Topeka covered wagon company competes for Coolest Thing Made in Kansas
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - A covered wagon glamping company is going toe to toe with products from around the state in a competition for the title of the Coolest Thing Made in Kansas.
On Monday, Sept. 25, the Kansas Manufacturing Council announced the top 8 competitors for the 2023 bracket in the Coolest Thing Made in Kansas competition. This year, one Topeka business has been highlighted as a finalist.
PlainsCraft Covered Wagons, at 435 NW Independence Ave., builds covered wagons to take on “glamping” trips. These wagons are reminiscent of the Conestoga wagons used to travel the Oregon Trail and more heavily in the 1800s.
CEO and Founder for PlainsCraft Covered Wagons, Dennis Steinman, said the wagons allow people to enjoy the outdoors with the comforts of home.
“When people buy our wagons, they’re excited. They love them, and of course the people that stay in those wagons, they have a lot of fun,” said Steinman. “One of the greatest things about it is to see our people here as we’re making headway and we’re growing. I think we all kind of see that there is a bigger future for the company. To see people grow, that’s a huge part of it.”
As a Kansas-made, Topeka-based product, PlainsCraft said it strives to build luxury wagons with as many Kansas-made products as possible.
In 2018, Dennis and Donna Steinman saw a need in the glamping industry for luxury in an unconventional setting. They have now turned their full attention on the design and construction of authentic prairie schooners.
PlainsCraft said all of its wagons are handcrafted in its Topeka shop and made from wood from U.S. factories. They are meant to help glampers get what they need from their park, destination or location.
Steinman said that it was an honor to be recognized.
“The wagons are really cool. They’ve got to be one of the coolest things in Kansas and hopefully the coolest. We really appreciate the opportunity to be in it and it’s fun,” said Steinman. “Our people here in the company are excited about it too.”
Other nominees for the Coolest Thing Made in Kansas title include:
- The Conquistador Wheel Corral - MJE Livestock Equipment, Montezuma
- Cat 994 Large Wheel Loader Bucket - Caterpillar Work Tools, Inc., Wamego
- Flytyme Water Slide - Splashtacular, Paola
- The Custom Curb Rollers - Curb Roller LLC, Fairview
- Cheese Curds - Alma Creamery, Alma
- Cobalt Surf Boat - Cobalt, Neodesha
- Vinyl Albums - Quality Record Pressings, Salina
To vote for your favorite, click HERE.
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