Central ND News

Gov. Kelly Armstrong and North Dakota Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman, alongside North Dakota Council on the Arts representative Rhea Beto, announced the winners of this year’s North Dakota Governor’s Photo Contest. The ceremony took place during the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference in Minot.

The event, now in its 21st year, attracted 732 entries from 136 photographers, each one celebrating the distinctive beauty of North Dakota’s four seasons. Gov. Armstrong commended the entrants, stating, "This year's Governor's Photo Contest brilliantly captures North Dakota's year-round beauty and vibrant experiences." He added, "The exceptional talent displayed in these submissions will be invaluable in showcasing our state as a premier travel destination."

For 2025, the contest focused on the state's diverse climate and activities, introducing seasonal categories. The winning entries highlighted scenery and activities inherent to each season: Fall, Spring, Summer, and Winter.

Marshall Lipp received the Best in Show award for his photograph "Storm Passing in a July Morning Sunrise," showcasing the scenery at Sweet Briar Lake in Morton County, moments after a summer storm.

In the Fall Category, Clint Fleckenstein from Bismarck was awarded for "A Brilliant Autumn Tree Over an Earth Lodge Village," while in Spring Scenery, Jessica Schmidt from Mandan won for "God’s Grace Overlooking the Missouri River." Marshall Lipp also earned recognition in the Summer Scenery section for his Best in Show image.

The contest not only acknowledges talented photographers but also aims to promote tourism by highlighting the state's natural beauty. The winning photographs will be exhibited on the 18th floor of the North Dakota State Capitol throughout May. The American Automobile Association (AAA) continues to support this initiative as a key partner.

More details and a full gallery of the winning submissions and honorable mentions are available at the official contest website.