Stunning Photos Capture Michigan's Natural Beauty

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Detroit News' annual Celebrate Michigan Photo Contest received over 4,000 entries showcasing the state's natural wonders, from a dramatic lightning storm over a historic lighthouse to a majestic red-tailed hawk in flight. After a public vote, Walter Elliot's image of lightning over the Grand Haven lighthouse emerged as the top winner.

Why it matters

The Celebrate Michigan contest celebrates the state's diverse landscapes and ecosystems, from the Great Lakes shoreline to inland forests and prairies. The winning photos help promote Michigan's natural beauty and inspire residents and visitors alike to explore the outdoors.

The details

The Celebrate Michigan Photo Contest, run by The Detroit News, invited amateur and professional photographers to submit their best images capturing the state's natural scenery. Over 4,025 photos were entered, with the public voting to select the top winners. Walter Elliot's dramatic lightning strike over the Grand Haven lighthouse received the most votes, beating out other stunning nature shots like a red-tailed hawk in flight and a whimsical 'storm' of colorful candy.

• The Celebrate Michigan Photo Contest ran throughout the summer of 2026.
• The winners were announced on March 29, 2026.

What’s next

The Detroit News will feature the winning photos in an upcoming special print edition celebrating Michigan's natural wonders. The contest will return in summer 2027 for another chance to capture the state's diverse landscapes.