Michigan Kitch-iti-Kipi – Big Spring in the U.P.

Kitch-iti–kipi: Michigan’s Big Spring, or Mirror of Heaven?

Kitch-iti-Kipi is Michigan’s “Big Spring,” and it’s now in high demand. It’s located in the Upper Peninsula near Manistique MI.

This stunning, brilliantly emerald-green freshwater spring is Michigan beauty at its best. The water is more than 40ft deep and 200ft across. It’s so clear you can see to the bottom.

The best thing? The best part? You can use a clear-bottomed, hand-operated boat to cross the pond and peer down into the water below. Imagine being able to see big lake trout gather at the limestone bottom of springs in search of food. It’s great fun!

It doesn’t matter if you call it Kitchiti Kipi or the Big Spring, it is a wonder of nature.

Continue reading to find out more about Kitch iti Kipi, or the Big Spring. Use our guide to plan your trip north to this popular Michigan tourist spot.

You can ride a see-through raft across Kitch-iti-Kipi’s Big Spring

Kitch-itikipi is a popular Michigan tourist destination. It is also the most visited attraction in the Upper Peninsula. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources it attracts more than 260,000 visitors annually. It’s clear why.

You’ll love riding the raft on the hand-operated viewing boat that takes you through natural springs while watching the water rise from the limestone.

You’ll be able to glide along the spring’s icy waters from your observation raft. Enjoy the natural beauty of the water as well as the beautiful forest setting. The fish will be swimming among the submerged cedar logs. It seems like the logs have been around since the beginning of the world, thanks to both the minerals and the constant-cold temperature of 45 degrees.

This is a beautiful place and you will want to take your camera with you when you visit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Kitch-iti – Kipi: Where is it?

What is Kitch-iti kipi?

History of Kitch iti Kipi

Kitch-iti kipi, Michigan’s largest freshwater natural spring, is located in Palms Book State Park. It’s now open to the public.

But it wasn’t always like that. Kitch-itiKipi, once used as a dump for lumber, was discovered by John Bellaire, a Manistique businessman in the 1920’s. Bellaire was able to see through the decaying logs and to the natural beauty below, convincing Frank Palms, the Palms Book Land Company owner, to sell Michigan.

To allow visitors to see the stocked pond, a self-operating obersvation boat was built in 2003.

The Big Spring is a captivating sight. Its bright, emerald-colored color gives it an almost otherworldly appearance.

The spring is deep in the U.P. wilderness, and approximately 10,000 gallons per minute flow from the cracks in the limestone floor.

The spring is connected to Indian Lake via an underground aquifer. The water in the spring maintains a constant temperature at 45 degrees Fahrenheit all year.

Explore Kitch-iti-kipi & the Surrounding Area

A visit to the bubbling springs will be memorable for the hand-operated observation boat with a viewing window. This allows passengers to get a great view of the water and aquatic life below. As you cross the clear water, watch out for trout or old tree trunks and limbs.

Kitch-iti – Kipi is open all year. It’s a great spot to view some stunning Michigan fall colours. You can still visit in winter as the water does not freeze and maintains its temperature of 45 degrees. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is also beautiful in spring. Spring is quieter than winter, which means you have more time to enjoy the beautiful natural settings.

Day Trip to Kitch-iti-Kipi

Kitch-iti-Kipi, located just an hour away from Lake Superior is a great day-trip from many popular destinations in the U.P. and the lower peninsula.

Just two hours southwest of Tahquemon Falls
Just an hour south of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
From Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island, just two hours west of Lake Michigan’s northern coast
From Ann Arbor – Five and a half hours north
Five hours north of Grand Rapids

Visit the Manistique tourist bureau, to learn more about the amazing legends of Kitchitikipi as well as the rich native American history.

IF You GO:
Although there are not many accommodations near Kitch-iti-Kipi, we stayed at the Comfort Hotel in Manistique approximately 20 minutes away. It has large rooms and is very clean. The train is made of wood and has great Instagram photos. Manistique is a great choice. It is conveniently located near the highway and has a comfortable and clean environment. You can get a free breakfast and use the gym.
This Lakefront Cabin is a great option if you are looking to stay in the area for a while, or if you prefer a more rustic feel. It’s located about 10 minutes north of Kitch-iti-Kipi at Gooseneck Lake. There are two bedrooms, a bathroom and a comfortable kitchen. The living room also has a fireplace. The large covered porch and small deck that overlooks the lake were a delight. It is so beautiful, especially in fall when you can see the lovely folliage that lines the lake.

Kitch-iti–Kipi: Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Fish at Kitch -iti-kipi

Kitch-itiKipi is not a place where you can fish. However, there are nearby bodies of water that offer great opportunities for fishing, including Indian Lake and Lake Michigan. Is it free to visit Kitch-iti kipi?

Kitch-iti-kipi can only be accessed by a State of Michigan Recreation Passport. Can You Swim in Kitch-iti-kipi?

Kitch-iti kipi is not a swimming area. Indian Lake State Park can be found nearby. It is situated on the shores Indian Lake, which is the fourth largest inland lake of the state. How deep is Kitch-iti kipi?

Kitch-iti kipi measures approximately 40 feet in depth

There are many things to do in Manistique, Michigan

Spend some time exploring Manistique. It is located just 15 minutes from the springs of the central region of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Michigan is a great place to visit. There are many things to do here, including visiting a historic park or hiking along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan.

Fayette Historic State Park is a museum village that tells the story of Fayette’s iron-smelting heritage. Stop by Mackinaw Trail Tasting Room and Winery for a glass Michigan wine right on the water.

You’ll find a variety of accommodation options and restaurants in Kitch-iti-kipi’s largest city.