TO THE MOON & BACK. That's the path that this tree – as a seedling – took before putting its roots down in Menomonie in 2024. Today, the 'moon tree' (pictured July 2026) continues its growing journey at the Rassbach Museum (1820 John Russell Rd., Menomonie).

In 2024, Menomonie’s Rassbach Museum planted a “moon tree” from seeds flown on NASA’s 2022 Artemis I mission to the moon. Renewed interest has come in the wake of April’s Artemis II flight.

Melissa Kneeland, executive director of the Rassbach Museum, has observed visitors’ growing context of the Artemis program thanks to the human presence on this past spring’s voyage. “Now when people hear, 'Oh, it's an Artemis moon tree,' they connect the dots in their head to what that means and what that mission is about.”

Since the planting, work has continued on the display around the tree, which itself continues to healthily grow. Kneeland notes how their tree – the only such “moon tree” planted thus far in Wisconsin – stands out from ordinary ones.

“It's really remarkable to see how someone's interest and interaction and investment in a tree shifts, when they have a story about it, and they understand all of a sudden the impact of, 'This thing I'm standing next to has gone on this remarkable stellar journey, and it's right here in our community.' ”

Community members were invited to the 'moon tree' dedication ceremony in Menomonie in October 2024. Local youth, Iain (pictured), was attended the ceremony.

Iain pictured with the 'moon tree' in Aug. 2025, displaying nearly one year's worth of growth. (Submitted photos)

From the first generation’s ride on 1971’s Apollo 14 to the second generation’s 2022 lunar sojourn, Kneeland says a third generation of seeds could be planted from their tree. Additionally, she envisions the museum branching out to celestial projects such as night-watching parties, all to further inspire people to “get out there and touch the stars.”

Swing by the Rassbach Museum (1820 John Russell Rd., Menomonie) to visit the moon tree and check out the other exhibits and features there. Learn more about the Dunn County Historical Society and museum online at www.dunnhistory.org.