Photo Gallery | Winter on the Water

Original photography of icy winter scenes on our Driftless waterways

By Craig Johnson and Joe Deden, February 24, 2026

Close-up view of melting river ice with bright sunlight reflecting off the water’s surface. The light creates sparkling starburst highlights across the rippling water, and a faint rainbow prism appears near the upper right where the sun hits the surface. Pale blue ice edges frame darker flowing water beneath, creating strong contrast between frozen and moving sections.

Melting river ice creates sparkling starbursts and rainbows across the rippling water. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

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After a couple weeks of temperatures flirting with record lows in January, Southeast Minnesota’s early February record warmth quickly erased January’s ice buildup along most stretches of the Root River and its tributaries — but not before photographers Craig Johnson and Joe Deden had a chance to capture some water-mimicking-art type photos.

The river winds through a wooded valley with snowy banks.

Snowy banks guide this stretch of the Root River’s south branch through a woody glen after passing under the Root River State Trail’s east bridge in Lanesboro. (Photo by Joe Deden)

CWide landscape view of a partially frozen river winding through a snowy valley. A narrow ribbon of deep blue water curves between white ice sheets. In the background, a brown steel truss bridge spans the river. Bare trees line both banks, and the sky is clear and bright blue. Snow covers the ground and river edges, emphasizing the S-shaped curve of the water.

A partially open channel winds through the ice at the confluence of the North and South Branches of the Root River; the Root River State Trail bridge can be seen in the distance. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

Elevated view of a winter river scene framed by leafless trees. A narrow channel of dark water cuts through pale ice and snow. In the foreground stands a small wooden shed or utility structure with a dark brown metal roof dusted in snow and a small peaked doorway. Beyond it, the river winds toward a low bridge partially hidden by trees. The landscape is muted tan, gray and white under winter light.

A narrow channel of dark water cuts through an accumulation of pale ice and snow on the Root River. (Photo by Joe Deden)

For more icy January scenes, watch this video compilation of “Winter on the Water” photographs by Craig Johnson.

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Contributors

Craig Johnson

When not otherwise drumming with area musicians or assisting customers at Rushford’s Ace Hardware, Craig Johnson’s photographer’s eye focuses on the region’s picturesque scenery and its sports teams. Look for his work in a variety of regional publications.

Joe Deden

Joe Deden is the retired founding director of Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center whose interests range from prairie restoration and forest management to energy-efficient housing, sustainable living — and photography. He and his wife Mary Bell live in An All Electric, Solar Shingle, Amish Built, Forever Home featured in Root River Current in December 2023.