Vote Now: MN State Patrol Cruiser Battles For National Glory
It’s Minnesota maroon and white, and it’s representing the Land of 10,000 Lakes on a national stage. The Minnesota State Patrol's familiar squad car is in the running for top honors—but it can’t win without your help!
My dad was a police officer for over 30 years back in my hometown in central Wisconsin, so I grew up being enthralled with those slick-looking squad cars my dad got to drive. That hasn't changed much today, as I'm still enthralled with the sharp-looking cruisers and the graphics various law enforcement departments use. (As long as they're not behind me with those red and blue lights on, that is...😉)
Which is why I was interested when I saw that voting is already underway in the annual Best Looking Police Cruiser Contest. The contest is put on every year by the American Association of State Troopers, and while there isn't a grand prize, the top vote-getters are featured in the annual calendar shoot. And the North Star State's entry in the contest could use some votes!
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This year's Best Looking Police Cruiser Contest officially kicked off earlier this month and is now in the home stretch, with voting officially set to end on Friday, July 11th, 2025. The top 13 states with the most votes will be included in the 2026 wall calendar, with the top cruiser featured on the cover. The Florida Highway Patrol took home the victory last year.
Curiously, the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) has yet to promote their entry in this year's contest. Usually, once voting opens, MSP posts about the contest on all their social media pages, though I couldn't find anything about their entry anywhere again this year. Perhaps that explains why Minnesota is in 46th place right now, with a measly 516 total votes. Michigan is in the lead, with over 35,000 votes as of July 9th.
But you can vote for our maroon and white Minnesota State Patrol cruiser HERE.
Now, even though I'm a Wisconsin native, I've gotta say, the Minnesota State Patrol cruisers are some of the slickest-looking squads out there. I mean, does any other state incorporate a distinctive color, like the University of Minnesota maroon, on their cruisers?!? I think not. That, along with the design that incorporates the official State Patrol logo (which includes the distinctive shape of our fine state) along with white doors, is pretty cool-looking too. They totally deserve to win, right?
So, come on, Minnesota State Patrol! Bring home the win! (Again, you can vote HERE). And, thanks for your service to the North Star State! And speaking of cool cars, keep scrolling to check out some vintage, iconic cars that made their debut the year you were born.
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