Ohio Lake Erie Commission Photo Contest Announced

January 12, 2026

CLEVELAND, OH – No one captures the beauty and character of Lake Erie quite like Ohioans. Through their unique lens, photographers offer a behind-the-shores look at the peace and wonder that has become known and respected as Ohio’s greatest lake. For 34 years, the Ohio Lake Erie Commission (OLEC) has celebrated these moments thanks to its Life on Lake Erie Photo Contest.

And now, we want to see yours!

This year, the contest will feature a special, one-time anniversary category in celebration of America 250-Ohio. As the nation marks this historic milestone, OLEC is highlighting Lake Erie’s vital role in America’s story and the generations of people and communities who helped shape the shore.

The photo contest will welcome submissions in two categories:

• The Annual Life on Lake Erie Photo Contest, open to amateur photographers with photos that capture the beauty, energy, and everyday moments of life on Lake Erie.
• America’s Story – Lake Erie’s Legacy, a one-time anniversary category honoring America 250-Ohio. “Life on Lake Erie is about more than a place,” Ohio Lake Erie Commission Executive Director Joy Mulinex said. “It’s about the people, stories, and shared history that define our region. This contest is an opportunity to honor those stories of Lake Erie’s history as part of America 250-Ohio celebration.”

The America’s Story – Lake Erie’s Legacy category invites individuals, businesses, organizations, and community members to submit photos that tell a story of Life on Lake Erie and its connection to the American spirit. Submissions may reflect generations of families on the lake, early development of shoreline communities and businesses, family traditions, or themes of heritage, pride, history, and lake life.

Photos for America’s Story – Lake Erie’s Legacy category are due June 4, 2026. Winning images will receive tickets to the Ohio State Fair, where the winning photos will be on display from July 29 through August 9, 2026.

The traditional Life on Lake Erie Photo Contest will continue as usual, offering amateur photographers the opportunity to submit images of scenes, people, wildlife, and events that capture the beauty, energy, and spirit of Life on Lake Erie. Photos taken between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026, will be accepted and submissions are due by July 31, 2026.

The contest is made possible through the generous support of local businesses and organizations, offering Ohio-based prizes and exciting local adventures that highlight the best of Lake Erie and its surrounding communities. The 2026 Life on Lake Erie Photo contest prizes include:

• Cedar Point Gift Certificates donated by Cedar Point
• Taste of Ohio’s Best Made & Homegrown Products provided by the Ohio Department of Agriculture
• Miller Ferry Round Trip Tickets donated by Miller Boat Ferry
• Ohio Heart of it All Swag Bags provided by TourismOhio
• Overnight Stay at Sawmill Creek donated by Sawmill Creek
• Overnight Stay at Maumee Bay Lodge donated by Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center
• Great Lakes Science Center General Admission tickets donated by Great Lakes Science Center Complete contest details, submission guidelines, deadlines, and eligibility information can be found at OLEC’s website.

About Ohio Lake Erie Commission The Ohio Lake Erie Commission was established to preserve Lake Erie’s natural resources, protect the quality of its waters and ecosystem, and promote economic development in the region. The director of Ohio EPA serves as the Commission’s chairperson. Additional members include directors of the state departments of Transportation, Health, Development, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and seven additional members appointed by the Governor.

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Nicole Knab, Ohio Lake Erie Commission
440.829.7599