The facility houses a full-scale replica of the Russian MIR space station core module.
Exhibits include a high-wire bicycle ride that utilizes a counterweight system to maintain balance.
The Exploratory was originally integrated with the long-running Tommy Bartlett Thrill Show, a water-ski spectacle that operated for decades.
Interactive displays include a human-powered machine that demonstrates the mechanical advantage of different pulley configurations.
The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is an interactive science center featuring over 175 hands-on exhibits focused on physics, engineering, and space technology. Originally established to complement the legacy of the Tommy Bartlett Show, the facility functions as an educational destination for all ages. Visitors engage with displays such as the Van de Graaff generator, a high-wire bicycle, and a MIR space station walk-through replica. The center emphasizes tactile learning through levers, pulleys, and sensory-based challenges. It is situated along the main commercial strip of Wisconsin Dells. The exhibits are designed to provide foundational knowledge in scientific principles through active participation rather than passive observation. The facility is maintained as part of the Ripley's Believe It or Not! network of attractions.
Inside the MIR space station replica module.
Allow ample time for children to repeat the interactive experiments, as they are the primary draw.
Wear comfortable footwear as the facility requires moving between various stations distributed across the floor.
Do not rush through the exhibits, as the educational value lies in the hands-on operation of the devices rather than just viewing them.
Operates primarily as a seasonal attraction; check local availability during the off-season winter months as it may close or operate on limited days.
Casual attire; comfortable shoes are recommended for walking between interactive stations.
