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Tommy Bartlett Exploratory - Interactive Science Center in Wisconsin Dells

560 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy • Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

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A large yellow lever labeled "Giant Lever Lift 5000 lbs" overhangs a parking lot with a white truck beneath it; a building and blue awnings are in the background.

Two people stand behind a red railing with their hair standing on end, likely due to static electricity, in what appears to be a science museum exhibit.

A group of children and an adult look at an exhibit featuring a NASA Friendship 7 space capsule in a museum.

Three people stand indoors, reaching up toward a mannequin in a spacesuit suspended from the ceiling in a space-themed exhibition.

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$19.99

Total Price: $21.71 (USD)

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Based on 549 reviews

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About Tommy Bartlett Exploratory

Overview

The Wisconsin Dells Tommy Bartlett Exploratory brings science to life with over 175 hands-on exhibits that invite you to test, touch, and explore. With highlights like a real Russian space station module and interactive challenges that surprise and engage, it's a fun, all-weather stop for families looking for something different.

up to 2 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

Explore over 175 hands-on exhibits designed for the whole family.
Step inside a real 43-foot MIR space station module, the only one on display worldwide.
Try lifting a full-sized car using the Giant Lever and basic physics.
A great indoor option in Wisconsin Dells for hot or rainy days.
A self-paced experience covering space, energy, robotics, and real-world science.
Plan about 1 to 2 hours for your visit to the Tommy Bartlett museum.
A STEM-focused playground for the imagination that makes science fun for all ages.
Children ages 3 and younger are admitted free.

Promotional Images (10)

A young woman interacts with an exhibit featuring a blue humanoid robot in a science or technology museum.

A man in a winter jacket speaks with a staff member behind a counter at a science-themed gift shop. The staff member gestures toward a height measurement display.

Two restroom entrances beneath a white overhang, with robot figures and artwork displayed on top; signage for accessible and all-gender restrooms is visible.

Entrance to the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, with a large red and white sign and double glass doors labeled "Tickets + Gift Shop"; a closed sign is visible on one door.

A fenced outdoor area with snow, a yellow structure labeled "Giant Lever," a trash bin, parked vehicles, and buildings in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Description

Looking for a break from the water parks that still keeps the whole family engaged? Ripley's Tommy Bartlett Exploratory in Wisconsin Dells turns science into an interactive playground with over 175 hands-on exhibits that invite you to test, touch, and experiment at your own pace.

Explore a 43-foot core module from the Russian Space Station MIR, one of only three ever built and the only one on display worldwide. Test your strength on the Giant Lever and see if you can lift a full-sized car using nothing but a rope and science. Learn how principles like the Bernoulli Effect help planes fly, along with dozens of other hands-on challenges.

From children to adults, there's something to amaze everyone inside. Now backed by Ripley's Believe It or Not!, you can expect even more curiosity, wonder, and wow in the years to come.

Whether you're exploring space stations or lifting cars with physics, the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is your all-weather ticket to interactive adventure in Wisconsin Dells.

Tommy Bartlett Exploratory Reviews

Based on 549 reviews

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Lead2829

North Lawrence, Ohio

"A shockingly fun experience"

Reviewed July 19, 2025

Fun thing to do on a rainy day. There was a lot to do for the kids. The MIR exhibit was interesting. It was fun lifting a car with the pulley. The electric chair was my kids favorite thing to do.

LAFQuest

Green Bay, Wisconsin

"Unexpectedly pleased with our visit"

Reviewed April 06, 2025

I had read mixed reviews about the museum but we had gotten tickets with our stay at Kalahari so decided to go. While some of the exhibits were dated and a few not working, my 11 and 13 year old grandsons had a great time as did my husband and I (in our late 60s). We spent a little over 2 hours there. Not sure we would have bought tickets to go but the price, compared to other things in the Dells, did not seem that high.

VanessaAlexR

Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay District, Ontario

"Not recommended at all!"

Reviewed August 20, 2024

As first-time visitors to the Wis Dells, we purchased tickets to the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory hoping for a fun afternoon activity for the kids (aged 5 & 7). As soon as we walked in we knew we were going to be sadly disappointed. It is EXTREMELY outdated, so many of the exhibits aren’t working, and was dark and dingy. It appeared as though no updates had been done in over 20 years and plenty of the exhibits required reading and instruction by parents to the kids and then half of them didn’t even seem to work so it was highly disappointing for everyone. Sadly, the only thing we would have changed about our overall trip was going to this attraction.

chantale613

Winnipeg, Manitoba

"Worth the stop for science"

Reviewed July 22, 2024

My family is very interested in science things and this was a hit! We spent about 3 hours here and it was very interesting. The only thing is there is no where for snacks/breaks so make sure it's not over a meal time. Worth the stop for sure.

irfanyumna

Valparaiso, Indiana

"great rainy day visit"

Reviewed May 29, 2024

great for a rainy day. crowded but a lot of hands on fun. better than most children museums. compact and easy to see numerous things.

Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is located at 560 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy • Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tommy Bartlett Exploratory

What is Tommy Bartlett Exploratory known for?

The Wisconsin Dells Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is known for its 175+ hands-on science exhibits, including a real Russian space station module and interactive challenges like lifting a car using physics. It is also part of the long-running Tommy Bartlett attraction, a well-known name in Wisconsin Dells entertainment.

Is the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory good for kids and adults?

Yes, the exhibits are designed to engage a wide range of ages, with hands-on activities that appeal to both kids and adults exploring together.

How long should I plan to spend at the Exploratory?

Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the exhibits, depending on how much time they spend interacting with each display.

Is the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory indoors?

The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is a mostly indoor attraction with exhibits located across multiple buildings. Some features, like the Giant Lever, are outdoors, but the experience is still ideal for rainy days.

Where is the Tommy Bartlett museum in Wisconsin?

The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is located at 560 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy S in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. It sits along the main parkway, close to many popular attractions, making it easy to add to your day.

Is there parking at the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory?

Yes, complimentary on-site parking is available for all visitors, making it easy to access the attraction.

Is the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Exploratory is wheelchair accessible and designed to accommodate guests with mobility needs.. Wheelchairs and strollers are not available for rent on-site.