Gemini Giant - Launching Pad Drive-In

201 Bridge St., Wilmington, IL 60481
Phone:

East < GO > West

The Gemini Giant Space Man in Wilmington is a Route 66 icon. He stands over 20 feet tall in a new park created just for him. This is apparently one of only three astronaut themed giant statues made by the International Fiberglass and sold new for about $3,500.00. One of the others was located at space themed Astroland in Coney Island, NYC, NY in the 1960's. This 2012 photo is in the old location he was relocated in 2024 to his new home at 201 Bridge St. on South Island just a block west of the Van Dyne Motel.

GPS: 41.306107,-88.149730

The restaurant has been torn down and the Gemini Giant has moved down the road a few blocks to 201 Bridge St., Wilmington, IL 60481

In 1960 the now demolished Dari Delite Cafe opened selling hot dogs and ice cream. In 1965 the Gemini Giant arrived and the name changed to Launching Pad Drive-in. It was located on Route 66 at Baltimore and Daniels Streets. We stopped and ate here twice, on our 2009 and 2012 Route 66 trips.

Photo(s): 2012