The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) is thrilled to kick off the 2025 West Michigan Photo Contest—one of the largest photo competitions in the state, drawing more than 2,000 submissions each year. This popular contest invites travelers and locals alike to submit their best snapshots showcasing the beauty and spirit of West Michigan.

This year’s prize packages include experiences from Gun Lake Casino, Visit Charlevoix, Visit South Haven, Shanty Creek Resort, and more. Winning photos will not only earn exciting prizes but also be featured in WMTA’s 2026 West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide, set to be published in March.

“We love seeing the incredible photos from across West Michigan—it’s a highlight of the summer and a powerful reminder of the pride and community spirit reflected in every season,” said Kaylie Pomper Lentz, WMTA’s Marketing Manager, who also noted that submissions don’t need to be recent and encouraged participants to share favorite shots from past visits.

Photo submissions are being accepted now through July 28, 2025, with winners selected in the following categories:

• Lakeshore Life – Capture the beauty of Michigan’s west coast and Upper Peninsula shorelines, from sunsets over Lake Michigan to people enjoying beaches, lighthouses, or water activities like kayaking, fishing, or paddleboarding.

• Urban Adventures – Showcase the energy of Michigan’s cities and towns, highlighting street scenes, historic architecture, festivals, and people experiencing the unique charm of Grand Rapids, Marquette, Holland, and beyond.

• Seasons of Michigan – Feature the stunning variety of Michigan’s landscapes throughout the year, from vibrant fall colors and snowy adventures to spring wildflowers and summer hikes, with people engaging in seasonal activities.

• Wild & Free – Celebrate Michigan’s incredible natural spaces, from forests and waterfalls to dunes and wildlife, with adventurers hiking, biking, camping, or exploring these untamed places.

An additional winner will be selected through a public vote on WMTA’s Facebook page.

West Michigan spans the entire western half of the state—from the Indiana border up to Mackinac Island and into the Upper Peninsula—so entries can come from a wide variety of places across the region.

To enter, photographers must include their first and last names, as well as the city where the photo was taken.

For full rules, prize details, and to submit your photos, visit: https://www.wmta.org/west-michigan-photo-contest/

Thank you to the 2025 West Michigan Photo Contest sponsors who make this contest possible:

• Gun Lake Casino - Wayland

• Visit Charlevoix - Charlevoix

• Castle Farms - Charlevoix

• Sleepy Hollow Beach Resort - South Haven

• Visit South Haven - South Haven

• Shanty Creek Resort - Bellaire

• Crystal Mountain - Thompsonville

• Country Dairy, Inc. - New Era

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Since 1917, the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has worked to market the very best of West Michigan to travelers from around the world.

WMTA's membership base consists of more than 600 attractions, lodging, events, and activities all across the west side of Michigan, from the Indiana border all the way into the Upper Peninsula. Over the past century, Michigan's tourism industry has become second only to manufacturing in Michigan, making WMTA a vital resource for the area's tourist destinations.

Today, WMTA continues its mission as a self-sustaining, membership-funded non-profit. For more information, please visit WMTA.org.

Please use this press-ready travel feature from the West Michigan Tourist Association in any way you like. It may be run in its entirety, in part, or used as a source for your own story. If I can be of any additional help (contact information, photos, etc.), please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at Kaylie@WMTA.org.

For further West Michigan News Stories, please visit the West Michigan News section of our blog at WMTA.org