What says winter in Minnesota? We asked readers to submit their favorite photos of winter scenes to our annual photo contest, and we were thrilled to receive nearly 100 entries. From snowy and serene to vibrant and playful, these are some of our favorites that celebrate life outdoors around the state.

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Dennis Chick of Lakeville explains this creative spherical photo, shot with a drone, features people hauling firewood at a cabin on Hungry Jack Lake along the Gunflint Trail.

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Linda Scott of Edina shot this photo of pinecones during a morning walk around her neighborhood.

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Walt Huss of Coon Rapids photographed these competitors in Norpine Fat Tire Race near Lutsen.

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Walt Huss of Coon Rapids shot this ice climber at Robinson Park in Sandstone.

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Mary Nesbitt of Eden Prairie captured this scene in Rustic Hills Park in Eden Prairie.

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Walt Huss of Coon Rapids says this photo captures Lake Superior’s fury along the North Shore.

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Jim Eales of Hermantown shot this drone image of Bentleyville in Duluth.

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Bonnie Vukich of Side Lake titles this shot, “Mrs. Claus Feeding Her Reindeer.”

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Linda Scott of Edina shot this cardinal in her backyard.

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Mike Hofstad of Golden Valley says this photo was taken at Hampshire Park Skating Rink in Golden Valley. “No mosquitos at the beach today!”

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Lisa Drew photographed the Spoonbridge and Cherry in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

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Walt Huss shot this photo of participants at the Art Shanties Project on Lake Harriet in Minneapolis.
Dennis Bauer photographed this path in the Elm Creek Nature Preserve.

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Stephen Hendricks titled this “Fire and Ice,” describing the sunset over the first ice on a lake.

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Kristina Rogers of St. Paul submitted this photo of a group of teachers enjoying a snowy, subzero day over winter break snowshoeing at Afton State Park before spending the night in one of the park’s yurts.

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Meghan Rheinberger of Stillwater shot this ice sculpture, created as part of the Winter Carnival at Rice Park in St. Paul in January 2023.