Kitch-iti-kipi: Michigan’s Big Spring or Mirror of Heaven?
YCall it “The Big Spring,” or the “Mirror of Heaven,” or simply Kitch iti kipi, the name given to it by the native Ojibwe.
Whatever you call it, you’ll agree that Kitch-iti-kipi, is a true wonder of nature.
This brilliant, emerald-colored freshwater spring is just 12 miles west of Manistique in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and is a must on any Michigan travel bucket list.
This special spot is pure Michigan beauty at it’s most stunning. It’s 40-foot deep freshwater spring with water so crystal clear you can actually see all the way to bottom. It’s fun to catch glimpses of the fish congregating among the limestone bottom as they search for food, too.
Ride a See-through Raft Across The Big Spring
It’s easy to see why Kitch-iti-kipi is a top Michigan travel destination and the Upper Peninsula’s major tourist attraction: you’ll love the raft ride on the hand-operated viewing raft that allows you to traverse 200-foot wide natural spring and watch the water bubble up from fissured in the underlying limestone.
From your spot on this observation raft, you’ll glide across the icy waters of the spring, taking in the stunning natural beauty of the water and the pristine forest setting.
Read on to discover more about Kitch-iti-Kipi andstart making plans to visit this special spot in Michigan’s Upper Pennisula soon.
What IS Kitch-iti-kipi?
Kitch-iti-kipi, located in Palms Book State Park in Schoolcraft County, is Michigan’s largest natural freshwater spring.
The spring is approximately 200 feet across and 40 feet deep, and is characterized by it’s bright, emerald color that gives it an almost other-worldly look.
Set deep in the wilderness of the U.P., approximately 10,000 gallons of water per minute gush up from small cracks in limestone lining the bottom of the spring.
Connected to nearby Indian Lake by an underground aquifer, the water in the spring is a constant temperature of 45-degree fahrenheit year-round…brrrr.
Explore Kitch-iti-kipi
The best part about a visit to the bubbling springs is the hand-operated observation raft with a viewing window that gives passengers a perfect look at the fast-flowing spring and aquatic life below. Watch through the viewing window or over the side and see trout and age-old tree trunk and limbs as you cross the crystal-clear water.
Be sure to visit the Manistique tourism bureau, where you can learn about the fascinating legends of Kitchitikipi and the rich native American history of the area.
Kitch-iti-kipi F.A.Q.
bodies of water nearby which offer excellent opportunities for fishing, including both Indian Lake and Lake Michigan.
Since Kitch-iti-kipi is located in Michigan State Park, you will need a State of Michigan Recreation Passport to visit the springs.
No, you cannot swim in Kitch-iti-kipi. However, Indian Lake State Park is located nearby. It is located n the shores of Indian Lake, the fourth largest inland lake in the state and features a nice swimming beach.
Kitch-iti-kipi is approxmately 40 feet deep
More to Do in Manistique Michigan: Local Adventures
Plan on spending some time exploring Manistique, just 15 minutes away from the springs in the central part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
It’s a fun spot to visit in Michigan: you’ll find much to do in this town, from checking out a historical park, or a hiking trail that takes in the picturesque views of Lake Michigan’s northern shore.
Don’t miss Fayette Historic State Park, a museum village that celebrates the town’s iron- smelting heritage. Also stop by the Mackinaw Trail Winery and Tasting Room for a glass of Michigan wine on the waterfront.
As the largest city near Kitch-iti-kipi, you’ll find a wide variety of accommodations, as well as restaurants to explore.