Don Q Inn

One of the most unique hotels in the world is located among the gently rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin. Located in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, the Don Q Inn features 13 fantasy suites, 7 themed suites, and many standard rooms (if you're not feeling adventurous). And the best part? They have a Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter on their front lawn that you can go inside and explore.

The Don Q Inn was created by an eccentric businessman (and pilot) named Donald J. Quinn. Quinn was a fighter pilot in the South Pacific during World War II, and he was also a commercial airline pilot for several years. In 1964 he bought a farm and built a 2,700-foot long runway so he could fly his airplane into his backyard. Eventually that runway would become the Dodgeville Municipal Airport (sadly no longer open). In 1974 he opened the Don Q Inn next to the airport. Not content with a normal, boring hotel, he created unique fantasy-themed suites. Want to sleep in a Gemini space capsule? Choose the "Tranquility Base No. 1" or "Tranquility Base No. 2" suite. Want to sleep in a hot air balloon? Choose the "Up, Up, and Away!" suite. You can also choose from a prehistoric cave, an igloo (with Northern Lights), a Viking ship, and many others.

Having built a fantasy-themed hotel, Quinn needed an eye-catching way of attracting guests. So in 1977 he bought a Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter and parked it in front of the hotel. Prior to being purchased by Quinn, this plane had been used in a Mercury Cougar car commercial featuring Farrah Fawcett. Landing the 100,000+ lb. plane on a 2,700 ft long runway was not an easy task. Check out this fascinating video telling the story of the landing, as told by the pilot who flew the plane: https://pbswisconsin.org/watch/university-place/university-place-landing-c-97g-dodgeville/. These days, the C-97 is looking a little worse for wear, but it's still fascinating to go inside, examine the cockpit, and imagine what it would have been like to fly this grand old airplane, which traces its roots all the way back to World War II.

Even if you decide not to stay at the Don Q Inn (https://www.donqinn.net/), be sure to stop by and check out the C-97 on display. And if you're in the mood to do some hiking, head just up highway 23 and visit Governor Dodge State Park, which has over 5,000 acres of steep hills, bluffs, and deep valleys, along with two lakes and a waterfall.

Until next time, keep looking to the sky and keep dreaming.

- Matt