A month tour: Chicago, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South & North Dacota, Chicago in July?

[USvisitor]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum and also know very little about travel options in nothern part of Midwest. I checked several earlier threads that seemed related. There is lots of good information but I couldn't find exactly what we're looking for.

I'm flying in to Chicago and meeting my travel buddy around the end of June. I've been in Chicago once and we've have made a southwards tour to Memphis and Nashville. Now our plan is to spend about a month exploring places we haven't been at in Wisconsin, Minnesota, South and North Dacota.

Of course, we'll spend some days (at the both ends of the tour) in Chicago too. My friend is quite familiar with American highlights of the city, the only information we might need are Lithuanian shops, restaurants, museums, monuments, exhibitions etc. I know it's strange to ask for Lithuanian points of interest arriving to US but I have personal reasons for that. I know there is a great Lithuanian restaurant in Pier Union but it's on the opposite direction from where we'll go.

As for Wisconsin, Minnesota, South and North Dacota, we'd really appreciate all possible help, suggestions regarding driving tour through these states.

• Best routes- most interesting but also not too difficult to drive?
• What's the situation with rest areas in these states? I know in some states/areas it's quite a long ride till you find one.
• Most worthy or worthless places to visit and spend time at?
• Hotels or camping?
• Places to eat? (Being an American, my friend is used to any cuisine available in US, I would rather prefer less spicy (hot) dishes and no raw meats/fish.)
• Car emergency services, repair shops?
• Any Lithuanian places of interest/ restaurants etc (in Chicago as well)?

Well, anything you would think we might need to know. Thank you.