2026 Coolest Things Made In MN

What’s the coolest thing made in Minnesota?

The 64 products that were competing for that title this year have been narrowed down to four. I told you back on September 1st who the contenders were...now we see who the finalists are.

THE COOLEST THING MADE IN MINNESOTA

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce announced the Top 64 entries in its annual “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” contest a while back, and now the finalists and winner have been announced.

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THE VISTABULE TEARDROP TRAILER

If you like camping but don't necessarily want to sleep on the ground, this one might get your vote.

Vistabule, based in Eagan, makes its Teardrop Trailers right here in Minnesota. They are compact, stylish campers designed to give you the freedom of the open road without needing to haul a giant RV behind you.

And if you've ever tried to back a huge camper into a campsite, you probably understand the appeal.

THE TRACKCHAIR

The Trackchair from ATZ Manufacturing in Marshall is one of those products that makes you realize how much engineering can change someone's life.

It is an all-terrain wheelchair designed to help people with mobility challenges get places that traditional wheelchairs simply can't.

We're talking about hunting, hiking, beaches, trails, and other outdoor adventures!

Minnesota Manufacturers Battle For State Title

The Fire Boss aerial firefighting system is made by Wipaire in South St. Paul.

The system allows an aircraft to scoop up water and drop it directly onto wildfires. It can help firefighters attack fires more quickly while saving valuable time and fuel.

Considering the wildfires Minnesota has dealt with, this isn't just cool. It is an important piece of firefighting technology.

THE BAIR HUGGER - THIS YEAR'S WINNER!

And then there is the Bair Hugger Warming System from Solventum. I believe this invention comes out of Eden Prairie, MN.

This one might not look as exciting as a camper or an airplane, but it plays an important role in hospitals. The Bair Hugger is a temperature management system used to help keep patients warm during medical procedures.

FOUR VERY DIFFERENT PRODUCTS

One is about adventure. One is about accessibility. One helps fight wildfires, and one helps patients in hospitals. How do you pick a winner?

It isn't really about finding the “coolest” thing in the traditional sense. It is about showing off the incredible variety of things being designed, engineered, and manufactured right here in Minnesota.

And now it is up to Minnesotans to decide which one deserves the title.

VOTING CLOSES 11 AM OCTOBER 6TH

Voting in the final round closes at 11 a.m. today, October 6th, and the winner will be announced at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Manufacturers' Summit.

So, if you had to pick one, what would you choose?