Big Spring (Kitch-iti-kipi)

Kitch-iti-kipi is located just west of Manistique at Palms Book State Park. Go 6 miles west of Manistique on US 2 to Thompson, take M-149 north for 12 miles to the park.

One of the Upper Peninsula's major attractions, Kitch-iti-kipi or "The Big Spring" is two hundred feet across and forty feet deep. Over 10,000 gallons a minute gush from many fissures in underlying limestone, the flow continuing throughout the year at a constant 45 degree temperature so the spring never freezes and can be enjoyed any season of the year.

When you arrive at Palms Book State Park a short walk on a 50 yard paved path through pines and cedar trees takes you to the shoreline where you see this beautiful emerald green pool. A self-operated observation raft guides visitors to vantage points overlooking fascinating underwater features and fantasies.

This raft is on a cable that is pulled across the pool by a park employee or can easily be operated by any visitors to the park. The fast flowing spring can be seen through the viewing windows or you can look over the side of the viewing raft. This beautiful crystal clear spring can also be enjoyed from the shore.

Ancient tree trunks, mineral-encrusted branches and fat trout appear to be suspended in nothingness as they slip through crystal waters far below. Clouds of sand kept in constant motion by gushing waters create ever-changing shapes and forms, a challenge to the imagination of young and old alike.

Near the Spring is a pleasant and shaded picnic area, modern toilet facilities and the Palms Book Trading Post. Pick up a picnic lunch and enjoy your meal in this quiet, peaceful park. Souvenirs, T-shirts, sweatshirts, books, ice cream treats and beverages are for sale. The Trading Post open daily from mid-May through mid-October.

Palms Book State Park is open year round so visitors can see the spring any time of the year. Snowmobile and cross country trails are nearby so winter visitors on skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles will find Kitch-iti-kippi about 300 yards down the Park's unplowed road where you will find a most memorable sight - Kitch-iti-kippi bubbling away in the middle of winter. No wonder the Indians thought the spring was magical. Michigan State Park Vehicle Permit needed for admission.

Kitch-iti-kipi was supposedly a young chieftain whose girlfriend got the best of him. He told her he loved her far above the other dark-haired maidens dancing near his birchbark wigwam. "Prove it," she insisted. As a test of his devotion, she declared that he must set sail in his canoe on the pool deep in the conifer swamp. He was to catch her from his canoe as she leaped from an overhanging bough. His canoe tipped over as he was looking for her, while she was back at her village laughing with the other indian maidens about his silly quest.

According to legend the Spring was named Kitch-iti-kipi in memory of the young chieftain who went to his death in the icy waters in an attempt to satisfy the vain caprice of his ladylove.

A Little History:
This beautiful quiet spring was discovered deep in the lush wilderness by John I. Bellaire, a Manistique businessman. He enjoyed looking down into the deep crystal clear pool and watching as the big spring presented untold wonders and fish swam deep in the water. John Bellaire could have purchased the property for himself, but he wanted the spring preserved for all to enjoy. In 1926 he contacted Frank Book of the Palms Book Land Company and the purchase of almost 90 acres of land by the State of Michigan was arranged for $10. The deed requires the property "to be forever used as a public park, bearing the name Palms Book State Park." Additional land has been acquired by the State on Michigan so the park now encompasses 308 acres and the dream of John Bellaire and the many legends of Kitch-iti-kipi, the Indian chieftain, and the magical waters of the big spring live on.

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