Over the last month voters have nixed 60 different products, ranging from Velveeta cheese to railings found in professional sports stadiums, and declared them not the “coolest thing” made in Minnesota.
Hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and BMO, the manufacturing competition, “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” has narrowed down its final four products for voters to choose from.
“Reaching the top four is a huge accomplishment,” said Doug Loon, president and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, in a news release. “These products have captured the imagination of voters and put a spotlight on the creativity, craftsmanship and ingenuity that define Minnesota manufacturing.”
Without further ado, here are the finalists.
SR Series G7+ Aircraft
The SR Series G7+ Aircraft is the latest in the SR Series from Cirrus Aircraft. Constructed in Duluth, the single-engine piston aircraft features the world’s first FAA-approved autonomous emergency landing system from Garmin.
MRZR
An off-road military vehicle from Polaris, the MRZR is manufactured and engineered in Roseau and Wyoming, Minn. With military modifications, the MRZR can also include infrared and blackout lighting, greater range and collapsible roll cages for internal transport in helicopters and on naval vessels.
Trackchair
Hand-built in Marshall, the Trackchair from ATZ is an all-terrain wheelchair that can navigate through sand, mud, snow and up to 10 inches of water. Tim Swenson, who created the chair to allow his son to access the outdoors, crafted the first Trackchair using a bent tube frame, two snowmobile tracks and a broken seatbelt.
Teardrop Trailer
Vistabule, a family-run business, manufactures its Teardrop Trailer in St. Paul. Weighing 1,400 pounds, the trailer features a queen-size sleeping area and a galley kitchen with upper cabinets, customizable pull-out drawers, sink, cooler and refrigerator options.
“Each matchup now feels less like a contest and more like a celebration of what our state can build,” Loon said.
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Last year’s inaugural competition saw products like a man-made floating wetland, a wood-burning sauna stove, a rainbow freezer pop and an Arctic Cat snowmobile.
The first place finisher? Scotch Magic Tape from 3M Co.
This year’s winning product will be announced Oct. 7 at the 2025 Manufacturers’ Summit.
Voting is open now until 5 p.m. Sunday. To cast your last vote, go to http://pipr.es/CcOxwe4.
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