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The Launching Pad

Welcome to the official website for the Launching Pad Restaurant, home to the Gemini Giant on historicRoute 66 in Wilmington, Illinois! After a two-year restoration* we are now open as a restaurant, gift and travel shop, Mini Americana Museum and host for Grief Anonymous support group meetings. Come see us!

Pizza
Hotdogs
Sandwiches
Salads
Milkshakes

Daily Menu Grief Anonymous meetings Visitors Wall

Launching Pad E-shop

Bobble Head $ 23.66

Steel Magnet $ 9.66

Route 66 Passport $ 9.99

Magnet- Red & Silver Gemini Giant $ 5.66

We are very excited to have Gemini Giant merchandise available online! We ship worldwide! Thank you for your support!

Our Story

Hello and Welcome to the Official Website for the Launching Pad Drive-in, Home to the Iconic Gemini Giant on Route 66 in Wilmington, Illinois!

Our business partners

illinoisroute66.org Where the Mother Road begins

www.HeritageCorridorCVB.com CVB and Illinois Office of Tourism

www.route66magazine.com Subscribe to Route 66 Magazine Today!

www.enjoyillinois.com The Official Website of the Illinois Office of Tourism

www.365on66.com We are dedicated to promote and showcase the businesses that are along the world famous Route 66

griefresourcenetwork.com

griefanonymous.com

www.RoadtoRock.org

www.route66navigation.com Find and stay on historic Route 66

Well today at 4:00 PM it will be our 4 year annive

Well today at 4:00 PM it will be our 4 year anniversary.
Holly C. Barker and I met in person for the very first time at my home in Nashville Tennessee. We are exactly at the same spot we met to celebrate.
Through the death of our spouses we found a new life and new love and we are guided by them from above. We have been through so much in the last four years. Bottom line we have lived four life times in the last four years.
In the end love wins and happiness prevails and I can and will live with this outcome which is 💯% where “we” want to be.
Our beloved Gemini Giant and Launching Pad will be back in the near future better than ever. Much love to those who believe in me and us. You know who you are... I answer only to my heart and it sings. Tully

7:00 PM CENTRAL TIME TONIGHT- Live Update THE LAU

7:00 PM CENTRAL TIME TONIGHT- Live Update THE LAUNCHING PAD- Please Share! Wednesday, May 27, 2020 @ 7:00 PM Central Time we will be doing a Facebook Live chat to catch up with everyone along with updating on all things Gemini Giant and Launching Pad related. Mark your calendar - looking forward to reaching out and updating everyone. See ya at 7:00 PM Tully & Holly 🚀🚀🚀

UPDATE: THE LAUNCHING PAD- Please Share! Wednesda

UPDATE: THE LAUNCHING PAD- Please Share! Wednesday, May 27, 2020 @ 7:00 PM Central Time we will be doing a Facebook Live chat to catch up with everyone along with updating on all things Gemini Giant and Launching Pad related. Mark your calendar - looking forward to reaching
out and updating everyone. Tully & Holly 🚀🚀🚀

We honor the lives, courage, and legacy of fallen

We honor the lives, courage, and legacy of fallen soldiers this Memorial Day. We thank all our troops and their families for their sacrifice as they continue to fight for our freedom. #WeRemember Tully & Holly 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

American Way- Apple Pie, Chevy Corvette and The Ge

American Way- Apple Pie, Chevy Corvette and The Gemini Giant!!! Thanks Mitch Moberg! Tully & Holly 🚀🚀🚀

EVERYONE PLEASE SHARE THIS POST: Yes, it was only

EVERYONE PLEASE SHARE THIS POST: Yes, it was only a matter of time- we are working on bringing back BURGERS & FRIES! When we get the green light to re-open we will be adding H A M B U R G E R S & F R I E S which equals: 🍔 + 🍟 = ❤️ We brought one of the Best Chicago Hot Dogs around to The Pad so we are certain we will bring a great Burger. We are working out all the details with infrastructure and equipment to bring the best tasting burger around. From day one we have always asked for input as you are the ones we want to make happy.
We have the best staff and they are like family and we all are so excited to finally make The Launching Pad - “ Outta Of This World”
So, what style hamburger makes you say yum?
What style of french fry makes you smile? Tully & Holly 🚀🚀🚀 THE LAUNCHING PAD

Now this is a proper mask. Thanks Tommy! Tully &

Now this is a proper mask. Thanks Tommy! Tully & Holly 🚀🚀🚀
The Launching Pad Crew

UPDATE- PLEASE SHARE We returned back to The Laun

UPDATE- PLEASE SHARE
We returned back to The Launching Pad today to make some decisions on moving forward once the State of Illinois has given the green light. We are very excited coming up with a solid game plan to open up The Pad and provide a safe and clean environment. Many exciting and new changes as we move forward in anticipation of re-opening. We will keep everyone updated and look forward to the day we turn the OPEN sign back on! A solid and positive business outlook! Holly, Tully & The Launching Pad Crew 🚀🚀🚀

Such a nice surprise in the May/June 2020 Midwest

Such a nice surprise in the May/June 2020 Midwest Living magazine: The Gemini Giant on page 62 of this great magazine! 🚀🚀🚀

Instagram post 2285660005313145320_6195961646

Instagram post 2285660005313145320_6195961646

Who all has animals in their home? Dog, cat, bird

Who all has animals in their home? Dog, cat, bird, fish - you name it. My boys have grown up with a Sheltie who we have named Nash. He is 16 years old and has been with both my boys from birth through now. Show us your pet we’d love to see their name and how much they mean to you. During these very uneasy times we hope your animals are bringing love and calmness to you! The Launching Pad 🚀🚀🚀

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