Manistique Michigan: Home to Kitch it kipi, the Largest, Most Jaw-Dropping Springs in MI's Upper Peninsula! Outstanding Boardwalks and Lighthouse! 


Manistique: Home to Kitch it kipi, the Largest, Most Jaw-Dropping Springs in Michigan! See Outstanding Boardwalks and Lighthouse!By Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com

Did you know this scenic lake town in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is home to an outstanding boardwalk, magnificent views of Lake Michigan, a sparkling bright red lighthouse and the largest, most jaw-dropping springs in Michigan?

Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan's largest natural spring! It is 200’ in diameter, 42′ deep and delivers 16,000 gallons of crystal clear water per minute.  HOLY MOLY!!

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.

So many things to do in Michigan's Upper Peninsula!

ALSO: Grab our popular "Ultimate Upper Peninsula Road Trip" for more ideas, photos and inspiration for your Upper Peninsula vacation!


Maps of Manistique to Plan Your Vacation


Zoom in and out of the interactive map above to see all the fun things to do in the city! Click on the icons for more information.


Wander Manistique's Quaint Downtown 


Tap 21 in the downtown area has friendly service and it's a great place to relax after a day of exploring! If you are searching for a town to visit in Michigan's UP, Manistique is it!!


Enjoy the Gorgeous Manistique Boardwalk!


This wood and cement walk features three bridges, several benches, a fishing pier, observation areas and a great view of Manistique’s Breakwater Light. One heck of a view of Lake Michigan!

The boardwalk connects to the Manistique Breakwater Light so you can just continue exploring. Great spot to visit in Michigan's Upper Peninsula!

There was a porta-john in the parking lot.


You can walk just over two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline on the Manistique Boardwalk! 

Manistique Breakwater Light is Stunning!


Manistique Breakwater Light was first lit in 1916. It's a fantastic walk out to the light.  The rocks are such a gorgeous orange color and the water is so sparkly! 

The Breakwater Light is such a vibrant red, it's just breathtaking!  You gotta check it out!


Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan's Largest Natural Spring is Breathtaking!


Kitch-iti-kipi aka Big Spring is a breathtaking natural springs that is unlike any experience we have ever had. It is 200’ in diameter, 42′ deep and delivers 16,000 gallons of crystal clear water per minute.  

See our videos, tons of photos, tips and things to see at Kitch-iti-kipi!!!



 Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan's Largest Spring!!


Colwell Lake Trail Loop

Colwell Lake Trail Loop. Photo: VisitManistique.comColwell Lake Trail Loop. Photo: VisitManistique.com


Colwell Lake Pathway (in the Hiawatha National Forest) is a 2 mile long loop trail that meanders along the edge of Colwell Lake.  It is surfaced to be fully accessible to people with mobility impairments.

The trail is really beautiful in the fall.  Such fantastic views of the lake, trees and wildlife!  You can access the trail either from the Colwell Lake Campground or from a trailhead located on M-94 approximately 30 miles north of Manistique or 9.8 miles south of Shingleton.


Seney National Wildlife Refuge is a Great Way to See Nature Up Close in Michigan's Upper Peninsula


Visitor's Center: 1606 Refuge Entrance Rd, Seney, Michigan

There are almost 96,000 acres of diverse habitat live a wide variety of wildlife species at the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Check out the visitor center for more info regarding hiking trails, closures and safety information. 

We recommend stopping at the visitors center and then drive the scenic Marshlands Wildlife Scenic Drive!  See what animals you can spot!!


Rainey Wildlife Area

Rainey Wildlife AreaRainey Wildlife Area. Photo: VisitManistique.com

Dawson Rd, Manistique, MI 49854 

Directions: From US-2 in Manistique, drive north through town on M-94 about 5 miles to Dawson Road. Turn left (west) and proceed 1.5 miles to an access road that goes north to the site parking lot.

Discover a very pretty hiking trail that passes through maple, yellow birch and other beautiful trees that will take you over over boardwalks and through wet areas.  Eventually you will arrive at an elevated observation platform with the possibility of seeing wildlife.

This observation platform has a barrier-free ramp that reaches to a mid-level so you can see awesome views of a meadow and open water habitats.  The trail crosses Smith Creek, which flows through a patterned fen to Indian Lake.

There are no bathrooms so be prepared!!  It is named after and has a memorial site dedicated to a fallen Vietnam veteran.


Exciting Areas Nearby and Things To Do



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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

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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by!

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

"Sherry & Chris"

We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

    Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

    In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

Sherry & Chris are at the Inn at Bay Harbor and looking out at the lake.
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