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Forget Smallville, the fictional home of Jonathan and Martha Kent and their illustrious son Clark (aka Superman), the Metropolis Illinois Chamber of Commerce wants visitors to think of their town Metropolis as the legendary residence of Kal-El, the last son of Krypton. For over two decades now, the small vill(ag)e of Metropolis, Illinois, has welcomed tourists and curiosity seekers to the one-and-only home of the comic book hero. A billboard with the image of Superman points the way to downtown Metropolis for motorists entering the city from the east side. Other images of the super hero can be found all around this town of less than seven thousand inhabitants.

Superman souvenirs are available everywhere as well. At one time, the Chamber gave away free packets of Kryptonite to children but were forced to cease this tradition when "DC Comics" claimed the practice was a copyright violation.

Things haven't always been so rosy in Metropolis though.

In 1972, the town had plans to build a thousand-acre "Amazing World of Superman", a $50 million theme park, with a 200-foot-tall statue. Cars would drive between Superman's legs to enter the park. Then the Arabs shut off the oil and the bankers shut down Metropolis's dream.

The town took over a decade to recover. Then, very cautiously, Metropolis scraped together a thousand bucks in 1986 and put up a seven-foot fiberglass Superman in the town square. It quickly became a target for literal-minded vandals who wanted to see if the Man of Steel was stronger than a speeding bullet. He wasn't, and once again Metropolis's efforts to celebrate their hero were thwarted. What could a small town like Metropolis do?

In 1993, they did a lot. On June 5th, citizens of Metropolis unveiled a new fifteen-foot bronze statue of Superman preceding the town's fifteenth annual Superman Celebration. Built by the same company that created the Emmy statue outside the Academy of Television Arts in Hollywood, the monument to the most famous flying hero ever stands proudly in full color in front of the courthouse on Superman Square. Tens of thousands have since visited the statue, and it has become a focal point of the small town's revival in both an economic and cultural sense. (Several community service groups raised over $100,000 for the project by selling personalized bricks that beautify the base and walkway around the statue.)

Visitors who can't make the Annual Superman Celebration are certainly welcome throughout the rest of the year. Superman's phone booth awaits special callers, and the business district has retail outlets. The Metropolis Planet, a bi-weekly newspaper which alerts readers of other local "Super" events, is located in the heart of Metropolis. For history buffs, the Curtis House Museum and the grave of the "Birdman of Alcatraz" are within walking distance of the statue. Small groups of re-enactors provide living history at nearby Fort Massac State Park and Museum, and Las Vegas-style gaming is available at Harrah's Casino on the Ohio River.

Metropolis, Illinois, is located just across the Ohio River from Paducah, Kentucky. From Interstate 24, follow Route 45 West for about five miles. Once you cross Massac Creek, the highway twists left then right before turning into Fifth Street. The Superman statue, located at the center of town, is at the intersection of Fifth and Market Streets. You can leave your car in any of the designated parking spots, and easily walk to all of the sites.

Metropolis, Illinois, where heroes and history meed on the shores of the majestic Ohio River.  This All-American town has been a must visit destination for Superman fans, since being authorized by National Periodical Publication (D.C. Comics) to become the adopted “Home of Superman” over 45 years ago, in the January of 1972.  Since then, Metropolis has become more than a comic fan Mecca.  With world-renown events that celebrate the history, hunting and yes, even Superman, as well as an action packed casino and outdoor wonders that can take you through the Shawnee National Forest or even under water through a Boeing 727 Airplane, Metropolis is a town that has been added to many bucket lists.

Located at the very southern tip of Illinois on the border of Illinois and Kentucky at the intersection of Interstate 24, US Highway 45 and IL Highway 145, along the Ohio River Scenic Byway, Metropolis offers the best small-town America has to offer.  With 7 CVB approved lodging facilities, over 20 local eateries and over 20 specialty shops, Metropolis provides Southern Illinois hospitality at it’s finest.

Local tourist attraction include Illinois’ First State Park; Fort Massac State Park, Harrah’s Hotel & Casino, the 15 Foot Superman Statue and Super Museum, Mermet Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area and Mermet Springs Scuba Facility.

LET YOUR ADVENTURE BEGIN IN METROPOLIS!

GREATER METROPOLIS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU | 877-424-5025

Visit The Giant Kryptonite Rock on the Corner of 3rd and Ferry Street.

Check out one of the cutest photo ops downtown. Located in front of Hidden Gems Novelty & Collectibles at 609 Market street. Painted by artist Morgan Siebert.

Open only during the summer...the Superman themed splash park offers visitors a unique way to cool off in the the summer heat while enjoying the Metropolis public pool.  All the splash accessories are Superman themed.  Slide down the kryptonite slide, play around the Metropolis planet globe, enjoy a spray fight or a water bucket drop!