23 Sep 2025

‘Coolest Thing Made in MN’ among these 8 remaining products

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In addition to loons and lakes, Minnesota is also home to a one-of-a-kind competition that for this week, has pitted Classic SPAM against a personal aircraft.

With two weeks to go until one product is crowned the “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota,” voters have their work cut out for them as the head-to-head matchups become increasingly more difficult with just eight products left in the running.

Presented by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and BMO, the competition is in its fourth round of voting this week with the public allowed to cast just four votes.

“Reaching the top eight is no small feat,” said Doug Loon, president and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber, in a news release. “These products have risen to the top thanks to an outpouring of support from voters across Minnesota.”

Here are the matchups competing for your votes this week:

SPAM vs. Cirrus

SPAM Classic from Hormel Foods, which has been made in Austin, Minn., since its founding in 1937, is competing for the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota.” The winner of the manufacturing competition will be announced on Oct. 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)
From Cirrus Aircraft, the SR Series G7+ Aircraft is competing for the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota.” Built in Duluth, the aircraft features an autonomous emergency landing system. The winner of the manufacturing competition will be announced on Oct. 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)

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SPAM Classic from Hormel Foods, which has been made in Austin, Minn., since its founding in 1937, is competing for the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota.” The winner of the manufacturing competition will be announced on Oct. 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)

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Made in Austin, Minn., since its founding in 1937, SPAM Classic from Hormel Foods is taking on the SR Series G7+ Aircraft, which is built in Duluth and features an autonomous emergency landing system, from Cirrus Aircraft.

Polaris vs. Toro

Constructed in Roseau, Minn., the MRZR from Polaris, an all-terrain military vehicle is competing for the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota.” The winner of the manufacturing competition will be announced on Oct. 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)
The GrandStand mower from Toro is competing for the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota.” Manufactured in Windom, the mower can blow leaves, plow snow, sweep sidewalks and move mulch. The winner of the manufacturing competition will be announced on Oct. 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)

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Constructed in Roseau, Minn., the MRZR from Polaris, an all-terrain military vehicle is competing for the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota.” The winner of the manufacturing competition will be announced on Oct. 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)

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Constructed in Roseau, Minn., the MRZR from Polaris, an all-terrain military vehicle with infrared and blackout lighting, is competing against the GrandStand mower from Toro. Manufactured in Windom, the mower can blow leaves, plow snow, sweep sidewalks and move mulch.

Duluth Pack vs. ATZ

The Wanderer, a spacious canvas backpack from Duluth Pack, is in the running to be crowned the “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)
Trackchair, an all-terrain wheelchair from Marshall-based ATZ is competing for the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota.” The winner of the manufacturing competition will be announced on Oct. 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)

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The Wanderer, a spacious canvas backpack from Duluth Pack, is in the running to be crowned the “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)

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Trackchair, an all-terrain wheelchair from Marshall-based ATZ that can navigate through sand, mud, snow and up to 10 inches of water, is stacked up against the Wanderer, a spacious canvas backpack from Duluth Pack.

Vistabule vs. NorthUp Sauna

Made in St. Paul, the Vistabule Teardrop Trailer, a luxury camper with a galley kitchen, is competing for the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota.” The winner of the manufacturing competition will be announced on Oct. 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)
The NorthUp Sauna, an affordable sauna made in Minneapolis, is competing for the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota.” The winner of the manufacturing competition will be announced on Oct. 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)

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Made in St. Paul, the Vistabule Teardrop Trailer, a luxury camper with a galley kitchen, is competing for the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota.” The winner of the manufacturing competition will be announced on Oct. 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)

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A luxury camper with a galley kitchen and queen-size sleeping area, the St.Paul-based Vistabule Teardrop Trailer is competing against the NorthUp Sauna, an affordable, ultra-light, multi-purpose sauna.

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Voting open

“What makes this round exciting is seeing how the contest showcases the diversity of what we make and putting a well-deserved spotlight on Minnesota’s manufacturing strength,” Loon said.

The final four products will be announced Monday and the winner will be crowned at the 2025 Manufacturers’ Summit on Oct. 7.

Round four voting is open now. To cast your vote, go to http://pipr.es/CcOxwe4.

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