See Superman's Hometown - thatawaydad.com

Metropolis

In Metropolis Illinois, Superman is real. In 1972 DC Comics declared the town “Home of Superman.” Here you can see the Super Museum, stand in front of a larger than life statue of Superman and even see the Daily Planet.

Superman Statue

You can stand in front of a larger-than-life Superman and take a pose just like him with or without your Superman costume.

The Superman statue is bronze, 15-feet-tall and weighs two tons. It was funded with engraved bricks purchased by Metropolis citizens for 35 bucks apiece and stands in front of City Hall. The statue cost $120,000 (which meant that more than 3,400 people had to buy bricks in the town of 6,700).

Address: Superman Square, Metropolis, IL 62960

Super Museum

The museum features over 70,000+ items from the life’s work of longtime Superman enthusiast and collector, Jim Hambrick who has amassed one of the greatest collections of Superman memorabilia in the world.

Among the items showcased in the museum from the iconic superhero’s 75+ year history are virtually every Superman toy ever produced as well as movie props and promotional materials from all the Superman movies & TV series (including “Smallville” and “Man of Steel”) and one of the only George Reeves Superman costumes still in existence.

Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily

Admission: Adults $5 and children5 and under free.

Address: 517 Market St, Metropolis, IL 62960

Lois Lane Statue

See Lois Lane reporting the news from this location.

Address: Market St & W 8th St, Metropolis, IL 62960

Daily Planet

Visit where the exploits of Superman are reported.

Address: 111 E 5th St, Metropolis, IL 62960

Kryptonite

A rock dangerous to Superman can also be found in Metropolis.

Address: 323 Ferry St, Metropolis, IL 62960 (Across the street at this address at a former Hollywood museum. Nearby is Fat Edd’s Roadhouse that serves bar and grill grub like burgers, wings, and shrimp.

Thor’s Gym

If you need a workout you can even go to Thor’s Gym.

Address: 721 Market St, Metropolis, IL 62960

Non-Super Hero Related Activity in Metropolis

Fort Massac State Park

A fort on this site began in 1540 when the Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto and his soldiers constructed a primitive fortification to defend themselves from hostile native attack.

The French built Fort De L’Ascension on the site in 1757, during the French and Indian War, when France and Great Britain were fighting for ultimate control of central North America. Rebuilt in 1759-60, the structure was renamed Massiac in honor of the then French Minister of Colonial Affairs, and came under fire only once when unsuccessfully attacked by a group of Cherokee.

Following the end of the French and Indian War in 1763, the French abandoned the fort and a band of Chickasaws burned it to the ground. When Captain Thomas Stirling, commander of the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment, arrived to take possession, all he found was a charred ruin.

The British anglicized the name to “Massac” but, despite the counsel of their military advisers, they neither rebuilt nor re-garrisoned the fort. This oversight left them vulnerable and in 1778, during the Revolutionary War, Colonel George Rogers Clark led his “Long Knives” regiment into Illinois at Massac Creek. From there he was able to capture Kaskaskia, 100 miles to the north, without firing a shot, thus taking the entire Illinois Territory for the State of Virginia and the fledgling United States.

In 1794, President George Washington ordered the fort rebuilt, and for the next 20 years, it protected U.S. military and commercial interests in the Ohio Valley. The fort also served a minor role in the War of 1812 and was a training camp during the Civil War.

The fort has a number of activities throughout the year and you can check the website for more information. We will be there for a rendezvous on the weekend we are there.

The replica fort is closed for rehabilitation but you can still visit the visitor’s center or attend a rendezvous or other events they have there.

Hours: 8 am to 10 pm Daily

Admission: Free

Address: 1308 E. 5th Street, Metropolis IL 62960

Harrah’s Metropolis Casino and Hotel

A casino that includes lodging and a restaurant near the riverfront.

Address: 100 E Front St, Metropolis, IL 62960

Major Elijah Curtis Home Museum

Classic Revival-style, two-story brick home with distinctive interior woodwork that once belonged to Major Elijah Curtis during the Civil War.

Address: 405 Market St, Metropolis, IL 62960

Other Sites

Shawnee Wine Trail

Wineries can be found throughout southern Illinois. Click the link above more information and a map to where you can find them.

Mermet Springs

Mermet Springs is a full-service dive site and scuba training facility centered in 8 1/2 acres of water in an abandoned stone quarry. Offering dives from 15-120 feet, the springs also has numerous sunken treasures to explore, including the jet airplane from the movie “US Marshals.”

Hours: Thursday 9 am – 6 pm, Friday 9 am – 10 pm, Saturday 8 am – 10 pm, Sunday 8 am – 6 pm Monday 9 am – 6 pm and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Admission: Call or go to the website for more information.

Address: 6724 N, US-45, Belknap, IL 62908

George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail

The trail is home to the longest pedestrian bridge in the state of Illinois. The 8.7-mile trail begins at the Superman Statue, winds through the city streets and then through the historic and natural areas inside Ft. Massac State Park.

Address: 1308 E 5th St.

Metropolis, Illinois 62960

Kincaid Mounds Archaeological Site

From about 800 AD to 1500 AD the mounds were the ‘capital’ of a chiefdom that stretched along the Ohio River. A constructed overlook platform and interpretive panels tell the story of the significant contribution and historical value of the Native American culture.

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Admission: Free

Address: Jackson Precinct, IL 62910

Paducah is Only Minutes Away

Metropolis is a stop on our way to Paducah, Ken., which is only 20 minutes away. Check out the link below on what to see in this charming Southern city!