Boy you aren't kidding. The midwest is a very bad place to be looking for aquarium plants. I live in Wichita, KS. but I travel full time. I didn't see any decent plants in Omaha the last time I was there, and don't bother with Lincoln either. (I google pet shops before I travel). Minneapolis has a couple of really nice shops, and I found a shop in Chicago that was really great. I am off today to St. Paul, MN. so may have time to drop by my favorite shop for a look see.