The North Dakota Water Education Foundation has selected the winners of the 2026 North Dakota Waterways Photo Contest. Congratulations to this year’s winners, and thank you to everyone who shared their photography with us!

2026 North Dakota Waterways Photo Contest Winners

WINNER:  Suanne Kallis
Summer’s Pivot

1ST RUNNER UP: Katherine Plessner
Evening Flight

2ND RUNNER UP: Tana Triepke
Striking Sunset on Creel Bay

3RD RUNNER UP: Candace Berg
Pembina Gorge Overlook in Cavalier County

HONORABLE MENTION: Katherine Plessner
Blue Winter Morning

HONORABLE MENTION: Tricia Bentz
Frosty Pine Branches

HONORABLE MENTION: Tom Krebs
Frost-Kissed Evergreen

HONORABLE MENTION: Suanne Kallis
Stormy Maize

Get Ready for the 2027 Photo Contest!

Beginning January 1, 2027, we will be accepting entries for the
2027 North Dakota Waterways Photo Contest.

Capture a photo that could be featured on the front cover of North Dakota Water magazine.
Your winning shot could be taken in your backyard, at a neighborhood playground, along a creek, behind the farmhouse or near your favorite fishing hole—in any season.

Be creative and show us North Dakota through your lens.
If we “Discover Our Cover” in your photo, you win!