Breathtaking Kitch iti kipi Springs (The Big Spring) in the Palms Book State Park is One of the Best Places to Visit in Michigan's Upper Peninsula 


Kitch iti kipi | 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.

Lake Kitchitikipi is definitely on the ultimate Michigan Roadtrip and Michigan Bucket list.


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!


Can you swim in Kitch-ITI-Kipi? No. Swimming is not allowed.


Hop aboard the raft that will take you across the bubbling emerald green springs of lake Kitch it kipi in the Palm Book State Park.  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.


Where is Kitchiti Kipi Located? 

Check out the map above to see the location of Kitch iti kipi!

Kitch-iti-kipi is located in the Palms Book State Park just outside of Manistique in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  


Can you visit Kitch-iti-kipi in the winter?

Can you visit Kitch-iti-kipi in the winter? Yes, absolutely!  The park remains open all winter and so beautiful!



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 rarely 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 you swim in the Kitch-ITI-Kipi?  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!

Escanaba Michigan
Copper Harbor, Michigan
Mackinac Island
Whitefish Point Michigan
Isle Royale Michigan

Have A Great Story About Visiting Kitch it kipi or a question?

Do you have a great story about this? Share it!

[ ? ]

Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional)[ ? ]

 

Click here to upload more images (optional)

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

(first or full name)

(e.g., City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

  •  submission guidelines.


(You can preview and edit on the next page)

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Can you visit Kitch-iti-kipi in the winter? Not rated yet
We wondered if you can see this beautiful place in the winter? Thanks, Tamara Answer Hi Tamara! Yes, absolutely! The state park is left open …

How much is Kitch-ITI-Kipi? Not rated yet
Is there a charge to get in to Kitch iti kipi in Michigan's UP? Answer Hi Brandy, There is not an entrance fee per person, but you will need …

How long do people spend at Kitch-ITI-Kipi? Not rated yet
We would like to visit here this summer and wondered how much time to allow? Answer Hi Kathy, I would plan on about an hour and a half at the …

Can you swim in Kitch-ITI-Kipi? Not rated yet
Wondered if we can plan on swimming at Kitch iti kipi? Answer Hi Mary, No, swimming is not allowed at Kitch iti kipi springs. Here is more …

Click here to write your own.

Subscribe To Receive Exciting Destinations, Day Trips and Fun Directly to Your Inbox!

Cute Baby Ducks on Our Newsletter InviteTraveling Michigan Newsletter

Sign Up to Our Newsletter to Get the 5 Free Must Have Apps to Travel in Michigan Like a Boss!

Follow Us on Instagram 

View this post on Instagram

We fell in love with this beautiful red lighthouse and breakwater in Manistique, Michigan. The clouds cooperated and the lighthouse just got prettier and prettier the closer we walked. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's a lovely quaint lake town, we spend the night there after three days in the UP!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #manistique #manistiquemi #manistiquemichigan #bluesky #lighthousesofmichigan #lighthouses #lighthousesrule #breakwater #fabfriday #fridayfeeling #puremitten #naturalmitten #thegreatlakesstate #wearemichiganders #onlyinmichigan #getlost #mittenlove⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #midwestmoment #michiganders #mittensmitten #onlyinmichigan #michiganoverboard #michigan_wanderlust #michiganunsalted #puremichiganders #naturalmichigan #mittenstatelove #awesomemitten

A post shared by Michigan Travel+Food Adventure (@travelingmichigan) on

  1. Traveling Michigan Home Page
  2.  ›
  3. Kitch-iti-kipi