2024 Guide to Kitch-iti-kipi (Michigan's Big Spring)
One of the most iconic places to visit in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is Kitch-iti-kipi. Also known as “The Big Spring”, Kitch-iti-kipi is the largest fresh water spring in Michigan.
The spring is 40 feet deep, and the teal water is so clear that you can see every detail of the spring floor as well as the giant lake trout that call Kitch iti kipi home.
Fissures in the limestone floor of the spring emit 40,000 gallons of water per minute. This constant rush of fresh water results in Kitch-iti-kipi maintaining a chilly 45°F year round.
Kitch-Iti-Kipi
Hours: 8am - 10pm year-round
Entrance Fee: $9 per vehicle
Pets: on leash are welcome
Fully ADA accessible
No fishing or swimming allowed
The main attraction of Kitch iti kipi is the glass bottom raft. A very short paved path from the parking lot leads you to the dock where you board.
The raft is propelled across the spring along a cable using a giant wheel so you and your friends can take turns driving. The round-trip ride on the raft takes 10-15 minutes, and it is well worth it.
Kitch-iti-Kipi Cost
Entrance and parking at Kitch-iti-kipi is free with a Michigan Recreation Passport.
Annual Recreation Passports are $17 for for Michigan residents ($12 if purchased with license plate renewal) or $34 for non-residents.
You can also purchase a day pass for $9.
We chose to purchase the annual pass because we spent 2 months traveling through Michigan, and the Recreation Passport will get you into all of the state parks and recreation areas.
View from the deck on Kitch-iti-kipi.
Best Time to Visit Kitch-iti-Kipi
For summer travelers, we recommend getting there early in the morning or late in the evening if you want to avoid the crowds.
If you arrive during peak times (roughly 10 am - 5 pm) in the summer, expect to wait in line for the raft for 1-2 hours.
We showed up at 8:30 am on a Thursday in mid-August, and we were able to walk onto the raft without a line. When we were leaving around 10:00, the parking lot was filling up and the line was starting to get long.
Kitch iti kipi History
Kitch-iti-kipi’s history can be traced back through the legends of multiple Native American tribes.
These legends include an Ojibwe love story documented by Carole Lynn Hare, a Chipewa legend about naming their children, and a few unsubstantiated legends that popped up in the 1920s and 1930s to bring tourism to the Big Spring.
Following the departure of the Native Americans, colonists used Kitch-iti-kipi as a trash dump for decades before an entrepreneur named John Bellaire stumbled upon this hidden gem.
In 1926, Bellaire partnered with the Palms Book Land Company to preserve the land as Palms Book State Park. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the raft as well as the ranger’s quarters and concession stand in the 1930s.
Kitch-iti-kipi Fish
Fish in Kitch-iti-kipi
Lake trout, brown trout, and brook trout are attracted to the cold water of Kitch-iti-kipi. The massive size of these trout is probably contributed to the fact that you are not allowed to fish in the spring.
The benefit is this clear, protected environment gives spectators an amazing view of the fish from the raft.
Kitch-iti-kipi Directions
Kitch-iti-kipi is located in Palms Brook State Park in the southeastern part of Michigan’s Upper Penninsula.
GPS coordinates: 46.00515, -86.382738
The most popular town to stay when visiting Kitch-iti-kipi is Manistique, MI, located 15 minutes away.
If you are starting in Manistique, take Co Hwy 442 west past Indian Lake State Park (~5 miles).
Once you are west of Indian Lake, take Co Rd 445 north 4 miles along Indian Lake to M-149 N where you will see signs to Kitch-iti-kipi.
While Manistique is the closest area to stay in, we visited Kitch-iti-kipi during our stay in Munising about 50 minutes north.
If you are interested in amazing hikes along the stunning Lake Superior coast, we recommend pairing your Kitch-iti-kipi trip with a visit to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Things to do near Kitch-iti-kipi
Visit Indian Lake State Park
Indian Lake State Park is only 10 minutes from Kitch-iti-kipi, and it is on the way to / from Manistique.
The park has two campgrounds, a boat launch, and a swimming area with a nice beach.
Taylor’s dad was craving some fishing after seeing the huge trout in the Big Spring. While he fished, we hiked the flat, 2 mile loop trail along the lake and forest.
Visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Located an hour north of Kitch-iti-kipi, Pictured Rocks is a wonderland for people who enjoy the outdoors.
The park covers 42 miles of Lake Superior coast with awe-inspiring cliffs and crystal blue waters seen by land, water, or air.
Restaurants near Kitch-iti-kipi
Manistique is a great town to grab a bite to eat before or after your trip to Kitch-iti-kipi. It is a short 15 minute drive from Kitch-iti-kipi.
Upper Crust Cafe Bakery + Deli
If you want to eat a great sandwich with a view of Lake Michigan, Upper Crust Cafe is the the place for you. They make all of their sandwich bread in house, and their ingredients tasted super fresh. If you are extra hungry, try a scone for dessert.
Wheaty’s Pub
Calling all chicken wing fans! Wheaty’s looks like your typical dive bar on the outside, but the food is far from ordinary bar food. Their wings are giant and delicious.
The burgers and sandwiches are also very good; but if you are considering the wings, go with the wings.
Jack’s Fresh Market
Jack’s Fresh Market is actually the local grocery store, but the deli counter has the best pasties in town. Pasties (pronounced pass-tees) are a UP favorite. They are basically hand held pot pies filled with meat and potatoes.
Pasties came to the UP from Cornish mining immigrants in the 1840s, and they have been a staple in the UP cuisine ever since. Jack’s has fresh made pasties as well as prepackaged frozen pasties to take home with you.
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