The Story
In 1965, John and Bernice Korelc paid $3,500 for a fiberglass 'Muffler Man' statue and had it outfitted as an astronaut to capitalize on America's Space Race fever. A naming contest at the local grade school resulted in 'Gemini Giant,' honoring NASA's Gemini program.
The statue became Illinois' most photographed Route 66 landmark. When the Launching Pad restaurant closed in 2022, the Giant was auctioned for $275,000 in March 2024. The Joliet Area Historical Museum, using a state grant, purchased and donated it to Wilmington. It was rededicated at South Island Park on November 30, 2024.
Surprise Facts
→ International Fiberglass made only two other astronaut Muffler Men - the Gemini Giant is the only survivor
→ A grade school naming contest gave the statue its name
→ Sold at auction for $275,000 in 2024
→ Now permanently displayed at South Island Park after decades at the Launching Pad
Notable People
Visit Information
✓ Open to Visit
Address: South Island Park, Wilmington, IL 60481
Hours: 24/7 public park
Tip: New location at South Island Park as of November 2024