Wilmington, Illinois: Gemini Giant: Space Age Muffler Man

I figured I'd alert everyone to the fact that the Gemini Giant is now lit up every night. The new owners of the next-door Launching Pad Drive-in installed the lighting in 2019. If you can't stop by during the day, stop by at night!

For the first time in over 50 years, the Gemini Giant briefly glimpsed the world without his helmet. It was removed for a few hours on May 15 while the Muffler Man underwent a cleaning and minor repairs, courtesy of his new owners, Holly Barker and Tully Garrett. To their surprise, they discovered that the helmet, designed to be held in place by four bolts, was down to just one. And the Giant's damaged silver space shoes will now be protected; Barker and Tully are installing barriers to keep them from being run over by any more cars.

The Gemini Giant and Launching Pad Diner have had new owners -- Holly Barker and Tully Garrett -- for almost a year when we visited in September 2018. The couple is extremely nice, incredibly friendly, and has been working hard.

The former diner has been converted into a giant Route 66 / Gemini Giant / pop culture souvenir shop (Including autographed guitars and framed canceled checks signed by 1960s Hollywood stars). Outside is a food truck selling tacos and such, which you can bring inside to enjoy at a booth.

Behind the scenes we saw the hard work that they're putting into getting their kitchen back up and running, hopefully by Summer 2019.

The American Gemini Giant Statue is a retrofitted Muffler Man in a space helmet, holding a Launching Pad rocket. Route 66 signs, old and new, are displayed here.

This Muffler Man seems a bit rough, the paint a bit cracked here and there, but other than that still in good shape! The restaurant (Launching Pad) is closed and for sale.