The "Hometown of Superman" is a charming town of some 6,000 nestled along the picturesque Ohio River in the far south of Illinois (a six-hour drive from Chicago) where it borders Kentucky, and boasts a number of attractions beyond its superhero connection. With a rich history dating back to 1839, Metropolis has grown into a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors alike. Originally settled by European immigrants attracted to the fertile lands along the Ohio, Metropolis has a fascinating heritage that reflects the diverse cultures that have shaped it over the years, from its early days as a small trading post to its development into a thriving small town. And whether you're seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or simply a relaxing getaway, Metropolis has the proverbial something for everyone.
The Man of Steel famously hails from the fictional city of Metropolis, and in the early 1970s the town´s leaders decided to go all in on the name coincidence, launching "Project Superman" to create various sites and celebrations playing up the connection. Yes, it´s a bit gimmicky and contrived, but it´s also good clean fun, and no visit here would be complete without checking out the colorful statue of Superman (15 feet tall, and in bronze rather than steel) in front of the Massac County courthouse, as well as that of Lois Lane several blocks away. There´s also a Super Museum where visitors can explore exhibits showcasing rare comic books, movie memorabilia, and artefacts that highlight the superhero's evolution over the years. Interactive displays provide insights into Superman's creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and their inspiration behind the character. And why not pop by the offices of the Metropolis Planet, the real-life local weekly newspaper to learn about local journalism and history as well as pick up Superman-themed souvenirs and snap a photo with a replica of Clark Kent's iconic desk (fun fact: the paper was founded as the Metropolis News in 1865, later became the Daily Star, and in 1940 was finally renamed the Planet in 1940 coinciding with the release of Action Comics #23).
In addition, every second weekend of June (in 2026, the 12th to 14th), Metropolis stages the Superman Celebration, an extravaganza featuring a wide range of activities and events, from interactive exhibits and panel discussions to film screenings and comic book signings. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Superman through themed attractions, merchandise vendors, and special performances. Cosplay enthusiasts flock to the celebration to show off their best Superman costumes and compete in contests for prizes and bragging rights, and adding to the excitement are celebrity appearances by actors who have portrayed Superman characters in movies and on television (such as Dean Cain, Margot Kidder, and Brandon Routh), as well as comic book artists and writers; for fans, it´s meet-and-greets, autographs, and selfies galore! Finally, there´s also a fun fair with rides and the other usual trappings held to coincide with the celebration.
Metropolis Chamber of Commerce
The Other Allures of Metropolis
Historic Downtown and Riverfront
Take a leisurely stroll through these charming streets and uncover a trove of 19th-century architecture housing handsome homes, shops selling everything from folksy crafts to vintage treasures; various art galleries; and restaurants specializing in a range of fare from Midwestern comfort food to international cuisine. You´ll also spot a series of vibrant murals that depict the city's history and culture, from scenes from local folklore to the inevitable larger-than-life superheroes. You can also take a leisurely stroll in the parkland along the Ohio River, where picknicking, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating are popular activities during the warmer months. Also along the riverside you´ll find the seven-story, 214-room Harrah's Metropolis, the biggest entertainment game in town since 1993, with 20 table games blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps, along with more than 600 slots and a pair of great restaurants with live music on weekends.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Just a five minute drive from Metropolis, Illinois´ first state park, nearly 1,500 acres, is named after a wooden fort established by the French as Fort de L´Ascension in 1757 during the French and Indian War, when they built a fort called Fort de L’Ascension to protect their interests along the Ohio River and to counter British expansion in the region. What we see here today is a replica - and it actually can be seen only from the outside, as it´s closed for structural rehabilitation. But the interpretive center is open, and visitors can enjoy the park´s fantastic river views as well as outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and a disc golf course.
This one´s a bit farther away, in the Shawnee Forest near the town of Carbondale, but it´s well worth an hour´s drive to experience this 4,000-acre natural wonderland´s features towering rock formations and 12 miles of scenic trails. It´s named for its massive sandstone bluffs and unique rock formations, amid rugged, lushly wooded terrain, and it´s an amazing experience to hike amidst its towering sandstone walls and their caves and crevices. The park´s also fabulous for birdwatching, and you can even stay overnight, camping or in several rustic cabins and a nearly-century-old sandstone-and-oak lodge.
Also about an hour away, in and around the town of Pomona, this collection of 11 high-quality wineries, from quaint family-owned vineyards to modern tasting rooms with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. And in addition to tours and tastings, you can also overnight at several of them
For more information, check out SeeMetropolis.com as well as this post at Travelophia.com.
Comments
I´m from Chicago and know Illinois pretty well, but was not familiar with Metropolis. Adding it to my list, thanks!