The “Spectacular” Kitch-iti-kipi Spring!?
Kitch-iti-kipi a.k.a. The Big Spring is Michigan’s largest natural freshwater spring. And the “largest” here doesn’t mean much. But more about it later.
The UP Travel on its website says about it the following: “One of the most mystical places in the Upper Peninsula is Kitch-iti-kipi, the “Big Spring.” Its ever-bubbling teal-colored water has mesmerizing powers, something the Ojibwa discovered centuries ago.”
Yes, the water has that turquoise color that usually signifies that there are some light-color rocks at the bottom. So, in comparison to most other small inland ponds and lakes, it is unique. But let’s get serious, it is small hole in the ground, and it’s often publicized as the major, most significant natural attraction in Michigan.
Don’t be fooled by it! Michigan has so many other, more spectacular attraction that dwarf the Big Spring by any measure.
I hope that, if you are from out of state, you did not go there and got discouraged, thinking that the rest of Michigan’s natural attractions are as lame.
The Size of Kitch-iti-kipi
Kitch-iti-kipi is “the largest natural”, freshwater spring in Michigan. So, how large is it?
It is 200 feet across and 40 feet deep.
Did you notice the dimensions? It’s probably smaller than the lot you house sits on!
Palms Book State Park
Palms Book State Park is home to Kitch-iti-kipi or “The Big Spring.” While it encompasses few hundred acres of forest surrounding the spring, it does not have much more to offer.
From the big parking lot, there is a path leading to the spring. It is the whole 100 feet long!
More from the website:
“ENCOUNTER NATURE ON THE KITCH-ITI-KIPI TRAIL”
“As you walk or roll down the nearly 100-foot-long (0.3 km) out-and-back trail, listen for birds and enjoy the many trees and plants along the way.”
I am sorry, but how desperate are they? The path that is only 100 feet long should not be called a TRAIL!
More, the UP Travel webpage says: “Cross over the spring’s glassy surface on a self-driven raft and look into its crystal-clear, ethereal depths.”
Yes, it might be exciting, if you are a 5-year old kid! And, as a matter of fact, I would not plan to visit unless I was coming with some kids. Especially, because the place gets crowded and wait times can range from one to three hours.
To avoid the crowds visit before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Other information on the website include statement about visitors.
“It became one of Michigan’s most popular attractions, welcoming over 60,000 visitors annually.” Really? They must be advertising it really well, if they can continually dupe people into coming…
And just in case you thought you might engage in other outdoor activities in the park, or at the spring, the park website says this: “It’s prohibited to swim, bathe, skin or scuba dive, fish, boat, enter, or place or launch any object (including underwater cameras) in the “The Big Spring,” or use the raft for anything other than viewing.”
So, so much for doing anything else except staring at the water for two hours…
Yes, the website says: “Plan to spend at least two hours taking in everything this spellbinding park offers.” Really?
There is nothing more there. So, you are suggesting that people stare at the water for two hours! Wow!
People from the tourism authorities in the UP must be really desperate to get visitors up there.
“At the dock, board the free, crank-propelled raft. Riding across the spring is well worth the wait at busier times!”
“To operate the raft, one or more passengers volunteer to turn the big wheel that propels the raft slowly across and then back to the dock. The raft has a glass covered opening in the center of the deck. A fence surrounds the opening and a roof overhead reduces any sun glare.
From this center hole or the sides of the raft, you can look into the depths at the bubbling and swirling sand, the large trout swimming under and around the raft, ancient tree trunks and lime-encrusted branches. It is a window into nature you will long remember.”
Yes, you will long remember how you got duped into going there!
How To Get There
If you still think about going there, Kitch-iti-kipi is located in Palms Book State Park. It is 15 minutes north of Manistique on M-149; an hour south of Munising via M-28 to M-94; or nearly two hours north of Menominee via M-35 to M-149.
Cost
To enter the park, you will need an annual Michigan Recreation Passport or a day pass. If you do not have one, you can purchase it when you arrive. (I keep seeing info that only cash or checks are accepted. No credit cards.)
You can buy an $11 day pass for Michigan Parks (per vehicle). There is no extra charge for the raft ride.
Hours of Operation
The park is open daily all year from 8 a.m. to dusk.
Amenities
The amenities in the park include a concession stand with snacks, souvenirs and picnic supplies.
There are few picnic tables, charcoal grills and modern restrooms nearby.
Conclusion
Definitely, do not come to Upper Peninsula only to see the spring.
In my humble opinion, it is the worst Michigan tourist trap, together with the image of Turnip Rock (also frequently used for advertising Michigan natural attractions), which you can only see, if you kayak for an hour, and never from land, because all the surrounding nearby land is privately owned, and guarded by a private security guard.
However, if you are passing by when driving on the US 2 near Manistique and have some extra time, you might want to detour and check whether I was right or wrong.
Instead, definitely visit the nearby Fayette Historic State Park with its historic former iron-smelting town, and absolute must – Picture Rocks National Lakeshore, located directly north on Lake Superior.
Also, if you enjoy looking at the turquoise color water go to either above mentioned Picture Rocks, or even a better location – Tobermory area and Bruce Provincial Park in Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada.
Resources
- UP Travel – Kich-iti-kipi
- Visit Escanaba – Kich-iti-kipi, Palms Book State Park
- Michigan DNR – Palms Book State Park
