Polaris MRZR Named “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” for 2025

A Minnesota Innovation with Global Impact

The votes are in, and the results are clear — Polaris Inc. has taken home top honors in the 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” contest, hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and BMO. Out of 64 entries and five rounds of public voting, the Polaris MRZR (Military RZR) emerged victorious, earning the title after tens of thousands of Minnesotans cast their ballots.

The MRZR — a military-engineered version of the company’s iconic RZR off-road vehicle — beat out dozens of innovative products from across the state to claim the top spot. The competition celebrates Minnesota’s proud tradition of manufacturing excellence, highlighting products that combine innovation, craftsmanship, and economic impact.

Sen. Mark Johnson Applauds Polaris’ Achievement

State Senator Mark Johnson congratulated Polaris on the win, calling it a well-deserved honor for a company that has long embodied Minnesota ingenuity.

“I am so proud of Polaris for earning this award for the MRZR, but I’m not surprised one bit,” Johnson said. “Polaris has a long tradition of innovating the outdoor recreation vehicles we’ve come to love. When the nation needed an off-road vehicle for U.S. Special Forces, they embraced the challenge and produced the MRZR — specifically designed to support our troops and their missions.”

Johnson added that the victory represents not only technical innovation but also the company’s contribution to jobs, families, and freedom. “Not only is the MRZR a hometown product providing jobs and security for our families, but it has also impacted liberty and safety across the world,” he said.

From Minnesota to Military Missions Worldwide

Headquartered in Medina, Minnesota, Polaris is best known as The American Powersports Company, producing vehicles that help Americans explore — and protect — their country. The company’s Roseau and Wyoming facilities handle manufacturing and engineering, including a dedicated production line for the MRZR.

The MRZR was first developed after the September 11 attacks, when U.S. Special Forces needed a lightweight vehicle capable of maneuvering through Afghanistan’s rugged mountains. Polaris engineers answered the call, transforming the civilian RZR into a tactical powerhouse built for the battlefield.

The vehicle’s upgrades include infrared and blackout lighting, collapsible roll cages for easy transport in helicopters, and an Arctic kit that allows it to operate in temperatures as low as –40°F. With expanded payload capacity, the MRZR Alpha 6×6 can carry more than a humvee — yet still fits inside a V-22 Osprey helicopter.

In addition to its battlefield agility, the MRZR provides electrical power to support communications, run equipment, and even fuel drone-defense systems. Over the past decade, Polaris has supplied MRZRs to 50 allied militaries, including every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Pride in Minnesota’s Manufacturing Legacy

Every MRZR is built by skilled Minnesotans at Polaris’ 800,000-square-foot manufacturing center in Roseau, drawing on the expertise of local suppliers. This win celebrates not only Polaris’ innovation but the 325,000 Minnesotans who power the state’s manufacturing sector — the single largest contributor to Minnesota’s private-sector GDP.

Manufacturing has long been a cornerstone of Minnesota’s identity. According to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, 42% of the state’s Fortune 500 companies are manufacturers, and the sector exported more than $120 billion in goods last year. With average annual wages nearly 10% higher than the state’s overall private sector, manufacturing remains one of Minnesota’s most vital economic engines.

The Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota Contest

Now in its second year, the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest highlights the diversity and creativity of Minnesota-made products — from small-town workshops to global corporations. The competition not only celebrates innovation but also encourages pride in local manufacturing and craftsmanship.

“Congratulations to everyone at Polaris, and specifically at the Roseau plant,” Johnson said. “Your work has made a difference in our economy and in the global effort for freedom.”