Kitch-iti-kipi is an Ojibwe word most often translated as the Big Spring. Other meanings are The Great Water, The Blue Sky I See, and The Roaring Bubbling Spring. It has also been called the Mirror of Heaven. The spring is the key attraction in Palms Book State Park which was founded in 1928.
Palms Book State Park is near Manistique off highway M-149 on the edge of Indian Lake. In addition to the spring, there is a picnic area, restrooms, and a trading post for souvenirs and snacks. You cannot swim or fish in Kitch-iti-kipi. As a Michigan state park, there is an entry fee unless you have an annual recreation pass.
Kitch-iti-kipi
Visitors can view the spring from the shoreline or on an observation raft with a glass-bottom center. There is no additional fee for the raft ride. From the parking lot, it’s a short walk on a paved path to the water’s edge. Both the path and the raft are universally accessible. The raft starts at the dock, crosses the spring on a cable, and returns directly to the dock.
If you plan on participating on the raft, get in line as soon as you arrive. Only 30 to 40 people can board at a time, and it takes 15 minutes for each group.
The Big Spring is Michigan’s largest natural spring at 45 feet deep. More than 10,000 gallons of water flow into the spring per minute. The water temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, even in the middle of winter.
When the sun is shining, the spring is truly spectacular! The blues, teals, and greens reflect what’s above while still giving clear views below.
From the raft, visitors can see through crystal waters to tree trunks and plumes of water and sand flowing up from fissures in the limestone. It almost creates a kaleidoscope effect. We watched dozens of lake trout and brown trout swim under our feet.
This was a great stop on our way from Munising to Manistique. I’ve heard it can be even better later in the day when the sun isn’t directly overhead. Has anyone been here? What did you think? Comment below!