Kitch-iti-kipi

Kitch-iti-kipi is a natural spring located within Palms Book State Park, featuring water so clear that the sandy bottom is easily visible from above. The spring emerges from limestone and maintains a cold temperature year-round, creating an otherworldly blue-green color.

The spring held significance for indigenous peoples of the Upper Peninsula who relied on it across generations. European settlement in the region during the 1800s gradually changed how the area was used and perceived.

The name originates from Native American languages of the Upper Peninsula Michigan tribes, reflecting their connection to this water source across generations.

Visitors can reach the spring using a self-operated raft that glides across the water via a cable system, allowing close observation of the underwater world. This manual method provides a peaceful way to explore the spring without disturbing the environment.

The limestone bottom continuously releases water at a tremendous rate, creating shifting sand patterns that are visible from above. This constant movement beneath the surface creates an ever-changing underwater display that visitors rarely forget.

Location: Schoolcraft County

Elevation above the sea: 190 m

GPS coordinates: 46.00416,-86.38194

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:04