Palms Book State Park

M-149 (a mile north of the Co Rd 455 junction)
Manistique MI, 49854

906-341-2355
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

388 (Acres)

Required

Known as one of Michigan's most alluring natural attractions, the park is home to Michigan's largest freshwater spring, Kitch-iti-kipi, referred to as “The Big Spring.”
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Palms Book State Park, located at the north end of Indian Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is home to Kitch-iti-kipi or "The Big Spring." This renowned natural attraction is Michigan’s largest freshwater spring with more than 10,000 gallons of water per minutes gushing through fissures in the underlying limestone at a constant 45 degrees Fahrenheit. By means of a self-guided (accessible) observation raft, visitors can view this crystal-clear pool with an emerald green bottom.

Concessions and souvenirs are available at a store open seasonally and a boating access site provides access to Indian Lake (the Upper Peninsula’s fourth-largest inland lake).

The observation raft if open 8 a.m. to dusk. It's prohibited to swim, bathe, skin or scuba dive, fish, boat, enter, or place or launch any object (including underwater cameras) in the "The Big Spring," or use the raft for anything other than viewing.

For those looking for trails, Indian Lake Pathway is just a short drive away.

Thanks to the Friends of Indian Lake and Palms Book State Parks for supporting the park.

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

Palms Book State Park is located 7 miles northwest of Indian Lake State Park in Manistique, along the northern terminus of M-149. Wayfinding signage refers to the park as Palms Book; however, many also refer to the park as The Big Spring and Kitch-iti-kipi.

The park is a popular side-trip destination for visitors to the Upper Peninsula. Palms Book is just 44 miles southeast of Munising, home to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and some of the Upper Peninsula's many impressive area waterfalls.

Activities (Display as List)

Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: From the park’s boating access site (located off Fishing Site Road), you can access Indian Lake. It offers fishing for a variety of species, including perch, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, rock bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, sturgeon and brown trout.
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: There is a boating access site that accesses Indian Lake. The site is within the park boundaries but must be accessed from Fishing Site Road (not inside the main entrance) in the northeast section of the park.
Concession/ Store Item is accessible.
Concession/ Store: The Big Springs Souvenir Shop sells T-shirts, sweatshirts, ice cream, snacks and more.
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms
Observation Platform Item is accessible.
Observation Platform:

By means of a self-guided observation raft, visitors can view Kitch-iti-kipi or the “Big Spring.” Ancient tree trunks, lime-encrusted branches and lake trout can be seen through crystal-clear waters far below. Clouds of sand kept in constant motion by gushing waters create ever-changing shapes and forms. The self-guided observation raft is accessible.

It’s prohibited to swim, bathe, scuba dive, fish, boat, enter or place/launch any object (including underwater cameras) in the “Big Spring” or use the observation raft for anything other than viewing. Drones are prohibited over the raft.

Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: The picnic area includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground: There is a swing set adjacent to the parking lot.
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: Kitch-iti-kipi or the “Big Spring,” located within the park, is Michigan's largest natural freshwater spring. Indian Lake is located in the northeast section of the park and can be accessed from Fishing Site Road (not inside the main entrance).