Gemini Giant

The Gemini Giant is one of the biggest attractions located along the Mother Road of Route 66 at the eastern entrance to Wilmington, Illinois in Will County. This picture-worthy landmark stands outside the Launching Pad Drive-In Restaurant. The Gemini Giant is named after the Gemini space program and holds a silver rocket ship in his hands, while sporting an astronaut's space helmet that resembles a welding mask. The 30 foot tall statue is one of many giant Muffler Man advertising props found throughout the Unites States in the 1960s. Weighing in at an incredible 438 pounds, the Gemini Giant is the perfect place to stop along Route 66 to take your picturesque selfie.

What's Nearby?

Fossil Rock Recreation Area

Each year, campers make Fossil Rock RV Park and Campground their family vacation destination. Conveniently located 55 miles from Downtown Chicago and 50 miles from read on
Hollywood Casino Joliet Hotel & RV Resort

Be treated like a star at the Hollywood Casino Joliet Hotel & RV Park. Located off Historic Route 66, across from the Hollywood Casino, you will be staying footsteps away from the excitement of...read on
Chicagoland Speedway

Choose from 4 unique camping options at Chicagoland Speedway! Benefits include: free newspaper delivery, payment plan options, free tram services around the facility and non-stop entertainment.
...read on
Hampton Inn & Suites Minooka

Situated off of I-80 in Grundy County, the Hampton Inn & Suites Minooka is only 15 miles west of Joliet and the read on
Hampton Inn by Hilton Joliet I-80

Feel at home at the Hampton Inn Joliet I-80. This Joliet hotel is located within ten minutes of downtown Joliet and both Harrah’s and Hollyw...read on
Hayden's Crossing

Hayden’s Crossing is a one-of-a-kind restaurant in Downtown Wilmington with welcoming family atmosphere. It’s family dining at its bes...read on
RT66 Old School Brewing
Rt 66 Old School Brewing is located on Route 66 and next to the Kankakee River. It is just steps from Water Street in Wilmington and located next to Nelly's Restaurant on Route 66. Stop in to try an...read on
Polk-a-Dot Drive In

One of the most memorable attractions along Route 66 is the Polk-a-Dot Drive In. Once you enter the Drive In you will instantly be sent back in...read on
Big Fish Grille
The Big Fish Grille is located at Harborside Marina in Wilmington, Illinois. Big Fish Grille is your destination for seafood. The menu centers around th...read on
River Hawk Brewing
River Hawk Brewery is a local brewery and taproom in Channahon, Illinois that features hand crafted beer and wine. The taproom is designed with community and socialization in mind, it is a great meeti...read on
June

22

Midewin NTP for Kids: Fun with Fossils - Virtual
Discover how they were formed and where you might find some! Become a fossil expert! Register: SM.FS.Midewin_RSVP@usda.gov or (815) 423-6370...read on
May

1

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie – Silver Anniversary – Time Capsule Installation
For the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Silver Anniversary, a Time Capsule will be installed. Items in the time capsule will provide a sense of what life was like from 1996 to 2021. Volunteer lengt...read on
June

2

Birds of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Webinars: Part 1
Learn all about the birds that call Midewin NTP home. What makes Midewin NTP a special place for grassland birds? Will County Audubon Society Vice President and Midewin NTP volunteer Greg Dubois will ...read on
June

9

Birds of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie webinars: Part 2
Learn all about the birds that call Midewin NTP home. What makes Midewin NTP a special place for grassland birds? Will County Audubon Society Vice President and Midewin NTP volunteer Greg Dubois will ...read on
June

17

Midewin NTP for Kids: Croakin' Around-Toad or Frog?-Virtual
What's that sound? Is it a frog or toad? Where are their ears? How long can they hold their breath? Learn this and more! Register: SM.FS.Midewin_RSVP@usda.gov (815) 423-6370...read on

Canal Towns

Route 66

Starved Rock

Events

I Want To ...

Gemini Giant

What's Nearby?

Fossil Rock Recreation Area

Hollywood Casino Joliet Hotel & RV Resort

Chicagoland Speedway

Hampton Inn & Suites Minooka

Hampton Inn by Hilton Joliet I-80

Hayden's Crossing

RT66 Old School Brewing

Polk-a-Dot Drive In

Big Fish Grille

River Hawk Brewing

Midewin NTP for Kids: Fun with Fossils - Virtual

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie – Silver Anniversary – Time Capsule Installation

Birds of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Webinars: Part 1

Birds of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie webinars: Part 2

Midewin NTP for Kids: Croakin' Around-Toad or Frog?-Virtual

Scenes from Around the Corridor