Did you know that Metropolis is a real place?
I took a road trip to the official hometown of Superman in Metropolis, Illinois, ahead of James Gunn's Superman flying onto screens on July 11, with David Corenswet donning the red cape to portray the Man of Steel alongside Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor.
Aside from sharing the same name, however, there's not much resemblance between the Metropolis portrayed on the big and small screen and the Southern Illinois city. In fact, one might argue that Chicago is more like Metropolis (I know, I know, it's technically Gotham), though the fictional city that appears across the DC Comics was initially modeled after Toronto and later greatly influenced by New York City.
You won't find a metropolitan city lined with skyscrapers in Metropolis, Illinois, which actually gave more Smallville (located in Kansas) vibes, home to the old Kent farm where Clark Kent grew up.
Metropolis, Illinois, located by the Ohio River with a population of roughly 6,000 residents, makes a great road-trip pit stop, not to mention a fantastic place for any superhero fan to visit, as it was officially recognized in 1972 by DC Comics as the hometown of the legendary Superman.
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World's Largest Superman Statue
Metropolis takes Superman very, very, very seriously (it is their claim to fame, after all)—and you'll know the moment you've arrived because there is a15-foot-tall statue of the Man of Steel greeting you right in the heart of town. And yes, the pictures next to it are larger than life.
Super Museum: Superman
Next, you'll want to cross the street to visit the second biggest draw in Metropolis: the Super Museum, which opened in 1993 and is family-owned.
You can't miss the expansive location, as it boasts red, blue and yellow colors all around, and is home to a Superman-themed collection of over 20,000 comics, toys, and more. The gift shop is free to visit, and you won't be disappointed as there's something for every superhero fan (not limited to DC, as we even found Marvel collectibles and items). The museum, open daily, charges an admission fee of $8 and features plenty of memorabilia from shows, movies and beyond.
Credit: Lizzy BuczakOutside of the store, you'll find fun photo props, including headless cutouts of Superman and Supergirl, along with a phone booth. And don't miss the cool Superman van standing right out front, too.
Special shout out to Hidden Gems Novelty & Collectibles nearby, which carried an assortment of retro items (including a '90s Venom toy that my son was very thrilled to find)!
Metropolis Murals
Additional photos can be taken in front of the murals—one includes a map that reads "Love from Metropolis," another is styled as a postcard that reads "Greetings from Metropolis, Illinois" and a third is a neat Archie Comics mural that finds Superman lifting a car with ease.
Credit: Lizzy BuczakSissy's Sweet Shoppe
All that super-saving is bound to work up an appetite, and you'll want to step into Sissy's Sweet Shoppe for coffee, a delicious bite to eat (try the Jalapeno Popper side salad) and, for kids and adults alike, a Superman-themed cookie that will leave you feeling, well, super.
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Kryptonite Rock
Just a short distance away from the Superman Statue is the Kryptonite Rock, which has a plaque that explains the Kryptonite was a "glowing green meteorite," and the "largest specimen of its kind known to exist" that "fell to earth shortly after the planet Krypton exploded into a million, billion fragments." After "scientists rendered it powerless and totally harmless to even Superman," it's said to represent "friendship and good luck to all who touch it." It's signed by "C.Kent," so you know they mean business.
Credit: Lizzy BuczakThe location attracts thousands of fans for its annual summer Superman Celebration, with many actors and icons from ABC's Lois and Clark and The CW's Supergirl and Superman and Lois making appearances, though it's a great place to check out anytime of the year to unleash your inner superhero.
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