Can Minnesota’s State Patrol Cruiser Win It All This Year?

It’s Minnesota maroon and white, and it’s again representing the Land of 10,000 Lakes on a national stage this year. The Minnesota State Patrol's familiar squad car is now in the running for top honors nationwide.

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 impressed with the sharp-looking cruisers and the graphics various law enforcement departments use on their vehicles. (As long as they're not behind me with those red and blue lights on, that is...😉)

How the Best Looking Police Cruiser Contest Works

Which is why I was interested when I saw that voting is already underway in the 2026 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. Calendar sales benefit the American Association of State Troopers Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to dependents of member troopers.

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This year's Best Looking Police Cruiser Contest officially kicked off earlier this week, on Monday, June 29, 2026, and will continue through Monday, July 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (EST). The top 13 states with the most votes will be included in the 2027 wall calendar, with the top cruiser featured on the cover. The Florida Highway Patrol took home the victory last year for the third year in a row.

When Voting Ends and What the Winning State Receives

Curiously, the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) has yet to promote its entry in this year's contest. Usually, once voting opens, MSP posts about the contest on all its social media pages. Maybe they'll post a link soon; however, you can vote for our maroon and white Minnesota State Patrol cruiser HERE. 

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Why Minnesota's Maroon-and-White Squad Car Stands Out

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.