America Here I Come!

I had my 2006 vacation planned and was all ready to pay for it when a friend of mine threw a spanner in the works. You see I was all set fly to Chicago and go on a bus tour across the northern states and then fly home from LA, but my friend decided that she wanted to tag along. Now I'm a bit a of a traveller (done all of Australia, New Zealand, about half of USA, and bits and about a third of Europe) but I always go on my own. Dunno why, I just prefer it that way cause i'm pretty independant and like doing my own thing - besides you meet the most awesome people when you're travelling on your own. Some of my best friends are people I met whilst backpacking over Oz in 2002!

ANYWAY, Emma (my mate) aasked if she could come along. I had a long hard think about it and said it would be fine (after all the hotels would be half the price ) However, yesterday she discovered that her cousin is getting married whilst we would be away and she said she couldn't miss the wedding! Panic ensued, but we have FINALLY come up with a plan!

We are buying an Amtrak USA Pass and then we're flying into Chicago travelling overland for about 3 weeks then flying home from LA. BUT there is a small problem - I really want to visit South Dakota but Amtrak don't run there! What's THAT all about? How random! You would think they would have stations in every state. So I'm not sure how happy I am at missing out on Mt Rushmore and stuff

So anyway, this is a call out to all Americans - I'm looking for suggestions for places to visit between Chicago and LA. We are definately doing St Pauls, Seattle, San Francisco (cause I loved it last time I went) but other that that we're pretty much open to suggestions!

So feel free to give us some tips!

Caz