Where to Stay in Metropolis
Budget accommodations can be found at Fort Massac State Park, which contain 50 Class A vehicular campsites with electricity, a disposal station and a shower building, along with more spaces for tent camping, and a separate group campground. Rates start at $15 and pets are allowed, though must be kept on a leash when outside.
In addition to various discounts on rooms at Harrah’s Casino, which can be as low as $59 a night, Metropolis is home to several budget hotel chains like Super 8, Days Inn and Comfort Inn. A complete and current list of hotels is maintained by the city on their website.
The town also has several bed & breakfasts, including the beautiful Isle of View, which is housed in a converted 1889 Victorian mansion near the river. Rack rates for this luxurious B&B are often over $100 a night, but keep an eye on the specials page for regular deals that can dip as low as $65 a night for rooms with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and free wifi. Throw in the delicious and free daily breakfast and this place can be a real steal for budget travelers.
Where to Eat in Metropolis
From chain restaurants to mom and pop joints, Metropolis offers many options for budget travelers to get a good meal.
Those craving fast food have the usual options, including the Huddle House (2105 E. 5th St), Sonic Drive-In (1403 E 5th St), which has a half-price “happy hour” on sodas and slushes every afternoon, and a Dairy Queen (401 E 5th St) housed in the original 1960s building complete with nostalgic signage.
Local budget favorites include El Tequila (1407 E. 5th St), which offers great authentic Mexican lunch specials under $5 and dinners for under $7, and the pub grub of Willy Jak’s (323 Ferry St), with most burger, sub and seafood options under $10. And fans of good barbeque won’t want to miss Bill’s BBQ (1105 E. 7th St), which has been in business since 1965.
Save money and have a picnic at one of the city’s many parks. Pick up your food supplies at Big Johns grocery store (1200 E 5th St). Look for the 30ft tall statue of a bag boy with a red shirt in the parking lot, which is in itself a local attraction.
Driving to Metropolis
Metropolis 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.
Don't forget to check out the companion Suite101 article Budget Destination Metropolis, IL for a list of the best things to see and do while enjoying the small town ambiance of Metropolis.
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