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
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Visitor Tips and News About Pull-it-Yourself Raft
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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]There is no glass bottom, so make sure to keep your belongings securely with you.
[EggDropErin, 08/28/2015]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]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]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
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