BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakotans are invited to share their photographs depicting the beauty and character of the state’s landscape and communities for the 2026 North Dakota Governor’s Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism.
The annual contest is a joint effort between the Office of Gov. Kelly Armstrong, AAA, North Dakota Tourism and the North Dakota Council on the Arts,
“North Dakota has a way of grounding you and lifting you up at the same time,” Armstrong said in a press release. “From the sweeping views of the North Dakota Badlands to the small-town traditions that bring people together, this contest is an opportunity to celebrate what makes our state remarkable. I look forward to seeing the creativity and pride that shine through in this year’s submissions.”
Images can be entered in six categories: outdoors, events, wildlife, must-see places, skies and the new vertical video category — call it home.
A cash prize of $250 will be awarded to a winner in each category with honorable mentions receiving $75 and North Dakota merchandise.
One exceptional entry will be awarded the Governor’s Choice award, which includes an additional $300 and a one-year AAA membership. The winning work will be featured in promotions and displayed at the North Dakota Capitol in November.
Entries may be submitted via Instagram, Flickr or the official entry form. Full submission details are available at
https://belegendary.link/GovPhotoContest26
.
The contest is open through Aug. 31, 2026.
For almost 30 years John Lamb has been covering arts and entertainment in the Red River Valley. He started writing for the High Plains Reader in 1997 and moved to The Forum in 2002. He is an Annenberg fellow, an occasional judge for talent shows and food contestants and co-hosts the weekly “Gardening Together: The Podcast.” He’s rubbed shoulders with Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain, drank with National Book Award winner Colm McCann, had coffee with Grammy-winning classical musician Peter Schickele and interviewed countless other artists, actors, musicians, writers and assorted interesting people. Contact John at jlamb@forumcomm.com.