At some point you will be leaving I-80 and heading farther north to get to the Black Hills. Not sure where you plan to do that. Central Nebraska has some interesting pioneer-related sites, not the least of which is the big "covered wagon arch" over I-80 itself, near Kearney. It's worth a stop to visit - lots of interesting historical dioramas inside. There are living history villages such as Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, and some real historical sites, such as Ft. Kearny State Historical Site (the old fort - not like any fort you've seen in the movies, but genuine just the same). If you get all the way to western Nebraska, Ash Hollow, Chimney Rock & Scottsbluff (on US 26 rather than I-80) are worthwhile stops as well.
Should you choose to head north to I-90 farther east than that, check out the Corn Palace in Mitchell, the interstate rest area along the Missouri River just east of Chamberlain (some neat displays about the Lewis & Clark expedition), Wall Drug, and the Badlands (you can drive the loop through the park off I-90 and don't necessarily have to spend the night).
Best possibility if you have the time - go out via I-80 and back via I-90, or the reverse. Best of both worlds.
๐I-80 around the south side of Chicago can be crowded, especially at rush hour and on Friday afternoons (heading east) or Sunday afternoons (heading back into the city), but otherwise isn't bad. You may encounter a toll or two; the Illinois I-Pass is accepted on EZ-Pass routes, including the Ohio Turnpike, so you should have reciprocity.
2020 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 5.7L V8 w/ tow pkg, Equal-i-zer
2020 Lance 2375
