Made in Ramsey County: Vistabule

Story by Bert Taylor, Vistabule Owner and President

Tell us about your company. How did it get started and what do you make? 

Vistabule, or Minnesota Teardrop Trailers, got its start in my garage back in 2012. I wanted to take a fresh look at teardrop trailer design. A teardrop is a small compact camping trailer that is small, just big enough for two. It’s meant to be towed by a smaller car. Typically a teardrop trailer is quite claustrophobic and meant to take the place of a tent, getting you up off the ground for a more comfortable sleep. Our Vistabule teardrop trailers are much more visually permeable. Meaning you can see out of them with ease. The sleeping compartment allows you to sleep with your head at either end. The large front window gives you a grand view of the horizon and, on a clear night, a dreamy view of the milky way!. During the day, the bed folds up into a couch for a day of reading or a tall lemonade while you appreciating the world around you. The side windows  and the porthole windows are large. They open and have screens allowing a clear and bug free view of your surrounds. In the rear of the camper is a small kitchen that has everything  you need for a gourmet meal. The hatch provides shelter from the storm and hot sun. The hatch also has a large window that acts as a sun roof, but also provides a view through the camper that makes towing the Vistabule easy and safe. You can outfit these campers with many options, too numerous to mention here. When someone buys a Vistabule, they are not just purchasing a random trailer, but an iconic camper with rustic, yet modern appeal. And to top it all off, a friendly community of people ready to give advice and share their adventures of the road.

What do you enjoy most about being located in Ramsey County? 

Although I started the company in Minneapolis, it was not until we moved to the Midway in St. Paul that things really started to roll!  Our current building was once know as the “American Can Company” building. It’s three blocks long and quite a destination! Can Can Wonderland is in the lower level while Black Stack Brewery and many other interesting businesses thrive along with Vistabule.

How does your company contribute to the local community or workforce? 

We are happy to be a proud sponsor of “Urban Boat Builders”, a for non-profit company that teaches intercity kids to use their hands and develop skills in the boat building process. Urban Boat Builders along with many of our 15 employees live in Ramsey County, and work in what we call the “Midway" or "Creative Enterprise Zone".

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your company or product? 

When people first see the Vistabule they often think that this Americonic and exotic creature if build in some far off mystical land. Nope! They're build right here in St.Paul. In the Midway! In Ramsey County! Minnesota!