Wisconsin DNR now accepting entries for the 2026 Great Waters Photo Contest and Writing Project through April 1. Winning works featured in statewide calendar.
- DNR accepting photo and writing entries through April 1, 2026.
- Submissions must feature Lake Michigan, Lake Superior or the Mississippi River in Wisconsin.
- Winning entries will appear in the next Wisconsin’s Great Waters Calendar.
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is now accepting submissions for its 18th annual Great Waters Photo Contest and Writing Project, giving artists, photographers and writers across the state a chance to showcase their connection to Wisconsin’s most iconic waterways.
The contest is open now through April 1, 2026, and selected entries will be featured in the next Wisconsin’s Great Waters Calendar.
“The photo contest and writing project highlight the many ways people connect with and value the Great Lakes and Mississippi River – inspiring greater care of these vast, yet vulnerable resources.”
If you want to enter, you have to focus on Wisconsin waterways. Eligible entries must focus on Lake Michigan, Lake Superior or the Mississippi River in Wisconsin. Submissions may include photography, short essays, stories or poems around 200 words. You can include written descriptions of stewardship projects. Partnerships that help protect or restore Wisconsin’s water are also encouraged.
What kind of photos?
Organizers are looking for images from all four seasons across four categories:
- People Enjoying Wisconsin’s Great Waters
- Cultural And Historical Features
- Natural Features
- Wildlife
“Pictures of all seasons are needed and are accepted in the following categories: People Enjoying Wisconsin’s Great Waters; Cultural And Historical Features; Natural Features; Wildlife.”
Judging will be conducted by a panel of DNR staff members. Entries will be evaluated on visual and technical merit, creativity and composition. All selected authors and photographers will receive credit in the printed calendar.
If you want to be considered, you must have your submissions must be emailed by April 1, 2026. You must include the participant’s name, address, phone number and email.
“Judging will be completed by a panel of DNR staff members. Criteria for judging include visual and technical merit, creativity and composition.”
For questions, participants can contact Susan Tesarik with the DNR Office of Great Waters at Susan.Tesarik@wisconsin.gov or 608-977-2416.
More information, including full contest rules and submission details, is available on the DNR’s Great Waters Photo Contest and Writing Project webpage.
