Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to “Big Spring,” better known as Kitch-iti-kipi. In this video, we’ll take a ride on the people-powered observation raft that glides across this jewel of the UP.
Jewel of the Upper Peninsula
Big Spring is easy to get to, just search for Palms Book State Park near Manistique, MI. The Objibwe people called Kitch-iti-kipi “The Mirror of Heaven,” and it’s easy to see why. The emerald green water reflects the sky and forest, and feels like something out of a fairy tale.
Up to fifty visitors board an observation raft that glides slowly across the pond for about 20 minutes. The center of the raft is open, so you can see underwater features like lime-encrusted tree trunks and fat trout and perch. Kitch-iti-kipi is a freshwater spring 200-feet across and 40-foot deep. The water is 45 degrees year-round and never freezes because more than 10,000 gallons gush up through fissures in the limestone every minute. The force of the water creates undulating clouds of sand on the bottom of the pool.
Special thanks to Upper Limits Media for use of the beautiful underwater footage of Kitch-iti-kipi. Check out their full video here
Visit Palms Book State Park, home of Kitch-iti-kipi. The observation raft and the trail leading to it are ADA accessible, and leashed dogs are also welcome. Admission is free, but you’ll need a Michigan State Recreation Passport to display on your vehicle’s windshield.
While visiting the Upper Peninsula, we stayed at Log Cabin Resort & Campground in Curtis, MI.
