Enjoying fun outdoor activities while taking in breathtaking scenery is rewarding in its own right, but now there’s a way to enjoy the great outdoors and win prizes, too.

The Montana State Parks Adventure Challenge is a new partnership between the Montana State Parks Foundation and Montana State Parks designed to encourage the exploration of the state park system. Visitors that document their experiences through photography can enter those images into a contest and potentially win prizes.

“We’re fortunate enough to have incredible parks in the state of Montana,” says Pat Doyle, Montana State Parks marketing and communications director. “This is a way to encourage people to expand their horizons, get in their car and come see what we have to offer – maybe cross a few things off that bucket list.”

Contestants have until September 2, 2018, to complete one or more of eight unique photo-based challenges found at myadventurechallenge.com.

The categories are:

• Hook a fish;
• Make a splash;
• New discovery (something new you learned);
• Lend a hand (volunteering at the parks);
• Native culture;
• Camping;
• Trails explorer; and
• Wildlife discovery.

Prizes include a complimentary night at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Whitefish, Montana; a whitewater rafting trip for two on the Middle Fork Flathead; and a new camping package with a Mystery Ranch backpack, two Crazy Creek chairs, water bottles and bear spray.

Montana State Parks Administrator Beth Shumate says the Montana State Parks Adventure Challenge reflects the large variety of ways visitors can interact with and enjoy state parks across Montana this summer.

“Our parks offer world class recreational opportunities to connect with Montana’s outdoors. Whether you like to hike, fish, camp, boat or explore Montana’s rich cultural and historic heritage, we have an Adventure Challenge for you,” Shumate says. “The Montana State Parks Adventure Challenge encourages the public to experience all 55 of Montana’s wonderful and diverse state parks this summer by participating in one or all of the adventure challenges.”

Coby Gierke, Executive Director of the Montana State Parks Foundation, says that in addition to providing a fun way to check out Montana’s State Parks, the Adventure Challenge gives people a chance to get involved in and support their parks.

“The Adventure Challenge is a fun way to help us build much-needed public support,” he says.

The public will vote on photo entries, which can be uploaded and viewed at www.myadventurechallenge.com.

Prizes are donated by Montana organizations and businesses supportive of Montana State Parks. Sponsors of individual challenges include Simms Fishing Products, the Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation, Voices for Montana Tourism, the Montana Wilderness Association, Oboz Footwear, the Montana Trails Coalition, several businesses that provide Native American interpretive tours, Business for Montana Outdoors and the Basecamp.

Visit Montana State Parks and enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, boating and more, and discover some of the greatest natural and cultural treasures on earth.