The Landing Pad Clear for Visitors
The Landing Pad, Wilmington’s newest Route 66 attraction, officially opened its doors recently with a festive ribbon cutting ceremony.
Located at the base of the iconic Gemini Giant, the event welcomed visitors with vibrant entertainment, including a caricature artist, a Route 66-themed food truck, and unforgettable photo opportunities.
Designed as a must-stop destination for Route 66 travelers, The Landing Pad souvenir shop offers unique, one of-a-kind souvenirs that help preserve memories of The First Hundred Miles of America’s Mother Road. With its nostalgic charm and prime location at 110 S. Park St., The Landing Pad promises to become a highlight for tourists exploring this legendary route.
The celebration was attended by several notable local leaders, including Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz, Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Joliet Area Historical Museum CEO Greg Peerbolte, and Heritage Corridor Destinations President and CEO Robert Navarro, all of whom expressed support for the new addition to the community and its potential to enhance regional tourism.
The Landing Pad will be open for the season Thursday through Monday, from noon 6 p.m.
“What you see here is a collaborative effort to preserving and promoting Route 66 for generations to come,” said Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz, in a press release.
“Towns don’t die when they fail; they die when they quit,” said Joliet Area Historical Museum CEO Greg Peerbolte, in the release.
