Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum

Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum We celebrate Sparta, WI astronaut Donald "Deke" Slayton and bicycles. Deke Slayton was one of America's first astronauts and is a native to the Sparta Area.

The museum is seen as a progression of transportation, from the first bicycles to todays space missions. Sparta is home of one of the first rails to trails programs in the United States and is therefore known as the bicycling capitol of America. Stop by to see our exhibits which include bicycles dating back over a hundred years and Deke Slayton's Space suit. We have an excelant area for children w

here you can take a picture of your favorite astronaut and they can learn about space. We also accept school groups and if interested please call us or visit our web site.

It's finally done! After several unforseen set backs, including the model falling down, our piece of fabric from the Wri...
05/04/2026

It's finally done! After several unforseen set backs, including the model falling down, our piece of fabric from the Wright Flyer that was carried to the moon with Neil Armstrong is now on display!!!

Monday, May 4 is the deadline for SCHOLARSHIP applications. Paid spots still available. Everything is on our website dek...
05/01/2026

Monday, May 4 is the deadline for SCHOLARSHIP applications. Paid spots still available. Everything is on our website dekeslaytonmuseum.org

Wisconsin astronaut Jeff Williams has a new mission- he is the founder of the yet to be built PNW Science & Wonders Cent...
04/22/2026

Wisconsin astronaut Jeff Williams has a new mission- he is the founder of the yet to be built PNW Science & Wonders Center in Washington state. Check out their website!

The PNW Science & Wonders Center exists to ignite a lifelong passion for discovery. The Center will create an educational, inspirational, and entertaining environment stimulating interest and providing opportunities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, & mathematics) – investigating t...

Story about Deke on the news in Minnesota!
04/14/2026

Story about Deke on the news in Minnesota!

The successful Artemis II mission around the moon is a reminder that space exploration is built on decades of groundwork. Photojournalist Joe Van Ryn and Frankie McLister show how a University of Minnesota graduate helped pave the way for spaceflight.

After reading this article about Solstar Space's Deke Space Communicator, I talked to the CEO and founder, Brian Barnett...
04/02/2026

After reading this article about Solstar Space's Deke Space Communicator, I talked to the CEO and founder, Brian Barnett, about his deep appreciation of Deke Slayton's role in him getting a job with NASA. Deke's legacy is strong!

When a SpaceX Fal­con 9 rocket lif­ted off from Vanden­berg Space Force Base in Cali­for­nia early Monday and soared into orbit, a New Mex­ico inven­tion was onboard. Now, the Deke Space Com­mu­nic­ator, from Santa Fe-based Sol­star Space Co., will go...

Watching/listening to NASA's live Artemis II launch coverage on their YouTube channel. I think today might finally be th...
04/01/2026

Watching/listening to NASA's live Artemis II launch coverage on their YouTube channel. I think today might finally be the day!!!!

This feed will provide continuous coverage of Artemis II mission activities with live commentary, beginning with tanking of the SLS (Space Launch System) roc...

Our new website has a gift shop!!!
03/31/2026

Our new website has a gift shop!!!

Deke Slayton Museum Gift Shop

03/25/2026

Our website just got a MAJOR update!!! Check it out dekeslaytonmuseum.org

Registration for Junior Space Week is open!!! Early bird price of $225 through April 6, then $255. Scholarship applicati...
03/24/2026

Registration for Junior Space Week is open!!! Early bird price of $225 through April 6, then $255. Scholarship applications due by May 4. ALL information is on our website

Astronaut Deke Slayton Born in Sparta, Wisconsin, Deke Slayton was one of America’s first astronauts, part of the Mercury 7 group that was formed by NASA in 1959.Throughout his 20+ year career with NASA Deke was instrumental in shaping the early days of US manned space flight. In 1975 he was part ...

Registration for Junior Space Week opens Monday, March 23 at 10:00 on our website dekeslaytonmuseum.org
03/17/2026

Registration for Junior Space Week opens Monday, March 23 at 10:00 on our website dekeslaytonmuseum.org

It's always fun to have people featured in our museum visit. Here is Pete Quirin visiting the display featuring his 3,80...
03/07/2026

It's always fun to have people featured in our museum visit. Here is Pete Quirin visiting the display featuring his 3,800 mile cross country bike ride.

It's the only viewable moon rock in the state of Wisconsin!!
02/11/2026

It's the only viewable moon rock in the state of Wisconsin!!

20 years ago (2006)
The Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bicycle museum is scheduled to receive a piece of a moon rock that was collected from a lunar landing.

Address

200 W Main Street
Sparta, WI
54656

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+16082690033

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum:

Shortcuts

Share

Category