Kitch-iti-kipi (Located in Palms Book State Park)
Sawmill Rd, Manistique, MI 49854
Phone: (906) 341-2355
Admission: $9.00 per vehicle entrance fee
Handicapped Accessible
“Big Spring” is Michigan’s largest freshwater spring spanning 200-feet across and 40-foot deep. The flow continues throughout the year at a constant 45 degrees Fahrenheit gushing more than 10,000 gallons of water a minute from fissures in the underlying limestone.
By means of a self-guided observation raft, visitors are guided to vantage points overlooking fascinating underwater features and fantasies. Ancient tree trunks, lime-encrusted branches and fat trout can be seen as they slip through crystal waters far below. Clouds of sand kept in constant motion by gushing waters create ever-changing shapes and forms – a challenge to the imagination.
The Park is open year round so visitors can see the spring any time of the year. Snowmobile and cross country trails are nearby so winter visitors on skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles will find Kitch-iti-kippi about 300 yards down the Park’s unplowed road where you will find a most memorable sight – Kitch-iti-kippi bubbling away in the middle of winter. No wonder the Indians thought the spring was magical.
Learn More: http://www.visitmanistique.com/bigspring.shtml
Fun Fact:
According to legend the Spring was named Kitch-iti-kipi in memory of the young chieftain who went to his death in the icy waters in an attempt to prove his love for a mean spirited maiden who played a trick on him.
