New Minnesota license plate? Check out the 3 finalists, then vote

Options for State Parks and Trails license plate.
The Minnesota DNR has announced the candidates for a Minnesota State Parks and Trails license plate. Minnesotans submitted design ideas, and they were narrowed down to these three finalists. Online voting is open through July 4.
Courtesy Minnesota DNR

State officials Monday revealed three designs for a Minnesota state parks and trails license plate and invited the public to vote online this week for their favorite.

Minnesotans submitted more than 80 plate designs. A panel of judges picked the three finalists based on creativity, quality and suitability as a license plate image, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said. They include illustrations depicting camping, canoeing and the Mississippi headwaters.

People can cast a vote until 5 p.m. Monday, July 4. The winner will be announced July 6.

"It has been exciting to see all the creative ways people represented Minnesota state parks and trails in their license plate designs," Erika Rivers, director of the DNR's parks and trails division, said in a statement. "Now it's up to the voters to choose a winner."

The new license plates will be available in October as part of the ongoing celebration of Minnesota state parks and trails' 125th anniversary.

The new plates will cost $60, plus tax. The plates provide their owners with unlimited access to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for the year, replacing the need for a $25 vehicle permit, the DNR added. Proceeds from license plate sales will benefit Minnesota state parks and trails.

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