Legendary Route 66 Sights: The Gemini Giant

When one thinks of Route 66, several iconic roadside attractions spring to mind: the nostalgic Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma, the surreal Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, the bustling Santa Monica Pier at the western end of the route, but few icons of the Mother Road loom larger than Wilmington’s own Gemini Giant.

One of the many memorable Muffler Men statues that dot Route 66 and other historic routes across the country, the Gemini Giant is beloved for its unique space-age theme and quirky color palette. These molded fiberglass advertising giants, named after the mufflers the original statues held in their hands, have become a staple of Americana since their invention in the early 1960s by boat-builder Steve Dashew and his International Fiberglass company.

While thousands of these Goliath-statured figures would be scattered across the country in the decade they were produced, few have built up the beloved fan base of the Gemini Giant. Named after the Gemini space program, the custom, fiberglass figure sports a silver, torpedo-like astronaut helmet and, instead of the typical muffler, holds a rocket ship in his hands.

The 438-pound giant originally was purchased by Dari-Delite owners John and Bernice Korelc in the mid-1960s. Seeing an opportunity, they rebranded their restaurant The Launching Pad to fit with the Gemini Giant’s theming, and symbolize the kickoff to many Route 66 journeys.

While many Muffler Men across the nation disappeared, the Gemini Giant always remained in place. In 2017, Holly Barker and Tully Garrett purchased The Launching Pad restaurant, and pledged to return the iconic sculpture to its former glory. Within a year, a beautifully restored Gemini Giant was unveiled on its original parking lot pedestal.

The popular photo-op can be found along historic Route 66/East Baltimore Street on the north end of Wilmington, about 50 miles from the start of Route 66.

For more information on the Gemini Giant and The Launching Pad Restaurant at 810 E. Baltimore St., visit www.facebook.com/thelaunchingpadroute66.