Wilmington, Illinois: Gemini Giant: Space Age Muffler Man
Outfitted for short-sleeved space travel, this fiberglass giant guarded the Launching Pad drive-in on Route 66 beginning in 1965. Relocated to a city park on Nov. 30, 2024.
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The Gemini Giant is still there, although the Launching Pad restaurant stands empty.
[Sheila, 09/29/2016]The Gemini Giant and the Launching Pad Restaurant will be going to auction on April 8, 2016. This is a sad time for the people of Wilmington who hope so much for a miracle!
[Maria Plese, 03/04/2016]
The Gemini Giant stands along Route 66 (down the road from the Polk-a-Dot restaurant). It is in the parking lot of the Launching Pad Diner, but the restaurant is now closed and for sale.
[Tansy Ridings, 06/20/2013]
I read on your website that Mr. Steve Dashew might be interested in purchasing a Muffler Man for his back yard. I am driving Route 66 and just passed Wilmington, Illinois, where I sadly saw that The Launching Pad is for sale, so the Gemini Giant must be, too. The sign says to Contact John Moauro at 708-361-1150. I hope you can save him!
[Federico Pohls, 10/15/2012]My parents and I visited the Gemini Giant and the Launching Pad restaurant. I saw no signs the Launching Pad and/or the Gemini Giant are still for sale. The Gemini Giant looks great. We noticed he had a power line running to him, which led us to believe some part of him must light up at night, which would certainly be neat to see.
The Launching Pad is currently selling Gemini Giant t-shirts. We had lunch at the Launching Pad, which was great and only cost about $12 for the three of us. If you stop to take pictures of the Gemini Giant, be sure to go inside, get a bite to eat and have a look around at the cool murals and tables.
[Carrie Bachman, 08/14/2011][Previous 5 items] Page of 6 [Next 5 items]
Gemini Giant: Space Age Muffler Man
South Island Park
- Address:
- 201 Bridge St., Wilmington, IL
- Directions:
- South Island Park. On the east side of Route 66/IL-53, just south of downtown, on a little island in the Kankakee River. Visible from the road.
- Hours:
- Lit at night.
- RA Rates:
- Major Fun
Nearby Offbeat Places
Polk-a-Dot Drive In, Braidwood, IL - 4 mi.
Nine-Foot-Tall Guitar-Playing Elvis, Braidwood, IL - 4 mi.
Superman and Phone Booth, Braidwood, IL - 4 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
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The Launching Pad closes off-season. Its owner has been trying to sell it since late 2010, but it still opens in the summer months. We spoke with John Moauro, who said that the Muffler Man will not be sold separately. The Gemini Giant will probably stay right where it is.