Gov. Kelly Armstrong, along with North Dakota Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman and North Dakota Council on the Arts Executive Director Jessica Christy, today announced and presented the winning entries in the 2026 Governor’s Photo Contest during an event in Jamestown. The contest received 742 entries from across the state and featured a video category for the first time.
“As someone who spends as much time outdoors as I can, I’m always proud to see the Governor’s Photo Contest showcase the places and experiences that make North Dakota special,” said Gov. Armstrong. “This year’s winners show the beauty and adventure that define our state.”
2026 Governor’s Photo Contest Winners:
Events
Winner: “Let's Fly Kites” — Warren Abrahamson, Jamestown
Honorable mention: “Battle Has Been Won” — Winnie Weninger, Medora
Must see places
Winner: “Northern Lights Over the Skyscraper on the Prairie” — Hannah Cobert, Bismarck
Honorable mention: “Sweetheart of the Badlands” — Amanda McClean, Medora
Outdoors
Winner: “September morning youth hunt in Western North Dakota” — William Boyeff, near Watford City
Honorable mention: “Simple Summer Joy” — Megan Boger, Icelandic State Park
Skies
Winner: “Flight at Sunset” — Meredith Jo Ehli, Bismarck
Honorable mention: “Black & White in Colors” — Rebecca Raber, New Salem
Wildlife
Winner: “Hitchin' a Ride” — Cindy Nagle, Lake Ashtabula
Honorable mention: “Hungry Eyes” — Maggie Taylor, Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit
Honorable mention: “Buzza Buzza” — Rebecca Raber, Bismarck
Honorable mention: “Whitetail Deer” — Karli Laber, White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
Call it home
Winner: “Call it Home” — Winnie Weninger, Medora
Governor’s choice
Winner: “September morning youth hunt in Western North Dakota” — William Boyeff near Watford City
These prints will be on display at the Governor’s Office for the month of November. We'd also like to express our gratitude to the American Automobile Association (AAA) for their continued support as a partner in the Governor's Photo Contest.
Find descriptions of all winners and honorable mentions along with the complete gallery at https://www.ndtourism.com/2026-north-dakota-governors-photo-contest-winners.
