Living near Lake Erie means you're close to some great day trip destinations. The 2026 Traverse is built for these kinds of adventures because it fits the whole family without anyone fighting over space. When you need a vehicle that handles both your daily routine and weekend getaways, Firelands Chevrolet Vermilion can show you what makes this SUV work for families who actually use all those seats. Their upfront pricing means you know what you're paying before you even walk through the door.
Cedar Point Without the Parking Lot Stress
Cedar Point is less than an hour from Vermilion, and it's where every family ends up at least once each summer. The Traverse makes this trip easier because everyone fits comfortably. You're not stuck listening to kids complain about being squished for 45 minutes.
The cargo space holds all the stuff you need for a theme park day. Sunscreen, change of clothes for the water rides, snacks, and whatever else gets thrown in the back. When you're done and everyone is exhausted, the ride home is quiet because the seats are actually comfortable enough for people to relax or nap.
Parking at Cedar Point can be chaotic. The Traverse is big enough to spot in a crowded lot, which helps when you're trying to remember where you parked six hours ago. And the backup camera makes it easier to avoid the shopping carts and other obstacles that show up in busy parking areas.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Trips
About 90 minutes south of Vermilion sits Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It's one of those places that surprises people who don't think Ohio has much to offer outdoors. The park has hiking trails, waterfalls, and the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad.
The Traverse handles the drive there easily. Once you arrive, you can park at different trailheads and explore. Some families like the easy walks around Brandywine Falls. Others want more challenging hikes. Either way, you'll have muddy shoes and tired kids by the end of the day. The Traverse has rubber floor mats that are easy to clean, which matters more than you'd think.
If your family bikes, you can load bikes on a hitch rack and ride the Towpath Trail. The trail runs for miles through the park and it's flat enough that younger kids can handle it. Having room for everyone plus gear makes these trips actually happen instead of just being ideas you talk about.
Cleveland Museums and Downtown
Cleveland is close enough for a day trip but far enough that it feels like you went somewhere. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, and Cleveland Museum of Art are all good options depending on what your kids are into.
The drive up I90 takes about an hour from Vermilion. The Traverse stays stable at highway speeds and doesn't feel like you're working hard to keep it in the lane. Once you're in Cleveland, parking garages downtown can be tight. The Traverse isn't small, but it's not as big as a Suburban either. You can usually find a spot that works.
When you're done with museums, there's good food around downtown. Having eight seats means you can bring grandparents along without needing two vehicles. Everyone stays together and nobody gets lost trying to follow each other through city traffic.
Kelleys Island Ferry Adventures
Kelleys Island is one of the Lake Erie islands that you can actually drive to via ferry. The ferry leaves from Marblehead, which is about 30 minutes from Vermilion. Once you're on the island, having your own vehicle is way better than renting golf carts.
The island isn't huge, but there's enough to see that you want a vehicle. Glacial grooves, wineries for the adults, beaches, and bike paths keep everyone busy. The Traverse fits on the ferry without issues, and the ride across takes about 20 minutes.
Some families make this an overnight trip, but you can easily do it as a day trip if you get an early start. Pack a cooler with lunch and you can picnic at one of the island parks. The second and third row folding seats mean you have room for coolers, beach gear, and bikes if you want them.
Put-in-Bay When You Want More Energy
Put-in-Bay is Kelleys Island's louder, busier cousin. The ferry from Catawba takes your vehicle over, or you can leave the car and take the passenger ferry from Port Clinton. But having your vehicle there gives you more freedom.
The island has mini golf, caves to explore, Perry's Victory Monument, and plenty of restaurants. It's crowded in summer, especially on weekends. But if you go on a weekday or earlier in the day, it's manageable with kids.
The Traverse gives you a home base. When someone needs a break from the crowds, you can retreat to the vehicle for a quiet moment with the AC running. When everyone is ready to go home, you're not waiting around for a ferry that only takes passengers.
Keeping Kids Happy During Drives
The entertainment system in the Traverse helps on longer trips. You can connect devices through USB ports scattered throughout the cabin. Rear seat passengers can watch movies or play games on tablets without draining batteries too fast.
The climate control keeps everyone at a reasonable temperature. Front and rear controls mean the people in back aren't stuck with whatever temperature you pick up front. This reduces arguments, which is worth a lot on family trips.
Plenty of cupholders means everyone can have their drink without it ending up on the floor. The door pockets hold snacks, books, and whatever else kids need to stay occupied. Small things like this make trips less stressful.
Planning Around Real Life
Not every trip is perfectly planned. Sometimes you decide to go somewhere last minute, or plans change once you're already on the road. The Traverse handles this flexibility well. You've got the space and comfort to add stops or change direction without it becoming a big problem.
Gas stations are easy to find on any of these routes. The fuel tank is big enough that you usually don't need to stop on the way there and back for day trips. But when you do need gas, the fill up doesn't take forever or cost a fortune compared to bigger SUVs.
If you need service before a big trip, the dealership is nearby. Getting an oil change or having them check everything over takes less time when you're not driving across the county for service.
What Makes These Trips Actually Happen
The difference between talking about taking trips and actually taking them often comes down to whether it's easy or hard. If packing the vehicle is a struggle, or someone is uncomfortable the whole drive, or you're worried about breaking down, trips don't happen.
The Traverse removes most of those barriers. Everyone fits. Gear fits. The drive is comfortable. Reliability is good. You can browse their new inventory to see what's available right now, or check used options if you're working with a tighter budget.
These day trips won't happen every weekend. Life gets busy. But when you have a vehicle that makes them possible without stress, you'll take more of them. And those are the days your kids will remember.
Disclaimer: Please note that features are dependent on trim levels and all features are not available on all trims. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
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