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Budget Destination Metropolis, ILHome to Fort Massac, Harrah’s Casino and Superman
Combine a riverboat casino, a historical park and Superman, and you'll have an idea of why the quiet town of Metropolis delivers fun to budget travelers.
Metropolis is situated on the southern border of Illinois, bordering Kentucky on the Ohio River. Just off the I-24 highway, it’s within easy driving distance of major Midwest U.S. cities like Nashville, Memphis, St. Louis and Louisville, Kentucky. It also makes for a great quick budget getaway for adults and families alike. Truth, Justice and the Superman WayComic book fans will, of course, associate the city name with Superman. And while the city was named way before the fictional city became home to the superhero, it has since embraced the legend the name brings. Driving into town, it’s hard not to notice the welcoming billboard with Superman on it or the countless blue signs proclaiming “Giant Superman Statue Straight Ahead” as you drive towards the town center. The statue is giant indeed, standing 15 ft at the front steps of the courthouse. It sits on top of a concrete base in the shape of Superman’s emblem. Across the street is a worn building surrounded by cutouts of Superman and Supergirl that allow you to photograph yourself as the superheroes. Cheesy, but fun and free. Inside the building is a gift shop dedicated to selling all things Superman, but wind your way to the back and you’ll find the entrance to the Super Museum, which houses a pretty respectable collection of memorabilia and rarities. A mere $3 gets you in to view them. Die-hard Man of Steel fans will want to time their visit with the annual Superman Celebration when thousands come to pay homage to the iconic character. Gamble on a Great Time in MetropolisDoes the lure of Vegas call, but the wallet says, “No Way!”? Well, you can still enjoy the jingle of the slots since Metropolis is also home to the Harrah’s Metropolis Casino. Due to gambling laws in Illinois, the casino part is actually on board a riverboat that sits on the Ohio River. In addition to slots and video poker, there are 27 different table games available. The attached hotel sits on land, and room deals can be had for as low as $59 a night. The casino also brings in live entertainment from the likes of Wayne Newton and other famous musicians several times a month, with tickets as low as $10. Nature Lovers and History Buffs Will Find Plenty To DoOn the outskirts of town lies Fort Massac State Park, the oldest state park in Illinois. With over 1,450 acres of camping, boating access and hiking trails, nature lovers will enjoy spending a day or two here. Best of all, it’s free to visit. Fans of American history will also enjoy exploring the authentic replica of the original Fort Massac, which served as a gateway to the west during several wars in the 1700s and 1800s. It was also a key stop during the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. A nearby museum houses several rooms of artifacts and replicas showcasing life for these early settlers. For more on park, please read the Suite101 article Fort Massac State Park in Illinois. Also from the 1800s is the Curtis House Museum, a two story brick home constructed in 1870 by Civil War veteran Major Elijah P. Curtis. It’s located one block south of the Superman statue at 405 Market Street and requests donations for admittance. Call 618.524.3497 for current hours or more information. Those preferring their history a little more recent can visit the burial site of Robert F. Stroud at the Masonic Cemetery in town. Stroud is better known as the Birdman of Alcatraz. Call 800.949.5740 for directions. How to Get to MetropolisMetropolis is located where Interstate 24 and Highway 45 intersect in southern Illinois on the Ohio River. It does not have an airport of its own, but is within driving distance of several metropolitan areas with international airports. From Nashville, Tennessee, take I-24 north for about two hours to Metropolis. From St. Louis, Missouri, take I-64 east to I-57 south. Connect to I-24 south and follow that to Metropolis. Now that you know what to see and do, please read Dine and Stay in Metropolis, IL for Suite101's picks for the best places to eat and sleep on a budget during your stay in the city.
The copyright of the article Budget Destination Metropolis, IL in Budget Travel Destinations is owned by Michelle Snow. Permission to republish Budget Destination Metropolis, IL in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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