The Charming Small Town In Illinois That Was Home To Superman Once Upon A Time
By Kim Magaraci|Updated on April 16, 2024(Originally published August 30, 2022)
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Did you know that the hometown of Superman – where he was born and raised – is right here in the Prairie State? If you’ve never visited the small town of Metropolis, Illinois, you’re in for a treat! Take some time to enjoy an Illinois day trip to a charming small town in Massac County, where you’ll find the spot where the Boy of Steel spent his childhood.
Metropolis was founded in 1839 near then-bustling Fort Massac. The two founders envisioned that the town's location on the Ohio River would lead to it being a hub of transportation and commerce.
Over the years, the town became an agricultural hotspot, and a riverboat casino was opened right on the water. Lots of people visit Metropolis for the casino, but plenty more stop in to see just why it's considered to be the Home of Superman.
If you've read the comics, you'll remember that the hero's (fictional) city is Metropolis, and the state of Illinois took this fact and ran with it. In 1972, the State Legislature passed a resolution declaring Metropolis the Hometown of Superman.
If you're a fan of comics and superheroes, you'll want to visit during the Superman Celebration every June. It's a four-day celebration that brings fans and celebrities to Superman's hometown.
Along with comic book celebrities and industry legends, vendors sell all sorts of goods. There's fair food, craft vendors, collectible merchandise, and costumes. Multiple events coincide with the weekend, including a costume contest and discussion panels. It's been happening every June since 1979!
Now, of course, the "real" Metropolis city in the comics is a large, well... metropolis; but that fact doesn't get in the way of anyone's fun here in this town of 6,000 people.
In fact, the comics themselves paid a nod to the little Illinois City once! In "Superman #92," a villain finds himself in Metropolis, Illinois, and hijinks ensue while he tries to find the true city where the real Man of Steel makes his home.
Whether you visit during the annual celebration or just come down for a day trip, this unique small town in southern Illinois is sure to be a fun spot to spend some time for any comic book lover or superhero fan.
Plan a visit to Metropolis and you’re sure to have a super time! In fact, why not book a stay at this Superman-themed Airbnb while you’re in town?
Metropolis is just the hometown of Superman, by the way. While he certainly gets most of the attention, other noteworthy celebrities born here include Christopher Jackson (George Washington in the original cast of Hamilton), MLB pitcher Moxie Manuel, MLB first basement Ben Taylor, MLB catcher Hawk Taylor, and groundbreaking filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. And Metropolis isn’t the only celebrity hotspot – there are many famous people from Illinois.
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