Jaw-Dropping Big Spring (Kitch iti kipi) is a Magical Place to Visit in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan
Did you know The Big Spring, known as Kitch-iti-kipi was named the "Mirror of Heaven" by the early Indians? Located in Palms Book State Park in Manistique, this spring is a spectacular place to visit in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Some might even say it is magical.
Manistique is 1 hour and 40 minutes from Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island, so be sure to start your trip there and then head north through 95 miles breathtaking scenery.
ALSO: Grab our popular "Ultimate Upper Peninsula Road Trip" for more ideas, photos and inspiration for your Upper Peninsula vacation!
Hop aboard the raft that will take you across the bubbling emerald green springs. I love the middle viewing area as the water is so crystal clear! It offers a great view of the fish and the magical bubbling springs. The raft has a roof so you are able to see the fish very clearly without the glare from the sun.
Someone in your party will need to operate the crank that propels the raft along a guided line. There is no charge to ride the raft and you can go as many times as you like. We rode it for about a half hour as we were enjoying the experience so much.
Kitch-iti-kipi is the largest natural freshwater spring in Michigan's Upper Peninsula! It is 200’ in diameter, 42′ deep and delivers 16,000 gallons of crystal clear water per minute. HOLY MOLY!!
Kitch-iti-kipi is a Spectacular Place to Visit in Michigan's Upper Peninsula!
The springs remain a constant 45 degrees so it never freezes! So you can still visit the spring in the winter!
Isn't it fascinating to watch the spring bubbling up from below the fish? For me, it is just so mesmerizing!!
Kitch-iti-kipi is a Wonderful Place for Photographers!
We arrived at Big Spring or Kitch-iti-kipi around 7:00 pm the night we arrived. We definitely were awarded with better photos than the following late morning when the sun was higher.
Kitch-iti-kipi is a breathtaking natural springs that is unlike any experience we have ever had.
You will need a state park pass and there is no charge to take the raft across the spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the address? Sawmill Rd, Manistique, MI 49854
- Is the lot gravel? The parking lot at Big Spring is paved
- Are there bathrooms? There are bathrooms near the parking lot and a porta-john at the end of the lot on your way out of the park.
- Is it a long walk to the spings? You will only walk a very short way through a path of pine trees to the spectacular emerald springs. There are no stairs.
- How is kitch-iti-kipi pronounced? ("KITCH-i-tee-KI-pee" with short "i"s)
- What does the name mean? The name means "big cold water"
- You will need a state park pass
- Can we swim? You can not swim in the spring
We recommend wearing bug spray as there can be mosquitoes in the woods.
Exciting Areas Nearby and Things To Do
- Manistique-Lots of great hiking trails, eats, boardwalk and lighthouse!
- Check out Fayette Historic State Park in my Escanaba page. (1 hr from Manistique)
- Tahquamenon Falls-I mean, WOW! Did you know you can rent rowboats?
- Whitefish Point-Do you know what famous bell is housed here?
Pin This Big Spring, Kitch-iti-kipi Page
Keep Reading!
Subscribe To Receive Exciting Destinations, Day Trips and Fun Directly to Your Inbox!
Traveling Michigan NewsletterSign Up to Our Newsletter to Get the 5 Free Must Have Apps to Travel in Michigan Like a Boss!
Follow Us on Instagram
-
Traveling Michigan Home Page
›
-
Big-Spring