Metropolis: Home of Superman
Formerly known as Massaic, Metropolis, IL now belongs to Illinois' Massac County, located 86 miles from Evansville, Indiana and 127 miles from Nashville, Tennessee. Settled in first by the French in the late 1750s, today's Metropolis, situated a mile west of the fort, was established in 1839. The city's founders renamed the town Metropolis because they envisioned it to be a 'City of the West'. This stemmed from a proposal to have a District of Columbia established in the west that spanned the territories of Metropolis and Kentucky. Today, Metropolis, Illinois is referenced numerous times in popular culture, but none that is more famous than being Superman's hometown. In fact, there is an annual Superman Celebration held each 2nd weekend of June. Superman fans from around the world flock to Metropolis, filling up hotels and clogging nearby Barkley Regional Airport. The 4-day celebration gathers vendors displaying food, comics, and Superman merchandise.
Best Time to Visit
Metropolis, IL sees a peak in tourism starting early June, especially on the 2nd week when tourists flock the city for the annual Superman Celebration. This season records the highest hotel prices and airfare. Those who are looking to avoid high foot traffic are discouraged to head on to the area during this season. Instead, consider a trip between early April to early June and late August to late September. This is when temperatures are still warm enough but accommodations aren't as expensive compared to room rates in June. Temperatures hover in the low 70s, a bit cooler than the high 70s in July.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Non-Superman fanatics can also check out the riverboat casino known as Harrah's Metropolis, and the Metropolis Country Club as well. History buffs should also drop by The Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, a village built by Native Americans around 1100 AD or spend a fun-filled day with the family at Badgett Playhouse or at the Kentucky Dam Village Campground. Notable hotels nearby include the budget-friendly Holiday Inn Express Metropolis and the comfy Super 8 by Wyndham Metropolis.