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Manistique, Michigan: Pull-it-Yourself Raft

Turn a big wheel and pull yourself on a raft across Michigan's largest freshwater spring -- which never freezes. A raft hole provides views of giant trout swimming in the crystal-clear water below.

Palms Book State Park

Address:
Sawmill Rd, Manistique, MI
Directions:
Palms Book State Park. At the very end of Hwy 149. Follow the highway north about 15 minutes from US Hwy 2 in Thompson.
Hours:
Summer daily 9-7, off-season 10-5 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
906-341-2355
Admission:
Day pass $16.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Visitor Tips and News About Pull-it-Yourself Raft

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Pull-It-Yourself Raft

It's actually called Kitch-Iti-Kipi Springs aka Big Springs. It's very beautiful and well worth seeing. Just a heads-up: if you don't have a state park sticker it is now $16 for one day.

[Tennille Wilton, 08/15/2019]
Pull-it-Yourself Raft

There is no glass bottom, so make sure to keep your belongings securely with you.

[EggDropErin, 08/28/2015]
Glass-Bottom Pull-it-Yourself Raft

The $9 is good all day for all state parks. We visited three, so it ended up being only $3 per park per car/camper. Also stop at Fayette, MI. Near Garden, MI. It is a neat iron-making town from the late 1800s.

[Andy, 06/10/2015]
Glass-Bottom Pull-it-Yourself Raft

We visited the Kitch-Ito-Kipi "Big Spring" attraction, which is located within the Palms Book State Park. This the "admission" - you must either have an annual State Parks permit or buy a one-day pass for $9.00. Definitely worth a stop!

[L Judy, 08/26/2014]

View of the fish below raft.

U-Pull-It Raft at Big Springs Kitch-iti-kipi

Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan's largest freshwater spring, is in Palms Book State Park in the Upper Peninsula. The spring has incredibly clear, blue-green water. Visitors can take a self-operated raft, attached to a cable, 200 feet across the spring. A few turns of the "big wheel" and you automatically set sail. A glass-bottom section provides views of giant trout swimming below.

[Jan Unsicker, 10/02/2012]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Paul Bunyan StatuePaul Bunyan Statue, Manistique, MI - 7 mi.
Yooper and His CowYooper and His Cow, Gulliver, MI - 14 mi.
Indian Head Rock, Miner's CastleIndian Head Rock, Miner's Castle, Munising, MI - 33 mi.
In the region:
Pickle Barrel House, Grand Marais, MI - 50 mi.

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