The Spirit of Flight Foundation has announced the addition of a remarkable piece of American daredevil history to its museum collection: a replica of Evel Knievel’s Skycycle X-2. The iconic rocket-powered vehicle, best known for its dramatic 1974 attempt to leap the Snake River Canyon in Idaho, will soon arrive at the museum’s home in Nampa. “Many people remember Evel’s legendary attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon,” said Gordon Page, President of the Spirit of Flight Foundation. “This year marks the 50th anniversary of that historic, if not quite successful, stunt.”
Built in 2015 for the History Channel series Museum Men by Creative Arts Unlimited, the replica Skycycle X-2 was constructed with meticulous attention to detail for display purposes. Since its debut, it has been exhibited at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. “The Skycycle X-2 replica has been a major attraction for us,” noted Neal Melton, President of the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. “But it’s a long way from where the original launch took place—in Twin Falls, Idaho.”
The original Skycycle X-2, a steam-powered rocket designed to carry Knievel across the Snake River Canyon, launched on September 8, 1974. Despite successfully crossing the canyon, a prematurely deployed parachute and high winds caused the vehicle to drift back and land in the canyon—just feet from the riverbank. Knievel emerged with only minor injuries, though he later said he could have drowned due to a harness malfunction had he landed in the water.
“I’ve stood on the original launch site,” said Page. “Looking across that canyon, it’s hard to imagine sitting in a 16-foot-long steam rocket. It’s humbling—and awe-inspiring.” Originally planning to construct its own replica, the Spirit of Flight Foundation reached out to the Tennessee Museum of Aviation to propose a transfer of the existing Skycycle X-2. Thanks to a shared vision between both institutions, the deal was finalized.
The Skycycle X-2 will be transported to Nampa in June and unveiled during the museum’s 17th Annual Spirit of Flight Day on Saturday, July 12, 2025. “I look at a poster of Evel’s jump every day in my office,” said Page. “Soon, I’ll get to look at the Skycycle itself. We’re incredibly grateful to the Tennessee Museum of Aviation for making this a reality.” For more information, visit www.spiritofflight.org.
