Did you know that Lucy the Elephant has been named one of America’s top roadside attractions? That’s right! Lucy, standing proudly along the shores of Margate, NJ, has been charming visitors for over 140 years. Towering at 65 feet tall, this six-story wooden elephant is no ordinary roadside stop. Built in 1881 by James V. Lafferty, Lucy was originally constructed to attract buyers to his beachfront property – and boy, did she succeed! Over the years, Lucy has hosted everything from a tavern to a summer home and even survived several hurricanes. Her rich history is just one of the many reasons why she holds a special place in the hearts of New Jersey locals and visitors alike.
But Lucy’s history isn’t just about real estate and hurricanes. The Southern Jersey coast itself is steeped in legends of pirate battles, buried treasure, and mysterious cargoes smuggled by moonlight. While these tales swirl through the area, none are quite as fantastic as the sight of a giant elephant standing on the beach! There’s even a story about a young sailor on his first voyage who, seeing Lucy for the first time, shouted “Elephant!” at the top of his lungs, causing his captain to think he’d lost his mind. Turns out, the captain was just as surprised, and soon enough, word of the colossal elephant spread, attracting curious reporters and visitors to the shore.
Lucy quickly became a sensation, drawing people from all over to see the magnificent wooden pachyderm. Today, visitors can enjoy a guided tour inside Lucy, where they’ll climb stairs inside her legs and emerge at the top with a stunning view of the ocean. Plus, visiting the grounds and checking out the gift shop is totally free! If you want the full experience of touring inside Lucy, admission is just $8.50 for adults and $4.00 for kids ages 3 to 12 – and little ones under 2 get in for free (as of October 2024. Prices subject to change).
Lucy’s story is as colorful as the South Jersey shore itself. Originally part of South Atlantic City (now Margate), the area was a wild mix of dunes, pine trees, and fishing shacks in the late 1800s. Lafferty’s vision to build an elephant to lure potential property buyers was certainly unique – so unique, in fact, that he even patented his design, which included the option to build other structures shaped like animals (though no one’s quite sure why). Lucy remains his most famous creation and a beloved symbol of Margate’s history.
So, next time you’re in the area, stop by and visit Lucy. Whether you’re soaking in the legends of the pirate coast or simply admiring the ingenuity of this 19th-century attraction, you’ll be part of a long tradition of visitors amazed by the sight of a 65-foot wooden elephant standing majestically by the shore.
Visit their website here: Lucy The Elephant
