Ohio and Illinois are just a huge flat land. No mountains.
I experienced the Friday afternoon traffic in Chicago area.
Mississippi river in Illinois was not that wide. It didn't look like one the most important rivers in the country.
I avoided the storms in Kansas and Oklahoma (reminds me of Wizard of Oz) but will get the high wind in Cheyenne/Laramie, WY.

First night stayed in Buffalo, NY

Second, in Toledo, Ohio

Tonight it is at Des Moines, Iowa.