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 of the crew for the US/Russian Apollo-Soyuz docking mission, the very first international space mission of its kind which paved the way for the International Space Station.

Mission Statement

The Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bicycle Museum commemorates Sparta astronaut Deke Slayton and a “Progression of  Transportation” through bicycles, aviation, and space exploration to connect people to knowledge, creativity, and inspiration.

Bicycling Capital of America

Why bikes and Deke Slayton? Sparta, Wisconsin is the Bicycling Capital of America with the first Rails to Trails Program in the country in which old railroad tracks are converted into bike trails. Deke Slayton is a Sparta native, and one of America’s first astronauts. The community wanted to celebrate both of these traditions, and the Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum was born!

Admission

  • Adults: $5.00
  • Seniors 65+: $4.00
  • Children ages 5-14: $3.00
  • Children 4 & under: Free

Accessibility

The Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum is located on the second floor of the building. Unfortunately there is not an elevator and we are not handicap accessible.

Hours of Operation

10:00am- 4:00pm Tuesday – Saturday

Closed on holidays.