Landing Pad newest stop for Route 66 memorabila

Published by admin on Tue, 05/06/2025 - 4:12pm

THE LANDING PAD in South Island Park officially opened May 1, after hard work of the crew. From left Heritage Corridor Director Bob Navarro, Michael Lambert from Arris Architectural and Preservation Consulting, LLC (store designer), Emily Rose with the Joliet Area Historical Museum, Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz, Wilmington Island Park District Director Kirsten VanDune, and McKenna Capwell, also with the park district.
Photos by Rose Panier

A GEMINI GIANT bobblehead is available at the new Landing Pad.

By: 
Rose Panieri
Staff writer

It’s was 36 minutes to opening time on May 1, and Kirsten Van Duyne and her crew were putting finishing touches before the Landing Pad opened at noon.
The Heritage Corridor Destinations, Joliet Area Historical Museum, City of Wilmington, and Wilmington Park District are excited to announce the grand opening of The Landing Pad, a Route 66-themed souvenir shop located just steps away from the new home of the World-famous Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois.
Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz was also there cheering on the crew and surreptitiously eyeing the merchandise.
“One of the gotta-have items will be the official Gemini Giant Bobbleheads,” he said.
Indeed, as Dietz roamed the shop, he was drawn to the display of Bobbleheads.
“I’ll be here more as a customer than anything else,” Dietz quipped.
The Landing Pad souvenir shop officially opened Thursday, and will operate Thursday-Monday from noon to 6 p.m. through November.
The Landing Pad gift shop is a Route 66 enthusiast’s dream come true. Whether you, like the mayor, are hooked on Gemini Giant Bobbleheads, or are a Mother Road enthusiast, odds are, you’ll find something of interest.
Refrigerator magnets, posters, backpacks, and apparel grace the walls and shelves. There is also a selection of herbal remedies and essential oils for the purist. The shop also sells old-fashion Route 66 sodas and Beer Nut varieties, the perfect traveling snack.
“We are excited to be able to meet and welcome all our Route 66 visitors, local and from afar, with a smile and help make their trip as memorable as possible! We can’t wait to see you there!” said Van Duyne, Executive Director of Wilmington Park District.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 11 a.m., followed by a festive celebration featuring food for purchase, music, and family-friendly entertainment.
Wilmington Island Park District, Joliet Area Historical Museum, Heritage Corridor Destinations, and more organizations will be on site through Thursday, May 22 to provide resources and information regarding upcoming events and more exciting things to do in the region.
The Landing Pad is located at South Island Park, 110 Park St., Suite C.

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