You've probably driven past it a dozen times if you’ve spent any time in the Wisconsin Dells. That weird, retro-futuristic building with the Russian space station hanging out in the front? Yeah, that’s the one. For a long time, people mostly associated the name "Tommy Bartlett" with the legendary water ski show on Lake Delton. But since the show took its final bow during the pandemic, the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory has been left holding the torch for a very specific, very quirky brand of Dells nostalgia.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a miracle it’s still there.
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In May 2025, the news finally broke that the entire Tommy Bartlett property—including the prime shoreline where the skiers used to jump through hoops of fire—was sold to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment. For a minute, everyone thought that was it. The end of an era. But here’s the kicker: while the water show is officially a ghost of the past, Ripley’s actually kept the Exploratory open. They recognized something that locals have known for decades. This place isn't just a science museum; it's a time capsule.
The Weird Science of the Wisconsin Dells Parkway
If you're looking for a shiny, high-tech museum with 4K touchscreens and VR goggles, you’re in the wrong place. The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is unapologetically old school. We’re talking about "Robot World" vibes. Actually, that was its original name when it opened back in 1982.
Walking inside feels like stepping into a 1980s vision of the year 2020. It’s glorious. There are over 150 interactive exhibits, and most of them involve some kind of "hands-on" physics that actually works better than the digital stuff you see today. You can literally lift a full-sized car using a giant lever. It’s basically a physics lesson hidden inside a "strongman" stunt. You pull a rope, and suddenly a 2,500-pound vehicle leaves the ground. Kids lose their minds over it.
The charm is in the simplicity. You’ve got the Van de Graaff generator—that silver globe that makes your hair stand on end when you touch it. It’s a classic for a reason. There’s something visceral about feeling the static electricity crackle through your fingertips while your family laughs at your Einstein-style hair. It’s not "simulated." It’s real.
That Russian Space Station (The Mir Core)
The absolute crown jewel of the collection is the Mir Space Station core module. It’s not a replica. It’s a real, honest-to-god piece of space history that was supposed to be launched into orbit.
How did a piece of Soviet space tech end up in a tourist town in Wisconsin?
Tommy Bartlett himself bought it. Back in the mid-90s, when the Soviet Union was a memory and Russia was selling off surplus gear, Bartlett outbid several others to bring this thing to the Dells. It’s one of only three in the world, and the only one you can actually walk through.
Standing inside that cramped, metallic tube is a trip. It’s tiny. It’s claustrophobic. It smells like... well, it smells like old metal and history. You see the tiny sleeping quarters and the chaotic mess of wires and switches. It makes you realize how incredibly brave (or crazy) those cosmonauts were. It’s a sobering contrast to the flashy, neon-lit waterparks just down the street.
Why it survived the 2025 sale
When the Diehl family sold the business to Ripley’s, there was a lot of talk about what would happen to the 37 acres of land. 37 acres in the Dells is a gold mine. There are rumors of an aquarium or a massive new themed attraction coming to the lakefront, but Ripley’s made it clear that the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory was part of the plan for the long haul.
It fits their brand, sure. Ripley's is the king of the "weird and unbelievable," and a museum with a Russian space station and a bike that you can ride across a high-wire is right up their alley. But there’s also a practical side to it. The Dells needs indoor, year-round attractions. When it’s -10°C in February, you aren't going to a waterpark unless it's indoors, and even then, people want a break from the humidity. The Exploratory provides that.
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A different kind of "Interactive"
We use the word "interactive" for everything now. Usually, it means "I tapped a screen."
At the Exploratory, interactive means:
- Pedaling a bike to generate enough electricity to light up a series of bulbs.
- Trying to balance on a rotating beam that messes with your inner ear.
- Stepping into a "Bridge of Fire" that uses a Tesla coil to send 200,000 volts of electricity through a cage.
It’s tactile. It’s noisy. It’s a little bit dusty in the corners. And that’s why it works. It appeals to a sense of curiosity that doesn't require a Wi-Fi connection.
What you need to know before you go
If you’re planning a trip to see the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory in 2026, keep a few things in mind. The "Tommy Bartlett" name is still on the building for now, but don't be surprised if the Ripley’s branding starts creeping in more aggressively. They’re modernizing some of the behind-the-scenes stuff, but the core exhibits—the Mir, the car lift, the High Wire SkyBike—are staying put.
- Timing is everything. It’s open year-round, which is a big deal in the Dells. If you go during a rainy summer afternoon, it will be packed. If you go on a Tuesday morning in October, you’ll have the space station to yourself.
- The High Wire SkyBike. Do it. Yes, it’s scary. Yes, you are thirty feet in the air on a thin cable. But the counterweight makes it physically impossible for you to tip over. It’s one of those things you’ll regret skipping.
- Manage expectations. This isn't a "Disney" experience. It’s a "roadside attraction" experience. It’s quirky, a little dated, and deeply nostalgic.
The Future of the Legend
The loss of the Water Ski Show still hurts for a lot of people who grew up visiting the Dells. It was the heart of the town for 69 years. But the fact that the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is still standing—and now has the backing of a giant like Ripley’s—means the Bartlett name isn't going to vanish from the Parkway anytime soon.
It’s a survivor. In a town that is constantly tearing down the old to build the new (and bigger, and louder), there’s something comforting about a place where you can still go and see a piece of the Cold War and learn how a lever works.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Combo Tickets: Check the Ripley’s website before you buy. Now that they own the Exploratory, you can usually snag a "Believe It or Not" combo ticket that saves you a few bucks if you’re planning to hit both museums.
- Photo Ops: The Mir module is the best photo spot, but the lighting inside is tricky. Use a wide-angle lens if you have one; it’s tight in there.
- Safety First: If you have a pacemaker or sensitive medical devices, be careful around the static electricity exhibits. They usually have signs posted, but it’s easy to miss them when the kids are running around.
- Parking: The lot is huge because it used to hold the crowds for the ski show. You won’t have a problem finding a spot.
The Wisconsin Dells is changing. It always has been. From the original river boat tours to the era of the mega-waterpark, the town thrives on evolution. But as long as that silver space station is sitting out front, a piece of the "old Dells" is still alive and well. Go see it before someone decides it needs to be a VR lounge. Stay curious.
Check the weather forecast before heading out to Lake Delton; while the Exploratory is indoors, the walk from the back of the massive parking lot can be a trek in a downpour. If you're visiting in the winter, grab a coffee at one of the local spots nearby first—it stays cool inside the museum. Keep an eye on the official Ripley's site for any seasonal hours changes, as they sometimes tweak the schedule during the "quiet" months of January and February.