Palms Book State Park

Available Activities

Fishing
Hunting

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 3, 2026 · Updated February 20, 2026

✓ Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

Palms Book State Park is home to Kitch-iti-kipi—Michigan’s largest freshwater spring! Ride a self-propelled glass-bottom raft over crystal-clear 45°F waters pumping 10,000 gallons per minute!

The Big Spring

Feature	Details
💧 Flow	10,000+ gallons/minute
📏 Size	200ft wide × 40ft deep
🌡️ Temperature	45°F year-round (never freezes!)
🐟 Trout	Lake, brown, brook trout visible

Glass-Bottom Raft

Info	Details
⏰ Hours	8am – dusk (spring–fall)
♿ Accessible	ADA accessible path & raft
🐕 Pets	Leashed dogs welcome!
💵 Entry	MI Recreation Passport required

FAQ

Can I swim or fish in the spring?

No—swimming and fishing are prohibited in Kitch-iti-kipi. Viewing only from the raft!

💧 Michigan’s Largest Spring

Visit MI DNR.

Location & Getting There

Palms Book State Park is located in Michigan. The park’s coordinates are 46.0041, -86.3816. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.

Quick Facts

Location: Michigan
Coordinates: 46.0041, -86.3816
Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)

Things to Do

Michigan’s state park system stretches across two peninsulas and four Great Lakes, offering extraordinary variety. Activities include swimming on freshwater beaches rivaling ocean coastlines, hiking sand dune bluffs, fishing for walleye and salmon, camping in pine forests, kayaking dramatic shorelines, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, and exploring historic lighthouses.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June–August) is peak season for beaches and camping. Fall brings spectacular foliage. Winter transforms many parks into Nordic skiing and ice fishing destinations. A Recreation Passport ($17) is required for vehicle entry.

Visitor Tips

A Recreation Passport ($17 residents, $34 non-residents) is required. Camping through the Michigan DNR up to 6 months in advance. Lakefront campsites at popular parks sell out within hours of opening.

Explore More Michigan State Parks

Palms Book State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Michigan. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Michigan guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: February 20, 2026

At a Glance

State
Michigan
Established
1929
Features
Springs
Park Size
388 acres

Accessible

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.

available.