Gemini Giant, Muffler Man statue on Route 66 in Wilmington, Illinois, US
The Gemini Giant is a 30-foot tall fiberglass figure wearing a green space suit with a silver helmet while holding a metallic rocket in its hands. It stands on Route 66 in Wilmington and was created as an advertisement for a local drive-in restaurant.
The statue was purchased in 1965 by local restaurant owners John and Bernice Korelc to advertise their drive-in business on Route 66. In March 2024, the Joliet Area Historical Museum acquired the figure for preservation and planned display at South Island Park.
The name came from a school contest that connected the figure to NASA's Gemini space program when public interest in space exploration was at its peak. Passing travelers have recognized and photographed it as a symbol of that era for decades.
The figure is easily accessible during daylight hours and can be viewed from Route 66. It is best to visit during the day and explore the area when it is bright, as the statue sits in a small town along a busy road.
The original small rocket held by the figure required multiple replacements over the decades due to theft. This history shows how beloved and well-known the landmark became with travelers along Route 66.
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