Looking for an interesting getaway from the usual weekend road trips? Try visiting Metropolis, Illinois – the United States’ official home of Superman. The actual Metropolis is a little sleepier than the bustling urban center of comic book Metropolis, but there are a few hidden treasures for the comic book buff.
Towering fifteen feet high, the giant statue of Superman attracts kids, families, even our current president. The local art gallery even boasts of free copies of President Barack Obama posing as Superman right in front of the imposing Superman statue. The Superman statue stands on landscaping resembling the giant "S" on Superman’s costume. The Superman statue is not difficult to find, with nearly half a dozen signs pointing the wandering traveler to the giant comic book statue.
Around the corner from the Superman statue is the local newspaper, The Daily Planet. A miniature version of the comic book globe adorns the front of the modest building. On the other corner, a small Superman museum allows the visitor to enjoy a plethora of Superman comic book memorabilia. The Superman aficionado can enjoy viewing original toys, costumes, photos, and various Superman paraphernalia. Headlines from the Daily Planet are included, covering everything from the world war to the latest gossip from Lois and Clark. A comic book fan can trace the evolution of Superman, Superboy, Supergirl, and the strange Bizarro Superman. The collection covers everything from the original comic book Superman to the cheesy television show, to the Lois and Clark series, and other interesting offshoots. Lois Lane and Lex Luther costumes, photographs, and film props also are included in the collection.
During a special summer sale, the Superman museum ticket price included a trip to the new local Americana Hollywood Museum, an interesting trip through film history which covers everything from Fritz Lang’s movie Metropolis to Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, cheesy horror flicks like The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and even a nostalgic tribute to John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and the great American Western.
The Superman Museum has a small souvenir shop where you can purchase everything from fun Superman and Supergirl Halloween costumes, to metal Superman lunch boxes, to your own edible Kryptonite. The shop includes autographed photos and newspaper articles, as well as figurines and other collectible items.
After taking photos by the Superman statue and the Daily Planet, visiting the Superman Museum and the Americana Hollywood Museum, visitors can enjoy ice cream at the local Dippin’ Dots or other local eateries.