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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Visitor Tips and News About Gemini Giant: Space Age Muffler Man
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The current owner of the Launching Pad restaurant and its Muffler Man Gemini Giant is reported to have his business on the market. The fiberglass statue of a helmeted man holding a rocket is a rare surviving Muffler Man configured as a space man (the space helmet was sold as an accessory by the same company that manufactured the figure).
Morey Szczecin has owned the Launching Pad for four years, and the listed price is $650k, according to a story in the Chicago Sun-Times.
[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 01/25/2011]
Well worth a stop. He's in great shape. The Launching Pad had good road food too!
[J Nichols, 06/22/2010]Years ago some kids stole the rocket. It was all over the papers and a few months later it was found in the woods nearby.
[Stephanie, 01/23/2010]
All is well with the big guy, and not a for sale sign in sight.
[Leslie, 09/11/2009]
I visited the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, IL on my way back from an assignment in Mt. Vernon, IL (where I also visited the Uniroyal Gal). He is in fine shape and there is no For Sale sign that I could locate.
[Jennifer, 09/24/2007][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
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