The City of Cottage Grove is once again holding its annual photo contest, with four categories for those looking to make an entry.
The city shared more details on the contest on its website recently.
“Have you snapped a perfectly poised picture? Maybe a candid snapshot of a loved one or something exciting around town? The City of Cottage Grove enjoys showcasing our community in a number of ways, including our residents' and visitors' unique points of view.
The City of Cottage Grove is accepting photo contest submissions for its annual Capture Cottage Grove Photo Contest. Submitted photos are reviewed and voted on by city staff. Though subject and photo quality are always important, our favorite photos are the ones that illustrate and celebrate our community through the point of view of the photographer. Photos must be taken in Cottage Grove, Minnesota (no timeline!). The submission deadline is Friday, February 13 and each category winner will receive $75 and a certificate from the Cottage Grove City Council.”
Photo Categories include the following:
◦ Life in Cottage Grove (What makes Cottage Grove unique?)
1 Examples:
◦ Your favorite entrée and/or cocktail at Junction 70
◦ Buildings or Landmarks: Central Fire Station, Ice Arena, Welcome Bench, etc.
◦ Special Events: Strawberry Fest, Food Truck Festival, Monster Bash Parade, etc.
◦ Animals
1 Examples:
◦ A deer or a wild turkey peeking through a suburban fence.
◦ An eagle or hawk soaring over the Mississippi River shoreline.
◦ An action shot of a dog mid-air catching a frisbee at WAG Farms Dog Park.
◦ Lifestyle
1 Examples:
◦ Your wedding ceremony at Hope Glen Farm.
◦ A focused player about to release a disc at the Oakwood Park course.
◦ Families ice skating at a neighborhood rink or kids sledding down a local hill.
◦ Landscape
1 Examples:
◦ A creative angle of the iconic city water tower against a dramatic, stormy sky.
◦ The trees and sky reflecting perfectly in the still water of a local pond.
◦ The misty, ethereal views of the river and woods at sunrise or sunset.

Once again all photos submitted must be snapped within the City of Cottage Grove. Photos can be submitted on the city website at www.cottagegrovemn.gov by clicking on the link entitled “2026 Annual Photo Contest” in the “Our Community” dropdown menu
The entry deadline is Friday, Feb. 13.