take turns sliding these smooth, heavy granite stones (called rocks) toward a target on the ice, known as the house. The goal? Get your rocks as close as possible to the bullseye, or button, while knocking your opponents' stones out of the way.

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And then there’s the sweeping. As the stone glides down the ice, two team members run ahead of it, sweeping like crazy with special brooms. This actually warms the ice a bit, which helps the stone travel farther and straighter. It might look funny, but sweeping is serious business—it’s where the magic happens!

Why Curling is More Fun Than It Looks

At first glance, curling might seem a bit slow compared to sports like hockey or football. But don’t be fooled—it’s all about finesse and strategy. The real excitement comes from trying to out-think and out-maneuver your opponents with each stone you throw. And let’s face it—there’s something super entertaining about watching people furiously sweep ice to guide a 42-pound rock toward a target!

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Want to Give Curling a Try?

If you’re curious about curling and want to see what all the fuss is about, you’re in luck! The Williston Basin Curling Club has league nights on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Their season runs from November to March, and they even have a program for kids each year in partnership with Williston Parks and Recreation. So, whether you’re thinking of trying it yourself or want to get the kids involved, curling is the perfect winter activity to beat cabin fever!

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Curling may seem like an unusual sport to some, but in North Dakota, it’s a beloved winter tradition that’s all about community, strategy, and fun. Whether you’re intrigued by the skill involved, love the social aspect, or just want to try something new, curling is waiting for you—and it’s as cool as it sounds!

LOOK: 20 Fascinating Photos From the First Modern Olympic Games in 1896

To celebrate the history of international sports cooperation, Stacker took a look back at that groundbreaking event in Athens, when the modern Olympics were born in 1896. Keep reading to learn more about the athletes, spectators, and sports at that iconic event.

Gallery Credit: Caitlin PenzeyMoog

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