There’s something for everyone at Missouri State Parks. For the 15th consecutive year, we’re honored to welcome Missouri State Parks back as the sponsor of the Missouri Snapshots Photo Contest.
The contest is open to amateur photographers and consists of five categories. Winners of each category can select one of 10 state park getaway packages valued at approximately $500. Photos must be entered online. First-, second- and third-place photos will be published in February 2027. Second- and third-place winners will receive Missouri State Parks gift cards valued at $100 and $50, respectively.
Photos must be taken at a Missouri state park or historic site during its official operating hours. The deadline to enter is Nov. 15, 2026.
CATEGORIES
1. Adventure & Recreation – Whether it’s a night camping under the stars at Echo Bluff State Park or an exhilarating ride on the motocross track at Finger Lakes State Park, there’s plenty to choose from at Missouri’s state parks.
2. On The Trail – With more than 1,000 miles of managed trails, Missouri’s state parks offer a perfect venue for your next hiking, biking, off-road, kayaking or equestrian adventure.
3. Parks Less Traveled – Missouri’s state parks are popular places. The judges are looking for the beauty you can find in some of the less-traveled parks or historic sites or even off-the-beaten-path portions of any state park.
4. Making Memories – Memories are easy to come by in Missouri’s state parks. Whether it’s helping your grandkids cast their first lines or spending an afternoon on the water with family and friends, be sure to capture those unforgettable moments.
5. Capture the Beauty – Missouri’s state parks and historic sites are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty: rolling prairies, rugged hills and scenic rivers. Entries should be scenes worthy of a postcard.
Rules
- Photos must be taken at one of Missouri’s state parks or historic sites. For a complete list of all the eligible parks, visit www.mostateparks.com.
- Photographs must depict activities that conform to all Missouri State Parks rules and regulations and be taken during the park or site’s official operating hours.
- The contest is for amateurs only. If you earn any income with your photography, please refrain from entering.
- Up to five photos per category can be entered. Do not enter the same photo in more than one category.
- All photos must be entered online at ruralmissouri.org/photo-contest. Entries must include information in all data fields to be considered. Mailed entries won’t be considered.
- Photos digitally altered beyond basic editing and toning or photos with watermarks won’t be considered.
- Submitted photos must be genuine photographs captured by the entrant. The use of artificial intelligence or generative tools to create, add, remove, replace or substantially alter any part of the image is prohibited. Entrants must retain the original unedited file and provide it upon request. Entries found to violate this rule will be disqualified.
- Photographers may win no more than one first-place prize. Winning images from previous years are ineligible.
- Employees of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri’s electric cooperatives and their immediate families are ineligible to win.
- By entering the contest, photographers give Rural Missouri and Missouri State Parks permission to publish images in print and online for editorial and promotional material.
The deadline to enter is Nov. 15, 2026. Questions may be sent to pnewton@ruralmissouri.coop.