Featured in DC Comics as a large city, Superman’s home of Metropolis is actually a small town. When you visit Metropolis, located in the southern part of the state, you will see tributes to the Man of Steel everywhere, although there is more to this place than its hometown hero. Let’s take a look at a few of the things to do in Metropolis, Illinois.

1. Super Museum and Gift Shop
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The Super Museum, 517 Market St, Metropolis, IL 62960, USA
Yehbut/TripAdvisor
It seems appropriate that the largest collection of Superman memorabilia is located in his hometown, Opened in 1993, this world-famous museum houses over 20,000 items collected by Jim Hambrick, the ultimate Man of Steel fan. Come see Superman toys, movie props, and so much more! And don't forget to pick up some of your own memorabilia at the gift shop.

Let's walk through the Super Museum and Gift Shop in "Superman Town Illinois," Metropolis. In this video The Geek of Steel goes on an adventure through the store showing off all of the cool Superman memorabilia you'll find here:
2. Superman Statue
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Superman Statue, 517 Market St, Metropolis, IL 62960, USA
Iris D/TripAdvisor
The Man of Steel stands proudly at 15 feet in the middle of Superman Square where he watches over his hometown. Feel free to take photos with him to remember your time in Metropolis.
3. Lois Lane (Noel Neill) Statue
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Noel Neill Statue, &, Market St &, W 8th St, Metropolis, IL 62960, USA
NewbernTraveler/TripAdvisor
There is also a statue of Lois Lane, who was first portrayed by actress Noel Neill in the first Superman film made in the 1940s.

Come visit the Noel Neill, AKA Lois Lane, statue in Metropolis, IL and learn a little more about Miss Neill in this video from History Marked:
4. Fort Massac State Park
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Fort Massac State Park, 1308 E 5th St, Metropolis, IL 62960, USA
ake_brake2007/TripAdvisor
The 1,500-acre historic Fort Massac State Park sits along the Ohio River and offers a variety of outdoor activities. Fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and playing disc golf on the 18-hole course are just a few things you can do here. And when you're here, head to the Visitors' Center to learn about the park's history.
5. George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail
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George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail, Metropolis, IL, USA
Debbie Innis/AllTrails
Starting at either the Fort Massac side in Metropolis or Brookport side, this easy 7.1-mile trail is a great way to get out in nature. Hike or bike along the trail and take in the surrounding beauty!
6. Hope Light Lighthouse
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Metropolis Hope Light Lighthouse, Metropolis, IL 62960, USA
DarthDad07/TripAdvisor
Located near the west entrance of Dorthy Miller Park, the 30-foot Metropolis Lighthouse Hope Light overlooks the Ohio River and was first lit in November 2014, although it does not serve as a real lighthouse. It is dedicated to the fight against cancer and serves as a beacon of light and hope for cancer patients and survivors. Spend some time walking around the beautiful park while you're here.
7. Super City Antiques and Collectibles
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Super City Antiques & Collectibles, 700 Market St, Metropolis, IL 62960, USA
Super City Antiques & Collectibles/Facebook
Super City Antiques is housed inside a late 1800s building that maintains elements of its antique charm like exposed brick and tin-tiled ceilings. You can browse to find many unique items in this shop (and maybe even score some Superman memorabilia!)

Take a peek inside Super City Antiques Located between the Superman and Lois Lane statues on Market Street as the owner talks about his delightful antique shop in Metropolis, IL:

When you make the drive to Metropolis, Illinois, Superman is pretty much everywhere you turn. Whether or not you are a super fan of Superman, a visit to Metropolis is sure to be super fun! Have you been to Metropolis? What is your favorite thing to see or do?

For more information on places to see and things to do in Metropolis, Illinois, visit the Metropolis Tourism website.

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More to Explore

More interesting things about Metropolis, Illinois

Chris Muras | March 18, 2023

What is the history of Metropolis Illinois?

While most will remember Metropolis, Illinois as the self-proclaimed home of Superman, the town's history dates back well before Superman-mania took over the town in 1972. The town was formed in 1843 when it became part of Massac county. However, even before that, it was occupied by French settlers in the late 1750s when they built Fort De L'Ascension as they battled local tribes of Native Americans - who of course were the original settlers of what would become Metropolis, IL.

What famous people are from Metropolis Illinois?

There are a number of famous people that were originally from Metropolis, IL, other than Superman, of course. Here are a few famous people from Metropolis, Illinois:

  • Christopher Jackson: He was a musician and actor made famous when he played George Washington in the original Broadway cast of Hamilton.
  • Curt Jones: You may not have heard the name but you know his claim to fame - he created Dippin' Dots ice cream in 1987.
  • Betty, Jean, and Joanne Weaver: When much of the nation's young men went off to war at the start of World War II the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was created to keep baseball alive in America. These two sisters played in the AAGPBL in the early 1950s.
  • Robert Franklin Stroud: A more infamous man with ties to Metropolis was Robert Stroud, also known as the Birdman of Alcatraz. After his death in 1963, he was buried in Metropolis.

 

Explore more of the interesting places to visit throughout Illinois on this road trip to fascinating places in Illinois, including a stop at Metropolis' Super Museum.

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