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Metropolis, a small town located on the Ohio River at the southern tip of Illinois, was founded in 1838. It is the only Metropolis listed in the postal zip code directory.

In the early 1970s, Robert Westerfield moved to Metropolis from Owensboro, Ky. and was surprised that the town did not have a formal association with Superman. Mr. Westerfield (now deceased) was the creative force behind the movement to officially adopt Superman as the town's famous son.

Officially declared by Illinois House of Representatives Resolution Number 572, Metropolis, Illinois became the Hometown of Superman on June 9, 1972. The Metropolis News local newspaper changed its named to the Metropolis Planet. Investors were solicited, funds were raised and the "Amazing World of Superman" museum was built in 1973. Due to a gasoline shortage, the lengthy delay in the completion of Interstate 24 and other factors, the museum was closed one year later. The Superman association was abandoned until 1979 when the first Superman movie made its debut. That is when the idea for the Superman Celebration was born.

In 1986, a small group of people raised approximately $1,000 to have a seven-foot fiberglass Superman built and placed on Superman Square. A "funeral" service was held at this statue when Superman died in the comic book series. But thankfully, Superman returned to life on the comic book pages and remains a life-force for tourism in Metropolis. In 1991 alone, the guest register at the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce included signatures representing 35 states as well as Canada, Norway, Australia, Ireland, England and Scotland. Then in 1993, over $100,000 was raised and a 15-foot bronze Superman Statue was unveiled.

Superman fans from all over the world flock to Metropolis each June for the annual Superman Celebration. In 2010 visitors came from all 50 states and 22 countries. Curious visitors stop by year round to see the Superman statue, the Noel Neill Lois Lane Statue, Super Museum, Metropolis Planet and other unique sites. Comic book artists as well as actors and actresses connected with Superman film and television visit the small 'Metropolis" (population 6,500) each year.

How do I get to Metropolis?

By Plane: Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah, Ky. is the closest commerical airport, just 20 minutes away. Connecting flights there must come through Chicago. The next closest commercial airports are Marion, Illinois - about 50-minute drive, Nashville, Tenn., 2 1/2 hours, or St. Louis, 2 ½ hours.
Do I need to rent a car? Is there shuttle service available? We would suggest that you rent a car to get around Metropolis. We are a small town and do not offer public transportation services found in larger cities. Car rental is available at airports including Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah, Ky. Shuttle bus service from Barkley Regional Airport to Metropolis hotels may be arranged by calling in advance: Paducah Area Transit Service, 877-828-7287. Metropolis' SMART shuttle bus may provide shuttle service during the Superman Celebration. Must call in advance, 866-577-6278.

By Automobile: Metropolis is located in southernmost Illinois on Exit 37 on Interstate 24. It is easily found and is the last exit in the state of Illinois when traveling I-24 and the first exit in Illinois when traveling from Kentucky into Illinois. Metropolis is approximately midway between Nashville, Tenn. and St. Louis Mo.

Driving Distances: Atlanta, GA - 395 miles; Cincinnati, OH - 332; Chicago, IL - 365; Indianapolis, IN - 299: Little Rock, AR - 327: Memphis, TN - 207; Nashville, TN - 149; Paducah, KY - 13; St. Louis, MO, 167.

Bus: The closest Greyhound Bus stations are in Paducah, Ky. and Vienna, Illinois. Both are 20-30 minutes from Metropolis.

Train: The closest Amtrak stop is in Carbondale, Ill., approximately 1 hour away.

Getting around in Metropolis: Metropolis a small town (despite the big name) so we have no major modes of public transportation that you might find in a metropolitan city. You will probably want to rent a car, but cab service is available. You can also walk between many of the area's most popular attractions.

Where should I stay?

If you want to stay at a hotel that is within walking distance of the Superman Statue or Harrah's Casino, you could choose Baymont Inn and Suites, Harrah's, or Summer's Riverview Bed and Breakfast. All of the other hotels are just a couple minutes away by car. At the I-24 interchange you will find Holiday Inn Express, Metropolis Inn, Motel 6 and Super 8. America's Best Value Inn is located across the street from Fort Massac State Park and Old Bethlehem School Cottage in a bed and breakfast located in the countryside. Visit our Places to Stay link for a complete listing lodging options.

Where should I eat?

You'll find several options from well-known fast food chains to locally owned eateries. You'll want to try the famous hamburger at Willy Jak's, some Dippin Dots at Super City Dots and sample great BBQ at Bill's BBQ or Yesterday's. There are more restaurants we could recommend, including the Range Steakhouse and Fresh buffet at Harrah's as well as China House Buffet and El Tequila's. For home-cooked meals, try Farley's Cafeteria or Rube's Diner. Visit our Where to Eat link for all restaurant options.

What Superman attractions do you have?

There are plenty!
Giant 15-foot bronze statue - a must see attraction!
The SuperMuseum - the largest collection of Superman memorabilia on the planet.
Welcome to Metropolis, Home of Superman billboard - great place to stop for a photo.
Giant rock of Kryptonite - located in front of Americana Hollywood. This museum also features Superman, Justice League and tons of Hollywood celebrity memorabilia.
Life-size statue of Noel Neill - Lois Lane - just a 2 block walk from Superman.
Superman cutouts - put your face on Superman's body for a fun photo!
The Metropolis Planet - see the small town weekly newspaper office.
The Chamber of Commerce - see photo display of the history of Metropolis.
Superman is also painted on the town's water tower.

What else can I do in Metropolis?

You don't have to be a Superman fan to enjoy Metropolis! Metropolis offers sites for those interested in entertainment, history and nature as well.
Fort Massac State Park - take a walk through the rebuilt fort or along one of the many nature trails. Enjoy a picnic alongside the Ohio River and watch the barges go by. Visit the museum and learn about the history of the fort where Lewis and Clark once stayed. You can even launch your boat into the river if you like!
Harrah's Metropolis Casino - visit Harrah's to try your luck at slots and table games and enjoy great restaurants.
Curtis House Museum - see this civil war era home maintained by the Massac County Historical Society.
Take a stroll and see the hand-painted historical murals on buildings thoughout the town. You'll see an interesting antique fire truck inside the Metropolis Fire Department, too.
Do some shopping - Metropolis has several interesting boutiques, as well as antique and consignment shops.
See Kincaid Mounds - Take a 30-minute drive and see this archaeological treasure.
Go fishing at Mermet Lake, or diving at Mermet Springs, just 11 miles north of Metropolis.
Visit Cache River Winery - just a 20 minute drive from town.
Visit our Where to Play link for more ideas!

We may be one small town - but we've got many big adventures to offer!