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Kitch-iti-Kipi

Kitch-iti-kipi, Sawmill Road, Manistique, MI, USA

Dawn until dusk, may vary by season

$$

local-highlights, hikes

Kitch-iti-Kipi at Palms Brook State Park is a hidden gem in Michigan's Upper Peninsula!

Located inside Palms Book State Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Kitch-iti-Kipi can't be missed! The nearest town is Manistique, Michigan, but Kitch-iti-Kipi is accessible from across the Upper Peninsula. 

Here, families are in for a treat! A short, well-marked walk from the parking lot will take you to, what is lovingly called, the "Big Spring". In fact, it is Michigan's largest freshwater spring. The underwater springs gush more than 10,000 gallons of water a minute! You can visit no matter the season, as the springs are constantly flowing and maintain a water temperature of 45 degrees.

Once on-board the manual raft, you will be able to see the underwater springs and fish from the central observation area of the raft. Kids will adore turning the huge wheel to manually steer the raft out and back (pulled along a rope, so they can't go too far!). 

On-board, enjoy the view of the spring's turquoise waters and surrounding forest. You'll be able to quickly see why Kitch-iti-Kipi is a local favorite and filled with native indigenous traditions and stories.

This hike requires the Michigan Recreation Passport for vehicle entry and parking. If you are paying the daily rate of $9.00, it is advisable to have cash in the event that no one is staffing the park. You can also consider an annual pass. There are seasonal restrooms available near the parking lot, as well as a small gift shop. Picnic tables also dot the lawn near the bathrooms for a quick snack or picnic lunch.

Features

Restrooms Hiking Picnic Tables
Thoughtfully captured by:
Antonia Grant
Antonia Grant is a life-long learner and avid adventurer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She loves equipping families with the tools and confidence they need to travel and adventure together. Antonia is also a strong believer in the beauty of multigenerational relationships and travel. Her main adventure buddies are her husband and young daughter. As a family, they love trying new restaurants, hiking, and traveling the world! By day she works at Carleton College, by night she is a Minneapolis ambassador for happyly. She’s always seeking new adventures to write about and share. Connect with Antonia on Instagram @knead.to.roam!
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