Kitch-iti-kipi State Park - Big Spring

Kitch-ti-kipi is considered one of the natural wonders of Michigan. Located just outside of Manistique, Michigan this unique geological marvel is worth a visit while you are in the Upper Peninsula. Water flows into an aquifer in the surrounding higher elevations until it flows down to this crystal clear lake where it comes bubbling out of the ground at a rate of 10,000 gallons a minute.

The state park system provides visitors a great way to see the springs flowing into the lake.  There is a raft that is connected to both sides of this small lake by a cable.  A wheel on the raft allows visitors to propel themselves across the lake. The raft can hold about 40 people and has a an opening in the center of it that serves as a viewing area into the lake.

As the raft proceeds across the lake, the clear water allows you to observe the fish swimming in the lake.  As you get further out you can see the silt in the bottom of the lake look like it is building away as the water flows up through the bottom of the lake.  It is pretty amazing to see how much pressure the water flowing into the lake creates.

The park also offers guests a concessions area and restrooms as well as a number of picnic areas if you are wanting to spend a little more time here.  A quick visit and a trip across the lake will take you about 30 minutes depending on the crowd and how many cycles of the raft you need to wait for before you can get on.