Explore Kitch-iti-kipi ("Big Springs")

Manistique, Michigan

4.5/5

based on 2 reviews

Save

View all 7 photos

All 7 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Description

Added by Sonja Saxe

Located in Palms Book State Park, Kitch-iti-kipi, also known as "Big Springs" is Michigan's largest freshwater spring and thanks to its ease of accessibility is a scenic destination adventurers of all skill levels and ages can enjoy.

Kitch-iti-kipi is a beautiful and easily accessed attraction in the southern region of Michigan's UP. The springs are a short 11.5 mile drive from the town of Manistique and are the perfect side trip for a UP getaway.

Parking is plentiful at Palms Book State Park and a parking attendant will check for your recreation passport as you pull in. If you do not have one you can buy one on the spot. They cost $11 annually for Michigan residents and $9 daily for non-Michigan residents. Once parked follow the short path to the shore of Kitch-iti-kipi and take in the crystal clear, aqua-colored spring. After you've explored the shore and read the placard explaining the history of Kitch-iti-kipi, get in line to ride the self-operated raft across the 200 foot long spring. While on your peaceful ten minute journey enjoy views from the deck of water bubbling up from limestone fissures and displacing sand on the spring floor, fallen tree trunks, and giant trout.

It's a short adventure that only requires about an hour of time but Kitch-iti-kipi delivers some of the most unique scenery in the UP.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin

Photography

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Groups

Picnic Area

Scenic

ADA Accessible

Reviews

Natalie F

Explore Kitch-iti-kipi ("Big Springs")

07/26/20

Such an interesting feature in a state park. Worth the stop for sure! Soak in the clarity of the water as you pull yourself across the lake!

4.0

Explorer

Shalee Blackmer

Explorer

Explore Kitch-iti-kipi ("Big Springs")

08/06/16

There is no where else on earth where you can see such crystal clear waters. Absolutely amazing!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Explore Wagner Falls

Wagner Falls is an easy-to-reach waterfall right off of 94. There are parking areas on both sides of the highway so even when the trail is busy you will likely find a spot. Its close proximity to the highway and short trail make Wagner Falls the idea place to go if you are limited on time but want a rewarding view.The trail to the falls is only a quarter-mile and ends at a viewing platform that...

Hike to Tannery Falls

Located right off of County Highway 58 across from Sand Point Road, Tannery Falls doesn't see the larger advertising that many other falls see in the area, but is a hidden gem within the town. At the start of the hike, you'll need to find a parking spot off of the highway, you might run into ticketing parking there. Once done, you can see the stairway for the trail. The trail is short, running ...

Backpack Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

The time of the year is one of the most important factors of this trip. DO NOT under any circumstances plan this trip for a time during mid June - mid August. The black flies at this time of the year are more than a nuisance. They are seemingly resistant to even 100% DEET, and can bite through clothing. They WILL ruin your mood during the trip. There are also plenty of mosquitos at this time, b...

Explore Munising Falls

Munising Falls is a 50' falls located inside the city limits of Munising. The trail to the waterfall is directly outside the visitor center and makes for a quick and easy hike after stopping by to pick up a permit or check in with a ranger. The paved trail is cool and shaded as it follows a creek to a viewing platform at the base of the falls. There are also two sets of stairs that lead to addi...

Backpack at Grand Island

Located in Munising, MI, Grand Island National Recreation Area is a part of the Hiawatha National Forest. While this section of the Upper Peninsula is known for Pictured Rocks National Park, many people fail to see or check out Grand Island. Secluded by ferry access, the island features 12 backpacking sites and two group sites along a 20-ish mile loop, along with six other sites on the eastern ...

Hike to Miners Falls

A simple hike from the trailhead will take you through the woods and to the viewing deck of Miners Falls. There are well marked signs to the trailhead from the main road, which is extremely helpful with the lack of cell phone service in the area. The hike is 1.2 miles round trip and requires no hard terrain challenges to the viewing deck. However, what makes these falls unique is following a t...

Explore Kitch-iti-kipi ("Big Springs")

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Explore Wagner Falls

Hike to Tannery Falls

Backpack Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Explore Munising Falls

Backpack at Grand Island

Hike to Miners Falls

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps