Enter Now For Wisconsin’s Great Waters Photo Contest, Writing Project

Every year, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Office of Great Waters holds a photo contest and writing project.

These top contributions are then showcased in its annual "Wisconsin's Great Waters" calendars, making each calendar a unique collection of photos from the photo contest, creative writings submitted by Wisconsin authors, and descriptions of stewardship projects.

Sales from the "Wisconsin's Great Waters" calendar support the state's efforts to highlight and protect the natural resources of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and the Mississippi River, which are among Wisconsin's most scenic and beloved.

Recently, the Wisconsin Department of  Natural Resources (DNR) announced that it is now accepting entries for this year's contest.

Enter Now For The Great Waters Photo Contest and Writing Project

The Wisconsin 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, with proper accreditation.

The photo contest and writing project are a great way to highlight the many ways people connect with and value the Great Lakes and Mississippi River, inspiring greater care of these vast, yet vulnerable, resources.

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

Those interested in entering are encouraged to look at the 2025-2026 Wisconsin’s Great Waters Calendar for inspiration and examples of past submissions.

SEE NOW: Online Searches That Can Now Land Wisconsinites On Government Watchlists

Submission And Judging Information

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.

To review the complete photo contest and writing project rules and instructions, visit the DNR's Great Waters Photo Contest and Writing Project webpage.