There are several folktales and legends about the spring. Over the next two decades, the State obtained several more land parcels and the Palms Book State Park now covers nearly 388 acres. The deed stipulated the land had to be used forever as a public state park. So he convinced members of the Palms and Book families who owned the Palms Book Land Company to sell 90 acres surrounding the spring to the State of Michigan for $10. Rather than buy the land for himself, Bellaire wanted everyone to enjoy the spring.

He would visit the enchanting waters almost daily. John Bellaire, the owner of a five-and-dime store in Manistique, came upon the hidden spring in the 1920s. Lumber camps used Kitch-iti-kipi as a dumping ground for unwanted logs and trash.

worked to tame the thick forests, harvesting the lumber to build communities in the U.P. Many left when European settlers arrived. You can swim, fish and paddle at the nearby Indian Lake State Park.įor many years, Ojibwe families lived in the area surrounding Kitch-iti-kipi. If the raft is crowded, please consider keeping your pet on shore. Pet-friendly pets must be on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times in the park and on the raft. There is an ADA-accessible, paved path from the parking lot to the observation deck and dock. The overflow of the spring waters enters a rushing stream that winds its way through the surrounding forest and empties into Indian Lake. It is home to large lake trout, brown trout and brook trout. It rarely freezes in the winter.ġ0,000 gallons of water per minute erupts from fissures in the limestone rocks at the spring’s floor. The water temperature is a constant 45 degrees and the teal water is crystal clear. The largest natural, freshwater spring in Michigan, it is 40 feet deep and 200 feet across. Located 11 miles north of US-2 outside of Manistique. One of Michigan’s most popular attractions, it welcomes over 60,000 visitors annually.

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