Palms Book State Park
Palms Book State Park
5
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
316 reviews
Excellent
262
Very good
48
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Wendalyne Travels
17 contributions
Jun 2021
I would not plan a trip just to see this park but it is a nice little park to stretch your legs if you're passing through the area. We waited in line for quite a while to get on the wooden boat/barge. It takes about twenty minutes to go across the spring and back to the dock. The water was a beautiful hue of blue and crystal clear. You can see big fish swimming in the water 45 feet below the boat/barge. There is a gift shop next to the bathrooms but be sure to check the prices before you buy. I collect post cards and the sign said three for a dollar but apparently one of the post cards was actually three dollars by itself. In my opinion the more expensive post cards should be marked with a price and displayed in a different area. All in all I rate this park as average. I've seen just as beautiful water while boating on Lake Superior and I didn't have to wait in line for it. Now that I have seen the spring I don't think I will stop again.
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iafamilytravel
Mineral Point, WI179 contributions
Sep 2021
We came on a beautiful weekend afternoon and the line was backed up almost to the bathrooms. We opted against waiting as the line didn't seem to move and people were packed together without masks. We did walk down to the springs to sneak a peak. We could get a glimpse of the clear water. Wish there were some way to walk around the springs or rangers were available with some information.
Written September 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LisaMNUSA
Saint Paul, MN1,103 contributions
Oct 2020
We spent about 30 minutes in this park, waiting in line, getting on the platform, looking at spring. the water is clear and green, we could see the spring and fishes in the water. it's pretty cool,but I won't drive a long distance to just see this.
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wanda R
Greenfield, WI736 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
This is a must stop. There is something magical about this park. Quiet. Quaint. The boat "ride". The water. The fish. The great bathrooms. The gift shop. It is close to Fayette Historic State Park so if you buy a day pass you can visit both. If I had to guess I think we have been here at least 6 times over 20+ years. The park just draws you in. Definitely a must stop.
Written October 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
warnermrs
Mason, MI88 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Beautiful spring. My husband has visited a handful of times throughout his life, but this was first time for me. I can see how having the park to yourself would make this trip more magical.
Waiting a little over an hour with an infant and toddler while wearing face masks dulls the experience a little. No fault of the park.
Thankful for ample toilets at the park.
I would like to come back when there aren’t as many tourists.
Waiting a little over an hour with an infant and toddler while wearing face masks dulls the experience a little. No fault of the park.
Thankful for ample toilets at the park.
I would like to come back when there aren’t as many tourists.
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thom B
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Solo
This was an amazing place the park and grounds and restrooms are clean. The water is beautiful and riding the raft and looking down at the fish and the spring rushing in, this place is a must see. The staff (Angel) was great as was her supervisor we actually got to work on a little project together they made my visit even better then it would've been Got some great phots and had a great time. I will be back
Written July 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori B
Manistique, MI70 contributions
Aug 2022
This beautiful spring is really a one-of-a-kind place. The park is very small with modern restrooms and a gift shop. The raft you ride to view the wonderful clear water is fun and relaxing. It all seems accessible to every family member. There are no hiking trails. It's all about the spring. Worth a quick stop.
Written September 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori783
Eldridge, IA132 contributions
Jun 2011 • Couples
I found out about this place on a midwest travel show and knew I had to see if for myself! I was not disappointed!! It is a little out of the way but is very much worth the drive. Also, known as the Big Spring, it is Michigan's largest spring. It's both beautiful and serene. The walk up to the spring is even pretty. The spring itself is crystal clear blue water. It's 40 feet deep too. You can see fish (trout I believe) on the bottom. There is a big raft on a cable that goes across the spring. The raft is open in the middle for a great view down into the spring. You operate it yourself using a big wheel to pull the raft across the spring and can take all the time you like. We were the only ones on the raft and no one was waiting so we took plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of the spring. I have beautiful pictures from our time here. We had previously purchased the Michigan State Park sticker so there was no entrance fee to see this park. Plus there is a very nice, big gift shop at the Spring too. My only advice would be to take bug repellent. The mosquitoes were kind of bad, but DON'T let them stop you from seeing this amazing place.
Written February 4, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Motown_Mrs
Livonia, MI222 contributions
Jul 2017
We drove out of way to visit here, based on a friend's recommendation. I'm so glad we did! The springs are beautiful! Pictures really don't do it justice. Just lovely.
I'd like to go back in the fall. I imagine it's gorgeous at that time of year.
I'd like to go back in the fall. I imagine it's gorgeous at that time of year.
Written March 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robby G C
Toronto, Canada81,657 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
When the Europeans first arrived in Michigan, the Ojibwa called the Big Spring located in Palms Book State Park Kitch-iti-kipi. There are many interpenetrations on that strange word: The Great Water, The Blue Sky, The Roaring, Bubbling Spring . . .Just the name Kitch-iti-kipi attracts tourists!
Now I may have you intrigued about this attraction. It refers to a spring that is 200 feet across and 40 feet deep. The water is so clear that we can see the fish clearly swimming around. More than 10,000 gallons a minute forces itself from many fissures in the underlying limestone, every day of the year. The spring keeps a constant 45 degree temperature. It doesn't even freeze in the harsh winter!
There is a raft that can bring anyone from one side of the lake to the other. All we have to do is pull the chord. By doing so, we can see every part of the lake and all the creatures living in that Spring.
Nearby there are picnic tables, so anyone can sit in the shade or in the sun and enjoying their meal! Miam, miam!
We certainly enjoyed this attraction, even though it was hard to find it by car. Luckily we found someone outside his home to give us directions. All we needed to do is travel 6 miles west of Manistique on US 2 to Thompson and take M-149 north for 12 miles to the park.
Anyone can take some amazing pictures while being there!
Now I may have you intrigued about this attraction. It refers to a spring that is 200 feet across and 40 feet deep. The water is so clear that we can see the fish clearly swimming around. More than 10,000 gallons a minute forces itself from many fissures in the underlying limestone, every day of the year. The spring keeps a constant 45 degree temperature. It doesn't even freeze in the harsh winter!
There is a raft that can bring anyone from one side of the lake to the other. All we have to do is pull the chord. By doing so, we can see every part of the lake and all the creatures living in that Spring.
Nearby there are picnic tables, so anyone can sit in the shade or in the sun and enjoying their meal! Miam, miam!
We certainly enjoyed this attraction, even though it was hard to find it by car. Luckily we found someone outside his home to give us directions. All we needed to do is travel 6 miles west of Manistique on US 2 to Thompson and take M-149 north for 12 miles to the park.
Anyone can take some amazing pictures while being there!
Written April 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a park pass needed.and if so how much
Written August 13, 2019
Yes, a State Park pass is $9 a vehicle for out of state license plates (it will get you into all state parks you visit that day).
Written August 13, 2019
is the raft the same that's listed under the kitch-iti-ipi attraction on TA? what is entrance fee to park?
Written January 26, 2019
Yes, the raft in the majority of photos is the raft on site. It is sell operated by guests by a pully system and cable. The raft is covered and has an open water 360 viewing hole in the middle, which creates a crystal clear view of the spring and fish below.
Non-Michigan residents can get a State park day pass for a car for just $9, so pack the family up and hit a park or three during that day. Entirely possible to do Palms Book and Pictured Rocks in the same day.
There's also an annual option for $33/year non-residents if you plan on coming back a few times during the year or if staying for a week or two. Well worth the price. Cheers!
Written January 27, 2019
Is the raft available to ride in the winter?, as this place is supposed to be open during winter. I can't find that information anywhere. Thanks, if you can help!
Written February 4, 2018
Call Palms Book SP @ 906-341-2355
It runs year round. They are hoping you stop in.
Written February 5, 2018
Is the raft electric wheelchair accessible? Is the path to the raft the same? Would love to bring our whole family but this will determine it.
Written August 9, 2016
It was a wide path to the raft and the raft is accessible by a wheelchair.
Written October 7, 2016
LINDA J
Roscoe, Illinois
If you are not a Michigan resident what are the fees involved to go to palms park and Kitch-iti-kipi.?
Written July 25, 2016
We purchased a mi park pass for $30 we can use all year as much as we want or a $10.00 day pass can be used for all the parks you want to visit on a single day. Enjoy!
Written July 26, 2016
Yes as long as you have them on a 6' leash. We brought our 2 small dogs and even brought them on the raft!
Written June 30, 2016
Hello! How long do you think you could spend at Palms Book? To my understanding it seems like the only thing here to do is the Big Spring and the gift shop.. So maybe 2-3 hrs?
Written June 19, 2016
There are also picnic areas & hiking trails. I've been there several Times, it's very beautiful, & if you enjoy the outdoors you could spend all day there. But most people probably only spend an hour or two.
Written June 20, 2016
Honestly, I don't know if there are "set" hours. During the day, there is someone there to check your license passport(for instaters) or to collect your fee if you're from outstate. However, I've gone there many times before and after hours and I've always been able to see Kitch-Iti-Kipi. The gift shop and bathrooms might be closed, but because the raft is self-propelled, there's no need for someone to be there to man it (other than yourself).
Written June 14, 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 14
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing