2025 Summer Manhole Cover Challenge Gallery

Every cover tells a story — and each photo below is a snapshot into the hidden infrastructure that keeps our cities running strong. Thank you to everyone who has joined our 2025 Summer Manhole Cover Challenge!

Explore the gallery, discover unique designs from around the world, and help us celebrate the unseen world beneath our feet.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei, Taiwan

Submitted by: Bert Bean
Company: Tnemec
Sayulita, Mexico

Sayulita, Mexico

Who says manhole covers are just for sewer? Snapped while exploring Sayulita, this vibrant lid is a reminder that even infrastructure can reflect local character and creativity.
Submitted by: Vaughn Odea
Company: Epoxytec
Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri

This manhole cover features a unique rendering of the word “sewer,” making it stand out in a subtle but memorable way.
Submitted by: Teri Jordan
Company: Tnemec
Cary, North Carolina

Cary, North Carolina

Spotted at a public park in Cary, this manhole cover stood out for its design. So much so, Mike even shared it with the Town of Cary and encouraged them to submit it to the challenge!
Submitted by: Mike Anderson
Company: TSE
Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei, Taiwan

This vibrant manhole cover showcases fish and trees, echoing the natural elements that shape the city’s landscape and culture.
Submitted by: Bert Bean
Company: Tnemec
Bled, Slovenia

Bled, Slovenia

This manhole cover features a design inspired by a 6th-century peacock-shaped clasp discovered beneath Bled Castle. A symbol of paradise, life, and abundance, the clasp is considered the most significant archaeological find in Bled and is now housed in the National Museum of Slovenia.
Submitted by: Helen Li
Company: Toronto Water
Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary

This polished brass manhole cover was spotted on Váci Street, a pedestrian-only boulevard lined with designer shops, restaurants, and souvenir stands. Unlike the typical rusty or worn lids, this one gleamed in the sunlight — a striking detail among the granite pavers. The cover features Budapest’s coat of arms: the upper castle represents Pest, and the lower castle represents Buda, separated by a wavy line symbolizing the Danube River. A lion and griffin flank the emblem, and at the top sits the Holy Crown of Hungary — the coronation crown used by kings from the 12th to 20th centuries. Look closely and you’ll notice the cross is bent — a nod to the real crown, which was damaged in the 17th century. Today, the Holy Crown is housed in the Hungarian Parliament and protected by the 32nd Budapest Guard and Ceremonial Regiment.
Submitted by: Helen Li
Company: Toronto
Frankfort, Kentucky

Frankfort, Kentucky

This manhole cover was manufactured by HOE of Kentucky for the City of Frankfort Sewer Department (FSD). A Kentucky-made product, this cover is commonly used by municipalities across the state.
Submitted by: Kevin Young
Company: Hazen and Sawyer
Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada

This manhole cover is packed with iconic imagery: the Hoover Dam, a skyscraper, an airplane, and a yucca plant — all uniquely representing the region.
Submitted by: Michael Rocco
Company: AUI, Inc.
Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, Massachusetts

Spotted while vacationing in historic Salem. The ship logo on this manhole cover stood out — a perfect nod to the city’s maritime roots.
Submitted by: Michael Rocco
Company: AUI, Inc.
Freiburg, Germany

Freiburg, Germany

Freiburg, Germany — Submitted by a foreign exchange student attending university in Freiburg. This square manhole cover caught the eye — a subtle but unique twist on traditional designs.
Submitted by: Michael Rocco
Company: AUI, Inc.
Goslar, Germany

Goslar, Germany

Spotted while visiting our foreign exchange student and her family in their hometown of Goslar.
Submitted by: Michael Rocco
Company: AUI, Inc.
Goslar, Germany

Goslar, Germany

Spotted while visiting our foreign exchange student and her family in their hometown of Goslar.
Submitted by: Michael Rocco
Company: AUI, Inc.
Lisboa, Portugal

Lisboa, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal — Featuring a historic Portuguese ship and distinctive design work, these manhole covers offer a glimpse into the city's maritime legacy.
Submitted by: Jake Ristevski
Company: Citylitics
Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida

Taken at Universal Islands of Adventure.
Submitted by: Alexis Callahan
Company: Stantec
Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava, Slovakia

Interesting street artwork (not a manhole cover). Submitted for interest!
Submitted by: Jack Lee
Company: WSP Canada
Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, Czech Republic

Manhole cover in the historic Old City.
Submitted by: Shaun Danco
Company: Stray Cat Industrial Services Ltd
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic 2

Karlovy, Czech Republic

Famous spa town known for its hot springs and as a filming location for James Bond’s "Casino Royale". This manhole is at the historic Grandhotel Pupp, built in 1701.
Submitted by: Shaun Danco
Company: Stray Cat Industrial Services Ltd
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Karlovy, Czech Republic

Famous spa town known for its hot springs and as a filming location for James Bond’s "Casino Royale". This manhole is at the historic Grandhotel Pupp, built in 1701.
Submitted by: Shaun Danco
Company: Stray Cat Industrial Services Ltd
St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida

On my first visit to the St. George Street area, I saw many unique manhole covers and old fire hydrants while taking my wife’s father’s ashes back to his birthplace, her hometown.
Submitted by: Jeremiah Fields
Company: Culy Contracting
Canton, GA

Canton, Georgia

Features a largemouth bass and a warning not to dump waste. Plus Monroe the Bulldog!
Submitted by: Jonathan Brown
Company: HDD Broker
Shawnee Mission, Kansas

Shawnee Mission, Kansas

Discovered this hidden manhole cover while searching for a tremendously bad golf shot.
Submitted by: Chase Bean
Company: Tnemec
Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Old and visually striking manhole cover.
Submitted by: Ian Clapham
Company: Lanes Group
Nîmes, France

Nîmes, France

Artistic cover featuring an alligator and palm tree; the alligator is the city’s symbol in the south of France.
Submitted by: Ryk Dunkelberg
Company: Mead & Hunt
Submitted by: Clif McDonald Company: Tnemec

Meridian, Mississippi

Meridian has a long history with the railroad industry and is the birthplace of the ‘Singing Brakeman,’ the father of country music, Jimmie Rodgers.
Submitted by: Clif McDonald
Company: Tnemec

La Vista, Nebraska

The foundry that produced this manhole cover was local to the municipality, which purchased and installed it.
Submitted by: Kevin Morris
Company: Tnemec

Wellington, New Zeland

Māori-inspired artwork depicting indigenous cultural motifs.
Submitted by: Lily Caputi
Company: N/A
Lisboa, Portugal

Lisboa, Portugal

This Lisboa Águas Residuais (wastewater) manhole cover features unique detailing that caught my eye during our trip to Lisbon.
Submitted by: Chris Hille
Company: Tnemec
London, England

London, England

Located in front of the London Cavalry Museum.
Submitted by: Spencer Tuell
Company: GCU
Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, California

Sewer infrastructure amidst the natural beauty of Yosemite Valley.
Submitted by: Spencer Tuell
Company: GCU
Daytona, Florida

Daytona, Florida

Features the outline and logo of the Daytona International Speedway.
Submitted by: Nick Modany
Company: JMT
Disneyland, Anaheim, California

Anaheim, California

Spotted this manhole cover while on vacation with my wife and kids — can’t stop thinking about work!
Submitted by: John Manijak
Company: Hoerr Construction Inc
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Manhole located in the historic district of Albuquerque, NM.
Submitted by: John Manijak
Company: Hoerr Construction Inc
Universal Studios - Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida

Sanitary manhole located in Jurassic Park, Universal Studios Florida. Spotted while on vacation with my wife and kids — proving there were sewers in the Jurassic Period!
Submitted by: John Manijak
Company: Hoerr Construction Inc
Shimizu, Japan

Shimizu, Japan

Birds running to the rescue.
Submitted by: Jack Lee
Company: WSP Canada
Krems, Austria

Krems, Austria

Features the city’s coat of arms on the manhole cover.
Submitted by: Jack Lee
Company: WSP Canada
Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary

Represents the unification of Buda and Pest into one city, captured in this unique manhole cover.
Submitted by: Karen Mann
Company: Epoxytec
Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary

Symbolizes the coming together of Buda and Pest as one city, making this manhole cover unique.
Submitted by: Karen Mann
Company: Epoxytec
Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Most grease trap covers are generic, but this one stands out. Cast by Barger and Sons, it proudly includes detailed specifications — a sign of care and craftsmanship not often seen in this type of lid.
Submitted by: Kevin Young
Company: Hazen and Sawyer
Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

Submitted by: Ashley Grotewiel
Company: Tnemec
London, UK

London, UK

This cover is marked with “Paddington.”
Submitted by: Ashley Grotewiel
Company: Tnemec
Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri

Submitted by: Ashley Grotewiel
Company: Tnemec
Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, Czech Republic

Submitted by: Cody Mann
Company: Azamara
Detroit, Michigan

Detroit, Michigan

Who doesn’t love Detroit Red Wings legend Nicklas Lidstrom?
Submitted by: Tyler Wydendorf
Company: City of Dearborn
Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh, North Carolina

Spotted at a public park with my family!
Submitted by: Mike Anderson
Company: TSE
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Manhole located in front of our office.
Submitted by: Obie Watts
Company: Jacobs
Buxton, United Kingdom

Buxton, United Kingdom

Features a unique manufacturer’s name on the cover.
Submitted by: Ian Clapham
Company: Lanes Group
Macclesfield, United Kingdom

Macclesfield, United Kingdom

Features a double triangulated design.
Submitted by: Ian Clapham
Company: Lanes Group
Calgary, Alberta

Calgary, Alberta

This cover depicts the Chinook winds that blow through Calgary.
Submitted by: Teo Finley
Company: Lafarge
Calgary, Alberta

Calgary, Alberta

This stormwater manhole cover art represents the Bow River flowing around a poplar tree.
Submitted by: Ryan Finley
Company: Amrize
New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana

Spotted this NOPSI manhole cover on a work trip. At first, I thought it meant we weren’t welcome — but it turns out NOPSI stands for New Orleans Public Service Inc.!
Submitted by: Melissa Molina
Company: AMPP
Enterprise, Alabama

Enterprise, Alabama


Submitted by: James Brooks
Company: Mongan Painting, LLC
Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Spotted in the Land of the Future at EPCOT!
Submitted by: Mandi Macon
Company: Mobile Notary
San Pancho, Mexico

San Pancho, Mexico


Submitted by: Vaughn O'Dea
Company: Epoxytec/Tnemec
Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee

Located in front of the Tennessee State Capitol.
Submitted by: Carver Morgan
Company: John Bouchard & Sons Co.
Talacre, North Wales

Talacre, North Wales

Rare large hinged, triangulated manhole cover.
Submitted by: Ian Clapham
Company: Lanes Group
Gresham, Oregon

Gresham, Oregon

Found this manhole cover while playing the back nine. Even our critical infrastructure needs to play hard from time to time!
Submitted by: Dan Janulek
Company: TNW Inc.
Eureka Springs_, Arkansas

Eureka Springs, Arkansas


Submitted by: Clif McDonald
Company: Tnemec
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Snapped this photo while visiting the 66th annual Ann Arbor Art Fair. Lots of great art, including this manhole cover made by EJ in East Jordan, MI.
Submitted by: Pete Smith
Company: Tnemec Company, Inc
Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Spotted by Travis Savy while away on business. Even in a different country, we always find things that remind us of home and the work we do. This manhole cover is a beauty, and we’re happy to share it!
Submitted by: Anna Breen
Company: Savy & Sons
Ketchum, Idaho

Ketchum, Idaho (3 of 3)

These decorative manhole covers are found throughout the charming town square, near seating areas and a local ice cream shop. They help tell a fun story about the history of Ketchum — a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
Submitted by: Cassie Rabbe
Company: Tnemec
Ketchum, Idaho

Ketchum, Idaho (2 of 3)

These decorative manhole covers are found throughout the charming town square, near seating areas and a local ice cream shop. They help tell a fun story about the history of Ketchum — a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
Submitted by: Cassie Rabbe
Company: Tnemec
Ketchum, Idaho

Ketchum, Idaho (1 of 3)

These decorative manhole covers are found throughout the charming town square, near seating areas and a local ice cream shop. They help tell a fun story about the history of Ketchum — a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
Submitted by: Cassie Rabbe
Company: Tnemec
Ketchum, Idaho

Ketchum, Idaho

Located in the middle of the main roads, these fun decorated manholes each feature a unique design. This is just one example — easy to miss unless you know to look!
Submitted by: Cassie Rabbe
Company: Tnemec
SunValley, Idaho

SunValley, Idaho

Located at a ski resort, this manhole cover enhances the fun and beauty of the sidewalks with a fitting sun design for Sun Valley.
Submitted by: Cassie Rabbe
Company: Tnemec
Nauvo, Finland

Nauvo, Finland

While visiting Nauvo/Nagu, came across several Combi Works manhole covers by the marina. A quiet reminder that even when out of sight, our work continues to serve. “It’s always a bit special to stumble upon our work in the wild, especially during a moment of pause.”
Submitted by: Edward Blomstedt
Company: Combi Works
Kansas City Area

Kansas City Area

Spotted this beauty while walking my dog in my new neighborhood.
Submitted by: Jack Walker
Company: Tnemec Company, Inc.
Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts

Located at the start of the historic Freedom Trail, this manhole cover sits at the intersection of past and present in one of America’s oldest cities.
Submitted by: Pete Ozias
Company: N/A
North Kansas City, Missouri

North Kansas City, Missouri

A unique manhole cover design featuring concentric circles. A small detail, but one that stands out when you stop to look.
Submitted by: Teri Jordan
Company: Tnemec
North Kansas City, Missouri

North Kansas City, Missouri

Submitted by: Teri Jordan
Company: Tnemec
Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington

Spotted near the iconic Seattle Public Market, these covers capture a piece of the city’s vibrant street life and character.
Submitted by: Austin McKahan
Company: Tnemec
Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas

Spotted while attending grouting school, this manhole cover was located right outside the building. A fun detail: the lid was manufactured in India!
Submitted by: Gillian Drake
Company: FK Engineering Associates
Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida

Spotted while visiting Disney World with family, these manhole covers blend right into the magic underfoot at one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Submitted by: Austin Windham
Company: TSE

Think you have the perfect shot? Submissions close July 31 — share yours today and join the challenge.

Submit Here