Scenic Michigan

In 2025 the Scenic Water category dominated our Photo Contest, with over 100 submissions this category was hands down the most popular! Michigan has the longest freshwater coastline in the United States, along with beautiful dunes, breathtaking cliffs, and over 120 lighthouses! Our water is one of the most important aspects of “scenic” Michigan since it attracts significant tourism, is a vital environmental support system, and it enhances our dark skies by acting as a natural light buffer.

This year’s winner is from Amanda Bergeron who took a stunning photo during the sunrise in Oscoda. Natural light always helps our water photos stand out, and Amanda was there at the perfect time! Congratulations!

The Promise of a New Day, by Amanda Bergeron (Oscoda)

Runner Up(s):
Blue Ice Cutter, by Patrick Russell (Mackinaw City)
Winter at Stearns Park, by Mary Dereske (Ludington)
Hebard Park near Copper Harbor, by Robert Freeman (Copper Harbor)
Figure in Peace, by Amy VerHaeghe (Les Cheneaux Islands – Cedarville)
Kayakers at Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore, by Daniela Goen (Sleeping Bear Dunes)
Across Eagle Harbor, by Sophie Smit (Eagle Harbor)
Sunset on Cloudy Lake, by Jodi Byers (South Haven)
Middle Island Lighthouse, by Randy Hemstad (Rockport)

The Scenic Night Sky category is hands down one of our top two most popular categories to judge each year. These photos are striking, difficult to track down and capture, and are directly tied to one of our core values at Scenic Michigan. When it comes to the night sky, Michigan is unique due to its latitude and is on par with the likes of Norway, Finland, and Alaska in terms of viewing the northern lights.

This year’s winner is from Michele Aucello, who submitted the 2025 contests overall winning photo as well! This photo is especially beautiful due to how robust the aurora is when viewed against the icy shore. Congratulations Michele!

Winner:
Fire and Ice, by Michele Aucello (Glen Haven)

Runner-ups:
Aurora Over the Schoolhouse, by Patrick Russell (Onsted)
Aurora Over Point Betsie, by Michele Aucello (Frankfort)
Tree & Partial Moon in SW Michigan, by Laurie Jacobson (Dayton)
Starry Night at Weko Beach, by Jason Ciesiolka (Weko Beach in Bridgman)

Scenic Cityscapes is one of the most underrated categories in our Photo Contest each year since most people do not associate cityscapes when discussing Michigan’s scenic qualities. However, our State is rich in architecture, history, and vibrant communities that are destinations for residents and tourists alike. The 2025 winning photo and runners-up covered communities statewide from southwest to southeast Michigan all the way up to the Upper Peninsula!

This year’s winner is a striking photo of the Detroit skyline at dawn by Patrick Russell. What you’ll notice about a lot of these photos is how the built environment works with water, sunrise, and the sky to create a truly beautiful and unique photo.

Congratulations Patrick!

Winner:
Winter Dawn Over Detroit, by Patrick Russell (Detroit)

Runners-up:
Sunset Over Water, by Jodi Byers (Sault Ste. Marie)
Michigan State Capitol Complex, by Joe Zopf (Lansing)
Detroit Revival, by Kathleen Stuby (Detroit)
Niles Amtrak Station, by Jason Ciesiolka (Niles)