Kitch-iti-kipi, pronounced “KITCH-i-tee-KI-pee" with short "i"s, is the largest freshwater spring in Michigan. There is disagreement about exactly what the name means. It came from an Anishinaabemowin word that has been translated as “The Great Water," “The Blue Sky I See," “The Roaring, Bubbling Spring," “The Big Spring," and “Mirror of Heaven." This natural spring spans 200 feet across, is 40 feet deep, and maintains a temperature of 45° Fahrenheit all year long, making it a year-round attraction! Fissures in the limestone push more than 10,000 gallons of water a minute up to the surface, which helps keep the temperature above freezing.

The spring is located within the Palms Book State Park, near the Rapid River Falls. It can be viewed in a variety of ways, including from an observation raft that has an open section in the middle to see the fish swimming, providing a great opportunity to take some pictures. Trees are plentiful here, as you can see them on the trail to the spring as well as under the water. Nearby camping sites and concessions make this a fun vacation spot!