H/T to my friend Josh today for telling me about this fun promotion the Montana Chamber of Commerce is holding. Its 'Coolest Thing Made in Montana' contest is recognizing a ton of Montana-made products, many of which I've never heard of until now.

All of them are cool, some are awesome.

You're probably familiar with a variety of Treasure State products that we've known and loved for years; Carmel Cookie Waffle, Bequet Caramels, and Hi-Country Jerky instantly come to mind.

In the 2024 round of voting for the coolest thing made in Montana, you'll find foods and drinks too (see them all HERE), along with some very cool things we had no idea were being made in Big Sky Country. Below are a few standouts.

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Credit Acela Truck Company. Bozeman, MT.
Credit Acela Truck Company. Bozeman, MT.
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Acela Truck Company

The Bozeman-based specialty truck company makes heavy-duty, off-road vehicles customizable for industries like construction, fire and rescue purposes, or for anything you might need 4X4 or 6X6 traction on 46-inch (and up!) tires.

Credit Montana Knife Co. Frenchtown, MT.
Credit Montana Knife Co. Frenchtown, MT.
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Montana Knife Company

Josh Smith became the youngest bladesmith to pass the Master Smith test at age 19. From culinary blades to hunting knives, these Montana-crafted knives have quickly developed a loyal following and fans say they're worth every penny.

Credit Coaster Cycles. Bonner, MT
Credit Coaster Cycles. Bonner, MT
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Coaster Cycles

This Bonner, MT company is making rickshaw-like delivery tricycles and carts. We're not sure how well they handle in the winter, but we have to admit they're pretty sweet.

Credit Oil Bud.
Credit Oil Bud.
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Oil Bud Oil Coolers

A Montana airplane mechanic named Bud Clarke designed a "hidden" oil cooler for Harley Davidson motorcycles. The high-quality accessory purportedly drops oil temps 35 to 45 degrees.

Credit Skooblevort
Credit Skooblevort/Canva
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Skooblevort 130º Anti-Theft Bags

This eclectic Montana company (with a fun-to-say name) has a line of pickpocket-resistant bags that can be worn in a variety of ways, including under your shirt.

Credit Yellowstone Pasta Company. Billings, MT
Credit Yellowstone Pasta Company. Billings, MT
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Yellowstone Pasta Company

Made from Montana gown Durham wheat semolina, this Billings-based company makes amazing pasta. It can be found on select store shelves in Montana and some of our favorite local restaurants.

Credit Resonon. Bozeman, MT
Credit Resonon. Bozeman, MT
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Resonon - Hyperspectral Imaging Camera

Ok, we're not sure exactly what this high-tech piece of imaging gadgetry is capable of or used for, but it's 100% cool and made in Bozeman, MT.

Credit Grain Maker. Stevensville, MT
Credit Grain Maker/Canva. Stevensville, MT
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Grain Maker

Many of us pondered a more self-sufficient lifestyle during COVID and a hand-powered grain mill may have been on your "I should get one of these in case society collapses" list. Based in Stevensville, these units are built to last.

Credit Hollywood Western Wardrobe.
Credit Hollywood Western Wardrobe
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Hollywood Western Wardrobe

The Montana company recreates some of the most famous outfits from classic TV and movie Westerns. If you want to dress up like The Duke or Outlaw Josey Wales, this is your place. 

Voting in the first round of the 'Coolest Thing Made in Montana' ends August 1st. Check out all 65+ of the companies on the list and cast your votes HERE.

Bands Who Misspelled Their Names on Purpose

Food Vendors Montana State Fair 2024

All Of The Food Vendors, Montana State Fair, 2024

Gallery Credit: Tammie Toren

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