Minnesota State Wire

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has announced the winners of its 2024-25 Name a Snowplow contest. Among the eight winning names are "We’re Off To See The Blizzard" and "Anthony Sledwards," which will be added to MnDOT's snowplow fleet. Governor Tim Walz, alongside MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger, revealed the winners, noting that nearly 23,500 voters participated in this year's contest.

The winning names, along with their designated districts, are as follows:

- We’re Off To See The Blizzard – District 8 (Southwest Minnesota)

- Snowtorious B.I.G. – District 4 (West Central Minnesota)

- Plowabunga! – District 6 (Southeast Minnesota)

- Anthony Sledwards – Metro District (Twin Cities)

- You’re Welcome – District 2 (Northwest Minnesota)

- Don’tcha Snow – District 3 (Central Minnesota)

- Skol Plow – District 1 (Northeast Minnesota)

- I Came, I Thaw, I Conquered – District 7 (South Central Minnesota)

Governor Walz expressed enthusiasm for the new additions: “Anthony Sledwards is officially ready for Minnesota winter,” he said. He also acknowledged the essential work of the state's snowplow drivers: “And let’s remember it’s not just the plows, but the 1,600 Minnesota snowplow drivers who keep us safe and our roads cleared all winter long."

Commissioner Daubenberger highlighted both the enjoyment and importance of the naming contest: “Each season we have so much fun selecting new and creative snowplow names, but this contest is also a great way to highlight the hard work of our snowplow drivers and keep them safe.”

In December 2024, MnDOT invited submissions for creative snowplow names and received over 7,300 suggestions. Agency staff narrowed these down to 50 finalists for public voting. This marks the fifth year of MnDOT's Name a Snowplow contest.

Currently, there are 44 named snowplows in operation across Minnesota. In addition to those chosen through annual contests like this one—such as "Plowy McPlowFace," "Betty Whiteout," and "Taylor Drift"—MnDOT staff have named four more plows recognizing highways adjacent to tribal lands.