Exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula (Part 3) - Kitch-iti-kipi & Central U.P. Waterfalls

"Mother Nature is the greatest artist and water is one of her favorite brushes."

- Rico Besserdich 

In July 2024 we spent three weeks traveling throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.). During our first week we stayed at a campground near Munising, Michigan. Although we spent a great deal of time exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, we also went to see a bunch of waterfalls and a natural spring in the central region of the U.P. The lower peninsula of Michigan (the part known as the mitten) has only one waterfall! All of the rest (and there are many!) are in the U.P. This post covers the ones we found in the central region of the U.P.

Kitch-iti-kipi

About an hour south of Munising, Michigan lies the state's biggest natural spring.  Located near Manistique in Palms Book State Park, Big Spring is more popularly known as Kitch-iti-kipi.  Early Native Americans gave the spring its original name of "Mirror of Heaven." Water flows continuously into the 40-foot deep spring at a constant 45°F. Over 10,000 gallons a minute gush from fissues in the limestone and sand bottom.

We visited the park on July 15, 2024 and immediately upon arrival we headed out on the path to the spring. You can view the spring from the pathway, but it's way more fun to take a self-operated observation raft out over the water. Because this activity is popular with tourists, we recommend you get there as close to opening as possible in order to avoid long lines. There were only a few people there when we arrived, so we lucked out.

We had amazing views over the sides and under the raft of ancient tree trunks and fat trout swimming in the crystal clear water far below. It was fascinating seeing clouds of sand formed by the water gushing up from below. By the time we finished our ride on the raft a line of people had started forming at the launch. We had timed our visit almost perfectly - there were only about 6 of us on our ride over the spring.

The raft had a large opening in the center where your could view the water below. View of the large steering wheel on the raft

Notice the fish swinning in the center of the photo. View from the raft

The raft moving across the water

In addition to the photos above, we posted a video of Kitch-iti-kipi Spring on our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/@RViewFromHere.

Alger Falls

On July 15, 2024 we also made a quick stop to see Alger Falls, a series of two-drops cascading down rock ledges for a total of 21feet. It's located next to the main highway into Munising. It's the only waterfall in the area that can be viewed without leaving your car.

Alger Falls

Scott Falls

We visited Scott Falls, located just outside of Au Train and a short distance from our campground, on July 17th. Although the falls only drop 10-11 feet, they fall into a little grotto quite close to the highway, making it easy to get to.

Scott Falls

Wagner Falls

On July 19, 2024, our last full day in the Munising area, we decided to do somewhat of a circle tour of waterfalls in the central region of the U.P. We started by heading east of Munising to Wagner Falls, located only about 1-1/2 miles away. The Wagner Falls Scenic Area is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The falls can be accessd by following a gravel trail from the parking lot to a wooden boardwalk and steps leading to a viewing platform at the end. The 28 foot tall falls are made up of multiple drops and are quite scenic when the water is flowing fully.

Wagner Falls

Au Train Falls

The Au Train Falls are located about 12 miles west of Munising on the Au Train River. The upper falls drop about 40 feet from a hydroelectric dam, however the view is partially obsured by pipes across the dam breast.

Upper Au Train Falls

The lower falls can be found by walking past a gate and down a dirt road to a wooden bridge from which there are great views of the 10 foot falls. During our visit the water level was low enough for visitors to walk on the rock ledges and play in the water.

Lower Au Train Falls

Laughing Whitefish Falls

Our next stop was to visit the relatively secluded Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park near Sundell, Michigan. The trail from the parking area follows a gravel path through the forest about a half mile to a platform at the top of the first 15 foot drop down into the gorge. From there you can take a large staircase down for further views at the bottom of the falls which drop a total of 95 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Michigan.

Falls from the top

Laughing Whitefish Falls

On our drive back to Munising, we stopped in Chatham at Mama Cow's Ice Cream Shop for a sweet treat. We loved this little spot with it's delicious ice cream and quaint outdoor seating area in a repurposed grain bin.

Check out those flavors!

* All photos and videos are the property of the owners unless otherwise noted. *