Think-Off Weekend in New York Mills June 13-14
Join the Debate: Think-Off Weekend in New York Mills June 13-14
32nd annual Great American Think-Off Philosophical Debate
New York Mills, MN – June 6, 2025 – The 32nd Annual Great American Think-Off, a program of the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, returns Friday and Saturday, June 13–14, 2025, inviting the public to explore one of life’s biggest questions: “Is there only one truth, or are there many truths?”
This long-running annual philosophy debate draws thinkers from across the country to rural New York Mills, MN, where finalists present their arguments before a live audience that votes to crown “America’s Greatest Thinker” for 2025.
The 2025 Think-Off Finalists are (in alphabetical order) David Eckel from Clayton, NC; Pavithra Krishnan from Troy, MI; David Lose from Eden Prairie, MN; and Jay Sieling from Miltona, MN.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 – THINK-OFF KICK-OFF
Start the weekend with these free-to-attend community events on Friday, June 13th!
4:00 – 8:00 PM – Lone Pine Soup Co. Food Truck
Grab delicious local eats while you enjoy the evening’s events! Parked right outside the Cultural Center.
5:00 PM – NYM Historical Walking Tour
Led by Chris Schuelke, Otter Tail County Historical Society Executive Director. Learn about the rich roots of New York Mills, founded in the 1870s. No cost, thanks to an LRAC grant!
6:00–8:00 PM – Finalists & Artists Reception
NYM Regional Cultural Center Gallery
Meet the 2025 finalists and regional artists in the current exhibit, inspired by the Picasso quote: “Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.” Artist talks and finalist intros at 7:00 PM. Light refreshments and cash bar. Free to attend & open to all.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14 – MAIN EVENT: Think-Off Live Debate
Debate at 7:00 PM | Doors open at 6:00 PM
New York Mills School Auditorium – 209 Hayes Ave., NYM
Tickets: $15 in advance / $20 at the door / $5 students
Buy Tickets Online Here: kulcher.networkforgood.com/events/80653-2025-great-american-think-off
Join us for this one-of-a-kind live debate where the audience decides the winner. Then, keep the conversation going at a Post-Debate Reception at the Cultural Center, with light refreshments and a cash bar. Free to attend and open to all.
Can’t attend in person? The debate will also be live-streamed on our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/RegCulturalCtr). If you choose to view the debate online, we invite you to donate if you’re able, to support civil discourse and rural arts: kulcher.networkforgood.com/projects/196268-support-civil-discourse-big-thinking-in-rural-america
Special thanks to the Minnesota Humanities Center, Lake Region Arts Council, and these local partners and sponsors: Whistle Stop B&B; Grass Roots Ottertail; NYM Public Schools; Overflow Creative; Farmers & Merchants State Bank; NYM Civic & Commerce Association; Property Minders; Toni Ebner; Thursday Night Card Group; Mills Lanes & Lucky Strike Grill; Oma’s Bread; County Cycle; Mills Auto Parts; Certified Auto; Centennial Realty; Mills Liquors; Vandermay Mechanical.
This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
About the Great American Think-Off:
Now in its 32nd year, the Great American Think-Off is a one-of-a-kind philosophy contest where ordinary people tackle extraordinary questions. Created to make philosophy accessible to all, the Think-Off invites thoughtful debate in a respectful, engaging format. It has been featured by C-SPAN, the New York Times, The Today Show, and other national media.
The event is sponsored by the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. Since 1990, the Center has connected people with artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota—celebrating the local and providing a window to the world.
Explore the history of the Think-Off, past questions, and past winners at: www.think-off.org
