Wilmington, IL: Gemini Giant and Dino (Historic US-66)

Original Location of Gemini Giant where I took the photo below: (Satellite, you can still see the footprints on the base.)

Planned Location: (Satellite)

US-66 Overview

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As I was driving into Wilmington, I saw this statue. I then realized that I was on historic US-66 because I have seen it in brochures. So I went around some blocks and parked to take a picture. It is on the corner of the parking lot of the Launching Pad.

Unfortunately, it is now for sale. I included the sign on the right to catch the US-66 emblem.

A few blocks later, I spotted a dinosaur on top of a building. Fortunately, it was easy to pull in and park to get pictures of the dino. I wonder if this used to be a Sinclair gas station, because that dinosaur reminds me of their trademark.

Update Jul 3, 2024:

Steve Slatter posted two photos with the comment: "Gemini Giant in WILMINGT0N, ILLIN0IS. Shuttered Launching Pad Rt.66. The Muffler Man wasn't PC in 2024."

Dawnna Crick- Strassenburg: What do you mean, wasn't PC?

Chuck Rabideau: Had absolutely NOTHING to do with PC. Owner was having a few issues.

Kelly Boyd: Got sold and removed because the business closed.

Joliet Historical Museum owns him now.

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Only three or four of the Spaceman version were built. One was in Astroland (1962-2008) in Coney Island.

The Launching Pad posted via post

There is now a souvenir store next to the park that is to have the Gemini Giant called the Landing Pad.

Austin Dietz, May 2025

The Launching Pad has a Facebook Group.

June 2026: it looks like they got the park ready for those cruising US-66 during its 100th aniversary year.

Denise Wagner Tokar posted

Joseph Tuch Santucci posted
More kicks on 66, the Gemini Giant at its new home at Island Park in Wilmington, IL. He’s been refinished and looking great.