Fort Massac State Park overlooks the Ohio River at the southern end of Illinois. In Massac County, river landscapes, cypress swamps, cultural history, and Metropolis’s Superman connections offer distinct ways to explore. The George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail adds its own highlight: it connects two cities while passing through varied landscapes. The range of experiences extends from a longer cycling and walking route to nature trails, historic sites, and pop culture.
River Views and Trails Through the Landscape
The George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail is 8.7 miles long and designed for cycling and walking. It connects Metropolis and Brookport and passes through Massac County and Fort Massac State Park. Views of the Ohio River and wooded floodplains are among the landscape features along the route. The trail therefore connects two cities while also offering different views of the river and wooded floodplain.
The Mermet Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area offers a different scale: it covers 2,630 acres, including 690 acres of water, and is an old cypress swamp. It has a half-mile interpretive trail with tree identification markers, as well as a small boardwalk that leads into the swamp. The difference is clear: the interpretive trail focuses on trees and the swamp, while the 8.7-mile Discovery Trail connects places and offers landscape views.
Mermet Swamp is a wooded floodplain swamp characterized by young cypress trees. It has interpretive panels, a trail, and parking. Its character is distinct: Mermet Swamp is a wooded floodplain swamp with young cypress trees; the Mermet Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area includes 690 acres of water and an interpretive trail.
History at Fort Massac and Kincaid Mounds
The Fort Massac Visitor Center offers a video about the history of Fort Massac and artifact exhibits. At Kincaid Mounds, public access is currently limited to an observation and information terrace beside Kincaid Mounds Road. Kincaid Mounds State Historic Site is designated a National Historic Landmark. Members of the Mississippian culture inhabited Kincaid Mounds from approximately 1050 to 1400 AD—a timeframe that provides historical context for the site, while current visitor access is limited to the terrace.
Metropolis: Murals and Superman
Six murals are located in downtown Metropolis along Ferry Street and Market Street. Interpretive panels describe the historical significance of each mural. The mural sequence can therefore be viewed as more than a collection of images: the panels explain the historical context of each work.
Superman is also a defining part of the city’s cultural attractions. The Super Museum opened in 1993 at Superman Square and houses a Superman collection spanning 60 years. A 15-foot-tall Superman statue also stands in Metropolis. The city is known as Superman’s home and holds its annual Superman Celebration in the summer. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the specific dates in advance.
In spring, a pick-your-own tulip farm in Metropolis offers an experience featuring 50,000 blooming tulips. Mermet Springs is the focus of a different activity: it is a scuba diving facility and training center, offering lessons and equipment rentals on site. These options range from interpretive panels and a museum collection to a seasonal tulip experience and scuba lessons and equipment.
More Destinations
Also explore: Metropolis, Joppa.
Discover more destinations: Clark County, Jo Daviess County, Douglas County, Mason County, Cass, Peoria.
For the overview of destinations in the wider region: Illinois.
