Metropolis, Illinois travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Metropolis is a small city in Southern Illinois probably named out of wishful thinking which hasn't really been borne out. The town's current claim to fame is as the host for a floating riverboat casino run by the Harrah's casino chain of Reno, Nevada. The town has also capitalized on its name by erecting what is referred to on road signs as a Giant Statue of Superman of DC Comics fame. In fact, though the statue is called giant it's less than half as tall as the statue of Big John the grocer, which is found in front of the Big John's supermarket on the way into town. Big John's also hosts a small gaming casino room.

1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 2 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Metropolis

Fort Massac

A great historic location. It was built in 1757. This fort has been maintained since 1908 since it became a state park. Each year there is an encampment, a car show, and a run.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 27°F. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
PAH Barkley Regional Airport, Paducah — 7 mi away. Directions
MWA Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois, Marion — 44 mi away. Directions
BNA Nashville International Airport, Nashville — 134 mi away (major hub). Directions

The nearest airport with commercial flights is Barkley Regional Airport (PAH), which serves the larger city of Paducah across the river in Kentucky. However, most locals prefer to fly out of either Lambert-St. Louis International Airport or Nashville International Airport, both of which are roughly a three-hour drive.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Get in

By plane

Go Metropolis Municipal Airport (M30)

A small, public, paved air strip 2 miles north west of town. It can be accessed by small planes. it has no control towers, there is no landing fee but there is an overnight tie down fee. There are dusk-dawn lights only.

☎ +1 618 524-9976

Maps

See

The thing to see is the Super Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Superman memorabilia from comics, films, and television.

Do

The Americana Hollywood Museum is also located in Metropolis. It contains displays of items used in various movies, television shows, and live performances.

John Wayne, Pamela Anderson, Houdini, Lost in Space, various monster movies, Finding Nemo, and many other displays are set up.

Do Fort Massac

A great historic location. It was built in 1757. This fort has been maintained since 1908 since it became a state park. Each year there is an encampment, a car show, and a run.

📍 1308 E 5th St☎ +1 618-524-4712⚠ Last checked Nov 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps Website