Photographers are drawn to the Boundary Waters for obvious reasons. And it’s more than just the raw, natural beauty of the place. A trip to these pristine lakes and forests captures something is loaded with human moments; memories and experiences that happen no where else.

This year, we received hundreds of submissions to our annual photo contest. Looking through these photographs was a real treat, but judging wasn’t easy! There were a few contentious arguments and some hard decisions, but we’re happy to present the eight winners of our photo contest.

WINNER: FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Brian Henry captured this perfect campfire scene.

WINNER: WILDLIFE

Chuck Dayton’s family of loons might be the “Father of the Year” shot.

WINNER: LANDSCAPE

This photo by Jenny Salita (@j_saal) pretty much says everything you need to know about why we love the Boundary Waters.

WINNER: WINTER

Jessica Jay won with what may be the most Minnesotan picture ever: Hockey, ice fishing, BWCA — surely Prince or the Replacements are playing in the background.

WINNER: ON THE WATER

A huge thanks to Jessica Shaheen for capturing this a perfect moment. That light tumbling from the clouds is simply iconic.

WINNER: DOGS

Joe Lee is on trail with these adventure boys.

WINNER: HUMOR

Karen Monson’s pic of Anna got some well deserved laughs. Within 10 years, she’ll be crushing portages with that barrel on her back and an 18-foot Grumman on her shoulders.

WINNER: KIDS

Rachel Shaheen (@shaheenrk) too this beautiful little guy, Zayn, on his first Boundary Waters trip when he was four-months. Start them young!

We hope these photos have inspired you and get you dreaming of future adventures!

In the meantime, for those looking to up their photo game? Check out this blog by renowned photographer Bryan Hansel on the 5 essential things every photographer needs to bring to the Boundary Waters.