Photo Contest

Photo Contest 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 – Features 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. 

Prize Details: 

All winning photos will be featured in the West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide publication in early 2026. Check out the additional fun prizes below, which will get you out and about to experience some of our favorite things in West Michigan! Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Public Vote, Lakeshore Life, Urban Adventures, Seasons of West Michigan, and Wild & Free.

• Public Vote Winner: Gun Lake Casino Resort Stay & Play Package - One (1) Standard Hotel Room for a One (1) Night Stay, One (1) $100 Dining Credit, and Two (2) $50 Free Slot Play Credits.
• Lakeshore Life: A $300 lodging gift card for a Visit Charlevoix member property, a Castle Farms Tour for 2, and a Mushroom House Tour for 2.
• Urban Adventures: A Tiki Boat ride for group of 6 & an Overnight Stay at Sleepy Hollow Beach Resort in South Haven.
• Seasons of Michigan: A 2-Night Stay in a Lake View Room at Shanty Creek Resort’s Lakeview Hotel.
• Wild & Free: 2 Ski Lift Tickets & Overnight Stay at Crystal Mountain. 
• Additional Prizes: Country Dairy Farm Tour with Ice Cream for a Family of 4.

Photo Contest Sponsors:

Thank you to the below businesses for donating a prize for this year’s West Michigan Photo Contest.

By entering the 2025 West Michigan Photo Contest, entrants agree to the rules and the decisions of the judges and further agree to allow the West Michigan Tourist Association to use their names and/or photos for marketing purposes without compensation. By entering this contest, you assert that the photograph(s) you submit are your work, and you have appropriate permissions to share the photograph(s) for this contest, including permissions from any people included in your photograph. Photos should not be images that have been submitted to a previous WMTA West Michigan Photo Contest.

Entrants must be at least 18 years old.