Get a night rating, you will need it.
Some good websites to use during your trip;
Flight planning and a lot of other info
www.landings.com top right H corner for flightplanning.
http://adds.aviationweather.gov/progs/
A lot of weather info here
www.airnav.com
Especially:
http://www.airnav.com/fuel/
Summertime is Tornado time in the MidWest.
You will get yourself stuck because of weather, good news is that it usually doesn't last long.
Even though you are not legal to fly with your IMC rating, get a plane which is IFR certified and current.
It may save your life some day if you get in a pickle.