Kitch-Iti-Kipi (The Big Spring)
Kitch-Iti-Kipi (The Big Spring)
Kitch-Iti-Kipi (The Big Spring)
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- Heather RClarkston, Michigan48 contributionsSuper cool- a definite need to visit!Very worth the visit! The clear water and seeing the active spring through the clear bottom of the raft was really cool! A great find in our beautiful State! Go early, it gets busy even on bad weather days!Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 16, 2023
- Sara TEllicott City, Maryland997 contributionsMust See!I think you have to go here at least once. There is not a lot to see or do, but the glass bottom boat is pretty cool. There is a short easy walk to the boat. on wood boards to the pond. The water was so clear. Very cool boat, which has clear glass to see below. Short ride on boat.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten January 30, 2024
- Amanda7 contributionsAbsolutely beautiful!Amazing place to hit when you’re in the area! Great area and space for plenty of passengers and simply quick yet enjoyable! Easy setting to converse with strangers and enjoy the views together!Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 29, 2024
- Fam_o_5_plus_1Wisconsin2,319 contributionsQuick StopMy husband and I stopped here on the same day we visited another state park so we didn't have to repay to enter here. This is a very short stop as the spring is really the only attraction here. The line for the raft can get quite long (and we were here on a Wednesday) but the raft holds quite a few people. I am glad that we did it. It is very pretty and reminds me of the springs we have visited in Florida. I would suggest this to anyone in the area. It is a tourist stop, that's for sure. Some of the other people on the boat made us roll our eyes but we tried to tune them out.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 1, 2024
- 134adfCleveland, Ohio32 contributionsInteresting natural head springNeat to see. Recommend doing same day as other state parks if you are coming from outside MI. They charge $11 for a day pass for out of state cars, but we heard you can use at other parks as well the same day. Didn’t take long to see but still worth it.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 11, 2024
- Misty KStanley, Wisconsin45 contributionsOne of a Kind!What a one of a kind State Park! This is a 40 foot deep natural spring with a self propelled open bottomed boat that you can ride across! It’s full of HUGE fish! If you’re in the area, it’s a must see!!Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 27, 2024
- Celeste C6 contributionsA Michigan natural beautyA very peaceful and serene natural beauty. The pull raft either an opening in the middle offers a unique way to experience the water. So neat to see the spring water bubbling up from the 40 ft depth, and watch the brown trout swim around.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 6, 2024
- KDDWest Chester, Ohio42 contributionsMitch-iti-Kipp - come on, you can say it!The springs were really neat to see as we worked our way back toward Mackinac and had some time to spare. Can’t believe the beauty and the mystical feel of the place. Manistique was a cool little town and diversion.Visited August 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 12, 2024
- Max M1 contributionGreat view, short walk, worth the driveIf you are in the area you should stop and check this place out. It’s nestled in Indian Lake State Park. Once you park it’s a short walk past a gift shop and some restrooms to the spring. You can walk along a board walk to see the spring or hop on the floating barge to get a better view. The views are worth the drive in our opinion.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Amber S
9 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Upper Peninsula MDOT was kind enough to remind everyone to wear masks and practice Social Distancing while visiting. The State Parks are in on this too. But visitors are less forthcoming and have definitely ruined it for those who are following Guidelines in order to make the most of their summers.
We waited in line for the ferry to come back after it had sent off an unnecessary amount of people given the times. Our line started getting longer and was filled with many visitors without masks and not social distancing. We chose not to take the trip across the lake with so many inconsiderate guests and no monitoring whatsoever. We understand the State Parks are getting very little funding, and their resources and what they do have are being put to other uses.
We waited in line for the ferry to come back after it had sent off an unnecessary amount of people given the times. Our line started getting longer and was filled with many visitors without masks and not social distancing. We chose not to take the trip across the lake with so many inconsiderate guests and no monitoring whatsoever. We understand the State Parks are getting very little funding, and their resources and what they do have are being put to other uses.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simoneandtony
Howell, MI132 contributions
Oct 2020
During the fall season we make our way up to this spot every year. Most years it is a joy (get there early). The water color is amazing, seeing the fish and the gallons of water bubbling up from the floor of the spring is actually quite something as well.
This year there was a problem with the people who took the little ferry boat to the middle taking a VERY long time to return. People were leaving the line to board next it was so very bad.
I don't know what the answer is for other's rudeness, but I hope one can be found.
This year there was a problem with the people who took the little ferry boat to the middle taking a VERY long time to return. People were leaving the line to board next it was so very bad.
I don't know what the answer is for other's rudeness, but I hope one can be found.
Written October 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carlene
193 contributions
Jul 2020
This place was highly recommended as we planned our trip to the UP, and it did not disappoint. The unique glass bottom barge offered spectacular views of the spring and fish, and the guide/volunteer on the barge offered interesting tidbits as he "drove" our boat. Social distancing was maintained on the barge.
We stood in the barge line for about half an hour. The "line policewoman/volunteer" kept everyone on the gravel path, and strongly encouraged everyone to maintain social distance and mask wearing. She offered unique information about sink holes, high water, and reasons for the cloudy spring. Even if she was offering incorrect information, at least she said it with authority. Advise would be to buy ice cream in the gift shop to make the line wait a bit more tolerable.
Bathrooms in the area were exceptionally clean.
We stood in the barge line for about half an hour. The "line policewoman/volunteer" kept everyone on the gravel path, and strongly encouraged everyone to maintain social distance and mask wearing. She offered unique information about sink holes, high water, and reasons for the cloudy spring. Even if she was offering incorrect information, at least she said it with authority. Advise would be to buy ice cream in the gift shop to make the line wait a bit more tolerable.
Bathrooms in the area were exceptionally clean.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mamawren3
Sebewaing, MI200 contributions
Sep 2020
A must see ~ no appointed guide to take you across, it’s all voluntary, but it looked like a relatively easy turn of the wheel to pull the raft, guided by a rope, across the spring. It’s a slow ride, giving everyone a chance to view the springs and the very large trout. It’s so pretty early in the morning - best to arrive before 11am when the crowds are minimal.
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erica6181
North Ridgeville, OH63 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
This was not on the way to our destination but we stopped by after all the positive reviews. It was cool to see the deep and clear water. The problem was the wait- the boat holds about 30(?) and takes 15 minutes to go across and back. We waited an hour to get on the boat. They jammed people on there to reduce the line, but most people were less than a foot away and didn’t get the mask memo. Probably don’t need to go back.
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SGS1260
Columbus, OH221 contributions
Sep 2020
We came for the sole purpose to see the "Big Spring". I was surprised how small the park and spring actually were. There was ample parking for cars and trailers. The gift shop and restrooms were closed over Labor Day, but portable toilets were provided.
It is a short walk from the parking lot to the line for the raft. I believe this is handicap and stroller friendly. It is also pet friendly if your dog can wait in a line and sit for 15 minutes on the raft.
We arrived in early evening on a cloudy, rain threatening day so the lines were not that long, however, we still waited 30-40 minutes to board the raft. There was a ranger on duty when we first arrived, but she came down the line and said she was leaving for dinner and suggested how to board the raft and operate it.
What takes so long is that the raft is operated by the guests.
It involves turning a wheel on the raft that pulls the raft along a line strung across the spring a few hundred feet. Some rafters will stop in the middle of the spring to observe a longer period of time without mind that there is a line of people waiting.
On our raft, people took turns turning the wheel so everyone had a chance to view, and a chance to "drive". Kids enjoyed turning the wheel with the help of parents.
There is viewing along the edges of the raft and also an open bottom in the center. The center viewing is best since it blocks water ripples and offers a clear view of the very large fish and water inlets at the bottom, however, everyone moves around so it's not like you have to stake a claim to one spot. If you are not looking through the center, you can look back toward the parking lot, or toward a narrow inlet where ducks and birds play. It is a very serene trip and takes no more than 15 minutes with constant movement. It is best on a sunny, windless day.
We did not see much else to do at this park. It is very small.
It is a short walk from the parking lot to the line for the raft. I believe this is handicap and stroller friendly. It is also pet friendly if your dog can wait in a line and sit for 15 minutes on the raft.
We arrived in early evening on a cloudy, rain threatening day so the lines were not that long, however, we still waited 30-40 minutes to board the raft. There was a ranger on duty when we first arrived, but she came down the line and said she was leaving for dinner and suggested how to board the raft and operate it.
What takes so long is that the raft is operated by the guests.
It involves turning a wheel on the raft that pulls the raft along a line strung across the spring a few hundred feet. Some rafters will stop in the middle of the spring to observe a longer period of time without mind that there is a line of people waiting.
On our raft, people took turns turning the wheel so everyone had a chance to view, and a chance to "drive". Kids enjoyed turning the wheel with the help of parents.
There is viewing along the edges of the raft and also an open bottom in the center. The center viewing is best since it blocks water ripples and offers a clear view of the very large fish and water inlets at the bottom, however, everyone moves around so it's not like you have to stake a claim to one spot. If you are not looking through the center, you can look back toward the parking lot, or toward a narrow inlet where ducks and birds play. It is a very serene trip and takes no more than 15 minutes with constant movement. It is best on a sunny, windless day.
We did not see much else to do at this park. It is very small.
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew L
West Harrison, IN217 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
We arrived around 9:30am on a Sunday during Labor Day weekend and were able to get in the second group to ride on the raft. The view from inside the raft was the best because the roof over the raft blocked the glare from the sun. The trout were very big and there were plenty of them to see. A must see for families with children. My teenage daughters loved it. It is a must see if you are in the U.P.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
culpdavide
Noblesville, IN37 contributions
Sep 2020
what a great place, when we went the place was empty, but i'm sure it is usually a hot spot for visitors with lengthy lines.
A truly amazing place, take the time to read the sign boards and learn a little history of the place. As an out of stater (Indiana) on vacation you have to pay $9 but that gets you in all state parks (went to Fayette State Park after here) for the day. Michigan has the "recreation passport" which is an annual pass for a small fee what a great idea.
A truly amazing place, take the time to read the sign boards and learn a little history of the place. As an out of stater (Indiana) on vacation you have to pay $9 but that gets you in all state parks (went to Fayette State Park after here) for the day. Michigan has the "recreation passport" which is an annual pass for a small fee what a great idea.
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahodawn
Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States944 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
What a beautiful site to behold! We only waited about 1/2 hour. Amazing the number of kids waiting in line playing passed the “do not enter” signs along the pathway. It is a self-guided tour and didn’t appear to be anyone in charge unless they were in disguise. They have a gift shop and restrooms. Also, picnic tables if you wanted to have lunch. We had a MI recreation passport on our license so we didn’t have to pay a fee for any state parks.
Written August 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
westernKs
Kansas100 contributions
Jul 2022
Looking on Trip Advisor for things to do in the Upper Penisula, and this was close to where we were staying. Truly one of the coolest things we have seen in our travels, totally expected a "oh that's nice" and got a"wow this is so cool!". You have to pay to get a state park pass if you don't have one, it was either $5 or $10. The raft ride is free. Nice bathrooms and gift shop. The forested area on the short walk to the raft was so very calm and quiet, weather conditions must have been just right as the air was crystal clear and seemed to highlight everything. Other people commented on the clarity as well. The raft is very nice, riders must/can take turns turning the wheel to make it go out to the middle. The water is so calm and clear, the most gorgeous color, and you can see the bottom 40 feet down easily. Then the water started bubbling up through a crack and that was also fun to watch. Just beautiful and the interesting facts about it never freezing just make it a wonder of nature.
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would recommend going to the website. We went during the summer and now that there is cooler weather, you may have to follow the website rules and regulations.
Written November 9, 2022
According to a web search of palms book state park on michigan -org, it is open year round.
Written October 5, 2021
It’s free as long as you have a recreational passport on your license plate or state park sticker in your window. If you don’t have either, I THINK you can buy one for $10. There was no per person cost.
Written August 24, 2020
I‘ve heard the line for the boat can be long so it’s best to go early. What time does it start to get busy? We can’t get there when it opens, but maybe late morning.
Written August 12, 2020
I would guess before 11:00 According to the locals because of COVID the lines are long but normally they aren’t. The lines go pretty quickly and most of it is in shade. Masks are required and they don’t load the raft to full capacity. It’s an interesting free site to stop at. Hope this helps!
Written August 16, 2020
You can use the raft at anytime. It’s very primitive and low key. Beautiful experience
Written July 26, 2020
No this is a small Lake that you go across and can look to the bottom and see where it is fed by a spring. It's more of an attraction.
Written August 22, 2019
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