This park is located just ourside of Manistique in the central lower part of the Upper Peninsula and is also called Kitch-iti-kipi (Big Spring). It is a natural spring and the largest one in the state. It's approximately 200 feet across and 40 feet deep. It has a constant flow of over 10,000 gallons per minute coming through fissures in the underlaying limestone. It also maintains a constant temperature of 45 degrees year around.
There is a self operated observation raft that takes you out over the spring to see the fascinating underwater features. Notice the green tint to my pictures. This is not a flaw of the camera, but the actual color of the spring itself. This is the raft on it's way out to the middle of the spring.
Once out in the water, you can see the bottom of the spring through the clear glass in the bottom of the raft or by looking over the sides. There are ancient tree trunks, lime encrusted branches and trout swimming aruond in there, although I didn't see any fish when I was out this time.
These are pictures of the bottom also. Note the ridges along the bottom. Those are the waters bubbling up through the fissures. They keep the sand in constant motion. It's fascinating to watch all this and peer down at centuries old logs etc.
There is no camping allowed at Palms Book. There is camping at Indian Lake State Park around the other side of Indian Lake a few miles from here. I have pictures posted of that park on another thread of Indian Lake State Park. Fayette State Park about 36 miles southwest also has camping and is a restored iron smelting ghost town enabling you to take in two places to see and enjoy. Pictures are also posted on a thread for Fayette State Park
Palms Books does however have a nice shaded picnic area, modern toilet facilities and a park store.
really a nice place to visit thanks for taking us along
