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By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - February 6, 2026

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has officially released the finalists for its sixth "Name a Snowplow" contest. From now until noon on February 13, residents across the state can vote to select names for eight snowplows that will serve each of the agency's regional districts.

The voting period follows a submission window held in December 2025, which drew more than 6,750 suggestions from the public, according to a press release from MnDOT. From there, the submissions were narrowed down to 30 finalists. According to MnDOT, the selection criteria for these finalists included uniqueness, how often a name was suggested, Minnesota-specific themes, and general clarity for a broad audience.

In addition to the names selected by the public, MnDOT has worked to incorporate Indigenous languages into its fleet, particularly on highways adjacent to tribal lands. Four plows have been selected with the following names: 

• Giiwedin – "The North Wind" (Ojibwe)

• Goonodaabaan – "Snow Vehicle" (Ojibwe)

• Icamna – "Blizzard" (Dakota)

• Wakta! – "Watch Out!" (Dakota)

Minnesotans can view the current list of finalists and cast their ballots here.