The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting entries for the 18th annual Great Waters Photo Contest and Writing Project now through April 1, 2026. Top photographs and writing submissions will be included 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.
See the 2025-2026 Wisconsin’s Great Waters Calendar for inspiration and examples of past submissions.
Eligible entries include photos of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior or the Mississippi River in Wisconsin and short essays, stories or poems around 200 words inspired by Wisconsin’s Great Waters. Written descriptions of stewardship projects or partnerships to help protect or restore Wisconsin’s Great Waters will also be accepted.
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
To review the photo contest and writing project rules and instructions, visit the DNR’s Great Waters Photo Contest and Writing Project webpage.
Submission And Judging
Email all photography entries to DNRGreatWatersPhotoContest@wisconsin.gov
and all writing entries to DNRGreatWatersWritingProject@wisconsin.gov
by April 1, 2026. Include your name, address, phone number and email address with the submission.
Judging will be completed by a panel of DNR staff members. Criteria for judging include visual and technical merit, creativity and composition. Top photos and writings from this year’s contest will be included in the next Wisconsin’s Great Waters Calendar. All authors and photographers will be credited.
For questions about the photo contest or writing project, contact Susan Tesarik, DNR Office of Great Waters, at Susan.Tesarik@wisconsin.gov or 608-977-2416.
Photo Credit: “Lightning At Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Light” by Kevin Myers
Published on: Feb 12, 2026 at 11:20 am