The Green Allurement of the Big Spring in Manistique

Kitch-iti-kipi is a sinkhole that formed when the top layer of limestone dissolved and then fell into an underwater cave, collapsing it. The sinkhole filled with water through fissures in the underlying limestone.

Those fissures continue to feed the spring at the rate of 10,000 gallons per minute. The water comes from an underground stream- or aquifer- from nearby Indian Lake, situated to the east.

Kitch-iti-kipi’s water remains a constant 45 degrees all year long. It is home to a few varieties of fish, mostly brown trout, and because of how clear the water stays, you can see them without much obstruction.

The spring at it’s deepest is 40′ but because of the clarity of the water, it seems shallower. Many people refer to the color of the water as emerald green and around the edges, I would agree. But in the middle where it is clearest, I think it’s more of an aqua or even turquoise hue.

Very visible are not only the fish of the spring but you can also see tree trunks and limbs that are often referred to as ancient.

The Backstory – $10 and a Dream Come True

I’m not going to lie. This portion of the blog will not be as in depth as I usually get because you should read the whole story for yourself. Why? Because there are several different legends wrapped around this little oval spring and I think you should read them all not just the ones I choose to share. Let me put it this way…a chieftain dies in vain, the waters help to name children, the water binds true love and more…you really need to read it for yourself.

You can find the stories on the State of Michigan website here: https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=425&type=SPRK&

But, for now we’ll talk about how this actually became a state park…

If you look at the beautiful green and blue waters of Kitch-iti-kipi you would never believe that when it was discovered by John Bellaire in the early 1920’s, it was little more than a black hole. Or that it was covered in trash left by a neighboring lumber company. No, standing around these waters now, you can’t possibly imagine anything but the beauty before you.

However, that’s exactly how Bellaire found it. Lucky for us he could look past the remains of what the lumber company left behind and see the crystal waters at the bottom. He could see the spring being fed through the fissures as the sand spun and twirled underneath, creating a kaleidoscope effect. He developed a grand plan but he knew he needed help and he knew who that person would be.

Bellaire enlisted the help of Frank Book in 1926. Book was a representative of the Palms Book Land Company. It was through this that he approached the State of Michigan and made a deal that would last forevermore. He sold 90 acres to the state for a whopping $10 and a deed that came with stipulations. The property would always be open to the public and it would be named Palms Book State Park.

To this day, that is how it remains but with one difference…the park now emcompasses 308 acres instead of the 90 it started with. Additional land has been acquired through the years by various methods. Some was purchased through tax deliquency and some was through land exchanges.

It Is A State Park So…

Because this is a state park you will need a Recreational Passport to enter. I covered what the passport is and the cost for them in my post about Sleepy Hollow State Park.

You’re In, Now What

After waving at the nice park ranger, you will notice that there is a large parking lot waiting to welcome you. Actually, on the map the parking lot looks more than twice the size of Kitch-iti-kipi itself. Don’t be fooled! If you go during peak season, it’s unlikely you will swing right into a parking spot. Be prepared for crowds and that you may end up parking along the roadway and doing a little walking. It’s not a big deal but if you have people with you that have mobility problems, you may want to drop them off at the east end or the gift shop while you park.

Truthfully, parking will be the worse of your day. Once in you will walk down a pathway on the east side of the lot that leads to the raft. Most likely, you will be standing in a line to wait your turn but it moves at a steady enough pace…without a doubt it’s quicker than the lines at a theme park.

Here’s a helpful hint: the line is through the woods and we all know how the mosquitos have been this year (ok, every year). Use your preferred method of mosquito repellent! You will not be happy if you forego the spray, cream etc.

Dogs Allowed In Kitch-iti-kipi

You are allowed to take your dog but it must be on a 6 foot or shorter leash at all times. And, if your beloved pooch makes a mess, clean it up and place it in the trash can. It’s the right thing to do. You know, all the typical rules for taking a dog anywhere.

Here is my HUGE piece of advice on this topic…

If your dog does not do well around crowds, if they are anxious or if your dog doesn’t like other dogs, please do not take them with you! I wish I had read this somewhere before we went.

I have two rescue dogs (at the time went we had three) and while my dogs did very well themselves, the people behind us were, well…they were jerks. They had a small dog that they kept crowding my dog with. My dog does not like small dogs. We would move as much as we could to give distance and they would crowd us again. Finally, my German Shepherd growled at their dog. I don’t blame my dog but we still reprimanded her.

My husband ended up taking all the dogs to the picnic area and sitting in the shade with them instead of going on the raft with us. I feel bad that he missed the raft ride. I feel bad my dog was the one reprimanded. Mostly, I feel bad because I held my tongue.

After my husband left with the dogs, they bragged about how they would have killed my dog if she had actually done something. If I knew who the creatins were, I would absolutely call them out now. They are also lucky I have a slow fuse or threatening my dog would have become very ugly…just saying.

Honestly, though, my dogs would not have liked being on the raft. It is crowded with a lot of people of all ages and mobilities, other dogs (mostly small dogs) and, did I mention it is really crowded? So, if you can leave them with someone, in your camper, at your campsite – just not in your car, please – then I would strongly suggest it. You will be able to enjoy the experience and your dog(s) will not be stressed or in an unfortunate situation.

Finally! You’re On The Raft

A park ranger is stationed on the raft dock and limits the number of occupants on the raft at a time. While you wait your turn, the ranger will cheerfully answer questions, chat or tell you more about Kitch-iti-kipi. They are there to share their knowledge about The Big Spring and they do so happily!

The Raft Being Guided Away From The Dock

The raft itself is a self-guided observation raft. That means it has an open area in the middle so that people can see the water underneath. The self guided part means that it depends on someone working the pulley system that takes it from one side of the spring to the other and vice versa.

Luckily, while I was there every raft ride had young boys excitedly ready to do the manual labor. Don’t worry. Your experience is not solely in the hands of youngsters. Dad was always nearby if they needed an extra hand.

Kitch-it-kipi Facts Sign in Observations Area of Raft

See what I mean about the color in the middle of the spring. That is not what I call emerald but it is a stunning shade of turquiose.

If you are a photographer (or claustophobic), I would strongly recommend finding a place on the outside rails, preferably at the front of the raft or the southeast side looking towards the inlet. I was in the front, right corner and it was perfect!

The entire trip across the 300′ spring will take between 20-30 minutes depending on how much energy those working the pulley exert. I wasn’t in any hurry and a nice steady pace made for some great pictures!

Yes, those are some of the Trout you can see in the pictures. They are so big because there is no fishing allowed here, that through the water they resembles small sharks! It was kind of eerie really.

Even if you could fish here, you can’t eat any of the fish in this spring. The high sulfur content of the water, which helps to create the lovely color, makes the fish inedible.

Just Don’t!

It seems that the last couple of years I’ve been up in this area, I have heard of someone breaking one of the rules. I’ll list them here for you because the penalties can be very high for some of them should you decide to “buck the system”.

They are here to protect a natural resource and your fifteen minutes of foolishness is not worth it in the end for anyone.

It is PROHIBITED to swim, bathe or skin/scuba dive in the spring
Do not fish
Boats are not allowed
Do not place ANY object into the water, including underwater cameras. They are SERIOUS-nothing touches the water!
It is PROHIBITED TO ENTER THE WATER FOR ANY REASON
Do not use the Observation Raft for anything other than it’s intended purpose

While this seems pretty straightforward and simple, it seems like I hear of someone jumping into the water every year, then being arrested and it just gets ugly.

Back At Shore

After you disembark, take a few minutes to meander around reading information boards about Kitch-iti-kipi and taking some photos from the shoreline. Nearly everyone has what I would call the iconic raft shot. Here’s mine!

Once done with the raft ride, there isn’t a lot of other activities available. There are no hiking trails or bicycle paths. But there is a picnic area and a concession counter inside the gift shop…see where I’m going with this?

Have a picnic before you hit the road again! Or, be like me and take a picnic lunch with you. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy the day a little longer.

Yay or Nay?

I’m going to give Kitch-iti-kipi a Yay but with a caveat…

While the natural beauty of the Big Spring is undeniable, that is almost all there is to do here. As I have already stated, there are no trails and definitely no swimming area. But, most of us travel North for it’s natural beauty and you will find that here. And it will be like nothing else you’ve seen!

I will add that when I asked my family what their impression was, they said it was beautiful but the experience did not justify the wait in line for the raft and they wouldn’t be in a hurry to return.

So, mark it down as another item to cross off your bucket list and not much more. I, for one, had to see it. I’m glad I did.

Cost of the Day

I actually had no direct cost on this adventure. I had purchased the Recreational Passport when I renewed my tags at the beginning of the year so I had no entrance fee to pay. We didn’t purchase anything from the gift shop. To be honest, we didn’t even go into the gift shop. I knew my husband was sitting somewhere with our dogs and I didn’t want to make him wait any longer than he already had.

Because of the time of day we went, it was in between meals and I didn’t know about the concession area beforehand so we didn’t plan out a picnic this time around. If we ever go back though, I will plan to take a lunch with us – and leave the dogs at the cabin.

Nearby

Just because there isn’t a lot to do at Kitch-iti-kipi does not mean there is nothing to do at all. You will most likely drive a bit to get here so make the most of the area. I didn’t know about any of this when I went so, hopefully, this helps you to plan better than I did.

Indian Lake State Park – offers two campgrounds, a beach, swimming and hiking trails
Hiawatha National Forest
Lake Superior State Forest
Seney National Wildlife Refuge
Shingleton State Forest Area
Manistique, MI
Big Spring Tavern (if you don’t want a picnic or concession food)