Welcome to the Launching Pad Drive-In on historic Route 66 in Wilmington, Illinois! We are home to the Gemini Giant, an iconic 28ft. green spaceman that stands in our parking lot outside the restaurant and is one of the top attractions on Route 66! We are also a Welcome Center for Route 66 travelers and a gift shop where you can find great souvenirs made locally.
Based on 595 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.4 stars. Price $
Address:
810 E Baltimore St, Wilmington, IL 60481
Website: http://geminigiant.com/
Social Profile: 
Menu
… View more
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Mike P
If this place ever reopens with the same owners, as a local, I ask you to stop supporting it. It was enough of an eyesore when this past summer the owner decided to park her car in front of the tourist attraction Gemini Giant. It went away for a while but then she did it again. Now she has taken to accusing her business partner of crimes by writing on the windows. She posts absolutely crazy ranting nonstop on Truth Social, accusing many people who worked with her of just awful things that she should be sued over. She keeps using racist language. She needs a serious mental health intervention but it looks like she thinks everybody is only out to get her. Enough is enough. This place needs to be sold to somebody who can handle the stress of running a small business. She took an iconic international Route 66 destination, and with about $500K in government relief funds managed to run the place into the ground in around a year, year and a half. The reputation is in the toilet and she’s making our entire town look bad.
… more
Carolyn Carleson
Everyone was super nice here and even knew some history of the place. Congratulations to the new owners and thank you for keeping up the traditions. We have traveled some of rt 66 from Illinois to Arizona and we’ve shown the kids some cool sites so it was neat to bring them somewhere local that celebrated the old rt 66. I shared some pictures of us on the road and included the big Gemini giant.
… more
Gary
Great food, atmosphere and service, cool Route 66 collectible items in the gift shop corner. Nice museum style room in the back of collectible music memories. But personally, my favorite is the best of all the iconic giant advertising men, “The Gemini Giant.” This place is one of the top places on Route 66 to see and it won’t disappoint.
… more
Lee Jordan
Great place. I ate a delicious Chicago dog. Facility has been closed for some time, and just recently reopened. We were there on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and the place was packed. New manager was out among the customers making sure the food and service was excellent.
… more
Randy and Trish Lake
Part of the nostalgia of the old rt.66. This place hasn’t changed awhole lot since the 60’s.You can get souvenirs here.The giant has been here for as long as I can remember. He’s had some work done.We went in today for some ice cream.I gave them 4 stars because their prices are abit high.I had a ice cream cone & it was over $4 & my husband had a lg. shake( looks more like a med,) & it was over $5.We will be back to try the food & will post it when we do.
… more
Kyle Wilson
Loved how the Giant looks after the restoration. AWSOME. The Chi-town hotdogs are a flashback to Soldier’s Field with the vendor on the corner. Great job Tully and Holly. The museum turned out nice.
… more
Christy M
Wanted to get passport stamped and take a photo of the giant, but there was a wrecked car in front of the giant and lots of odd stuff written on everything. There seemed to be a very angry woman running the place and there was a really stange and unpleasant atmosphere. Will not return to Wilmington based on this experience.
… more
Shawn Thompson
Disappointing as the establishment is temporarily closed. We were starting our trip down Rt 66 and this was supposed to be the first spot to get our passport stamp book stamped. Bummer. Still got pics with the Gemini Giant and the outside of the Launching Pad but it was Giant let down that it was closed. We had planned on picking up a Gemini Giant bobble head to be out 66 mascot.
… more
Brandy Andrews
The owner is absolutely awful. She needs help. She refused to move her car for LOTS OF TOURISTS earlier because “she wants justice to be served”
… more
Jason Herrmann
A true Blast from the Past Route 66 experience! Excellent pies, ice cream, burgers, hot dogs, and Italian beef. The onion rings and French fries are fried to perfection! Great Route 66 sodas and memorabilia. Don’t forget to get a selfie with the Gemini Giant.
… more
… View more