Submit Your Photo!
2026 Visitor Guide Cover Contest
Your photo could be the star of the 2026 Visitor Guide! This guide is the official promotional piece for Cottage Grove, with over 7,000 copies printed. It’s the go-to resource for all visitor-related inquiries and will be widely distributed at Minnesota Welcome Centers, Mall of America, City Hall, Cottage Grove Ice Arena, local events and attractions, and more. Your photo could also travel far beyond Minnesota, reaching visitors all over the world.
How to Participate:
1. Entrants must live, work, or attend school in Cottage Grove.
2. Photos must be taken in Cottage Grove between January 1, 2025 – September 15, 2025.
3. Photos must be submitted by September 15, 2025. No late submissions will be accepted.
4. Submit your photo electronically by emailing info@DiscoverCottageGrove.com
5. Each photo entry must include photographer’s name, phone number and email address.
6. If your photo is chosen for the cover, let us know if you’d prefer to stay anonymous.
Photography Guidelines:
7. Resolution must be minimum 300 DPI at 8×10 inches (2400 x 3000 pixels).
8. Photo must be full color, without the use of extreme filters or editing.
9. Format must be JPEG, PNG or HEIC.
Rights and Permissions:
10. Participants must have permission from any persons pictured in the photo.
11. You must obtain permission from a parent in the case of minors.
12. The City of Cottage Grove is not responsible for obtaining subject permissions.
13. Photos may be reproduced by the City of Cottage Grove.
14. Once submitted, the entrant grants reproduction rights to the City of Cottage Grove.
What We’re Looking For:
15. Iconic and recognizable landmarks (ex. Mississippi River, Camel’s Hump Scenic Overlook, etc.)
16. Engaging activities and experiences (ex. Weddings, Sports + Recreation, etc.)
17. Breathtaking natural beauty (ex. Parks, Wildlife, etc.)
18. Local food and drink (ex. Restaurants, Food Trucks, etc.)
19. Vibrant cultural events and festivals (ex. Food Truck Festival, Strawberry Fest, etc.)
20. Authentic local life and people (ex. You, Your Neighbor, Your Friends, etc.)
For more information or questions about the contest, email info@DiscoverCottageGrove.com