Experience Michigan's Stunning Landscapes from an Electric Off-Road Vehicle

I cautiously take the wheel, lightly pressing the acceleration pedal to explore the electric powertrain's capabilities. Despite my lack of experience with Polaris four-wheelers, it's clear this model is user-friendly. Before long, I find myself joyfully crunching twigs and splattering mud on a humid June day in Ontonagon, Michigan. As my thoughts settle, I realize the only sounds I hear are the occasional snap of a branch and the whir of another Ranger navigating through a muddy slope.

At first, the thought of maneuvering the Polaris Ranger XP (Extreme Performance) Kinetic over narrow, rocky trails with an elevation change of 400 feet, combined with unexpectedly muddy conditions and the slight worry of a rollover—though unlikely—made my stomach churn. My job as an automotive journalist has me testing a wide range of vehicles, from basic mini cars to luxurious Rolls-Royces, but none quite like this. Yet, the Ranger XP Kinetic is indeed a luxury model, featuring heated, enclosed cabins, powerful windshield wipers, and robust 29-inch all-terrain tires.

The expansive 60,000-acre Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, featuring the rushing waterfalls of the Gogebic Range, the unspoiled shoreline of Lake Superior, and EV charging stations along Michigan’s Pioneer Trail, perfectly complementing Polaris’s debut fully electric side-by-side off-roader.

“Keep this in mind,” advises Steve Hamilton, owner of Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures, to our group of eager off-roaders, clad in helmets, goggles, and gloves, as we prepare to board the all-terrain vehicle. “For most of your ride, stick to all-wheel drive. Use high gear for faster speeds and flat terrains. Low gear is reserved for slow speeds, uphill climbs, or muddy conditions like today. Always come to a complete stop before changing gears, and slow down before turning.”

This summer, Hamilton, sporting a beard and dressed in flannel, has broadened the offerings of his family’s North Coast Adventures to feature guided tours utilizing e-ORVs (electric off-road vehicles), providing a quieter and more eco-friendly way to experience the stunning landscapes of Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula, particularly along its most renowned trail.

Winding through the Gogebic Range, the 24-mile Pioneer Trail is designated as one of the select state trails designed for off-road vehicles, including snowmobiles and 4x4s. It traverses diverse terrain and elevation changes amidst the dense woodlands of Ottawa National Forest. “The Pioneer Trail really gives you that sense of being in the middle of nowhere,” Hamilton notes. “You can gaze southward for over 30 miles before encountering any high terrain.”

As the paved forest road transforms into untamed land, the convoy of Rangers journeys silently through miles of pristine wilderness. We are enveloped by verdant forests, crystalline lakes, and endless undulating hills, punctuated by breathtaking views that make concentrating on driving a challenge.

The Ranger operates in three modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport, capping speeds at 40 mph, 50 mph, and 55 mph, respectively. Eco mode maximizes battery efficiency, extending the time between charges, while Sport mode provides the power needed for tackling muddy trails and other demanding conditions. The mileage and electricity consumption depend on the driving mode and weather. Hamilton’s tours typically last from four to nine hours, covering between 50 and 90 miles. While the Ranger can manage around 80 miles on a full charge, groups generally take three charging breaks during a full-day tour (or one on a half-day), giving riders a chance to explore the U.P. on foot.

The electric tour initiative was made possible through collaboration between Polaris and the State of Michigan. In June, this public-private partnership launched the nation’s first charging network for electric off-road vehicles, introducing four charging stations that support approximately 100 miles of wooded trails just in time for the peak off-roading season. I found myself traversing the country’s pioneering off-road EV charging network, an early participant in the quiet electric revolution transforming outdoor recreation.

Ontonagon County’s Porcupine Mountains is one of Michigan’s most picturesque areas for enjoying flowing streams and rivers, with electric ORVs offering an eco-friendly way to explore on wheels. A $700,000 grant enabled the installation of charging stations in a particularly scenic area. The network runs from Bergland Township, with access to Lake Gogebic, to Greenland, where visitors can discover underground mines. Charging stations are also located in the Village of Ontonagon on Lake Superior's shore and at White Pine, home to Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures, the starting point for most Ranger tours.

The charging stations are thoughtfully positioned, allowing travelers to savor the U.P. while the Ranger recharges. They can stroll from the Bergland station to Lake Gogebic, the largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula, or choose to explore the Adventure Mine Co. in Greenland, where guests can wear hard hats and rappel down a mine shaft, just like 19th-century copper miners. The mine operated from 1850 to 1920 and now offers tours, educational workshops, and a gift shop featuring genuine copper nuggets.

Our condensed three-hour tour includes one charge at the Bergland station. We park, plug in, and cross the street for lunch at Antonio’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, a favored stop for pizza, oversized sandwiches, and ice cream. By the time we’re ready to leave, the Rangers are nearly fully charged. We then head east to join the North Country Trail, a scenic route cherished by long-distance hikers, which spans eight states but is predominantly found in Michigan. Here, we glide silently beneath a lush canopy to our final destination: a breathtaking overlook where the Ontonagon River tumbles over the Victoria Dam. The waterfall, roaring into the tranquility without any engines running, is the highlight of the tour.

This is what Hamilton hopes visitors will cherish the most: the region’s natural sounds and beauty. Our journey offered a more serene, spiritual experience compared to a typical gas-powered utility terrain vehicle. Hamilton notes, “You disconnect from the world and reconnect with your environment in a way that hasn’t been possible before.”

Together with Michigan’s state officials, Hamilton aims to establish Ontonagon as an innovation hub for outdoor recreation, thriving from May to October. However, the most enchanting season is yet to arrive. “Fall presents the forest’s grand finale, showcasing its brightest reds, oranges, and yellows,” he says. “The rain rejuvenates trailside waterfalls, and short hikes to scenic overlooks offer the most breathtaking views of the season.”