Page 10 - Manistique Visitor Guide - 2023

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Manistique Visitors Guide
which means “vermillion,” after the ruddy-col- ored river.
Two hundred feet across and forty feet deep, Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan’s largest spring. Over 10,000 gallons a minute gush from fis- sures in the underlying limestone. The flow continues throughout the year at a constant temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
By means of a covered self-operated observa- tion raft, visitors are guided to vantage points overlooking fascinating underwater features. Ancient tree trunks, lime-encrusted branches and fat trout appear to be suspended in noth- ingness as they slip through crystal waters far below. Clouds of sand kept in constant motion by gushing waters create ever-changing shapes and forms, a challenge to the imagination of young and old alike.
Indian Lake State Park
Near the spring is a shaded picnic area, mod- ern toilet facilities and a park store. The park concession store is open daily May 15 through October 15, rain or shine, and offers a variety of souvenirs, shirts, and food items.
There is no camping or fishing at the park and an admission fee is charged to enter. Big Spring “Kitch-iti-kipi” lies to the north, on M-149, 11 miles off U.S. 2. For more information call 906-341-2355 or 1-800-342-4282.
This site has no modern facilities, so come prepared. It is named after and has a memorial site dedicated to a fallen Vietnam veteran.
Thompson State Fish Hatchery
The Thompson State Fish Hatchery pro- vides a learning experience for people of all ages, and offers a look at a wide range of fish species. Located at 944 S State Highway M-149, Manistique, the hatchery was estab- lished in 1922 and completely renovated in 1978. This facility can produce a wide range of fish species for both inland and Great Lake waters because of its unique water supply. Coldwater species produced at Thompson in 2008 include: Chinook salmon, steelhead, rain- bow trout, and brown trout. Walleye fry are the only coolwater species produced at Thompson.
Indian Lake State Park
Indian Lake State Park, located off County Road 422, next to Palms Book State Park/ Kitch-iti-kipi, is one of the area’s most pop- ular campgrounds and inland lake recreation areas. Indian Lake is fed by Kitch-iti-kipi and offers excellent fishing and swimming.
The sandy lake is over 3 miles wide, with a maximum depth of 18 feet. Gamefish in the lake include northern pike, muskellunge, walleye, sunfish, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, rock bass, black crappie, brown trout, ciscoes and lake sturgeon. On the lake, a small shrine and plaque mark the site of a historic log and bark chapel built in the early 1800s.
A short distance north is an abandoned Native American cemetery.
This facility has both indoor and outdoor
For more information, go to www.michigan.
gov/dnr.
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www.visitmanistique.com | www.cityofmanistique.org
Rainey Wildlife Area
Hiking trails, boardwalks, and an elevated observation platform provide outstanding views of wildlife in and along Smith Creek,
Smith’ s Slough,
observation platform has a barrier-free ramp that reaches to a mid-level, and offers a long scenic vista to the sedge meadow and open water habitat. The trail crosses Smith Creek, which flows through a patterned fen to Indian Lake. It overlooks the sedge meadow and open water habitat of Smith’s Slough and Indian Lake.
and Indian Lake.
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