Margate, NJ's Lucy the Elephant Wins Best Roadside Attraction

New Jersey's favorite pachyderm is making headlines again. Lucy the Elephant has just won the title of 'Best Roadside Attraction' according to a new list.

By the way, the list's runner-up is really weird, lol. Keep reading to see why I think so.

The six-story giant wooden elephant on Atlantic Avenue in Margate known as Lucy has been winning the hearts of tourists for generations. It deserves all the recognition and honor it has received over its 142 years.

To celebrate Lucy the Elephant always feels right. Especially when it gets national attention. She's freakin' FAMOUS and on the National Park Registry of Historic Landmarks!

Google Street View

I think living and working at the Jersey Shore I just take Lucy the Elephant for granted. It's just...always been there making its existence known from its hind on Atlantic Avenue to its eyes facing you on the Margate Beach.

Margate's Lucy the Elephant: What Makes It So Special?

Yeah, it's quirky and, like, WHY is it a THING? Some things you just don't question. Which is why Lucy's the exact right roadside attraction to top a national list.

Driving by it over the 25 years I've lived in the area is liking living next to the Eiffel Tower. Sometimes you just don't look at it the same as someone who's never seen it before.

Google Maps

Which is exactly the reason why USA Today says everyone needs to experience Lucy the Elephant for themself.

Jersey Shore's Famous Lucy the Elephant Named America's Best Roadside Attraction

USA Today's 2024 list of must-see roadside attractions in America include a giant ball of twine, a pencil sharpener museum, and something called Wheat Jesus. So, naturally a giant fake pachyderm fits the criteria.

First, USA Today's list was created and narrowed down by a panel of experts and then put in the hands of readers to vote for their favorites.

Lucy the Elephant just edged out something called Shealy's Official Skunk Ape Headquarters in Ochopee, Florida where visitors have reported spotting a giant half skunk/half ape creature dubbed the 'Sasquatch of the Southeast'.

Skunkape Headquarters/Facebook; Canva

USA Today keeps their description of Lucy pretty generic, 'Lucy the Elephant stands six stories high in Josephine Harron Park. Visitors can stop by and have their photos taken with Lucy, and, for those who wish to go inside the elephant, guided tours are available.'

By the way, I was today year's old when I found out the plot of land Lucy sits on is called Josephine Harron Park. Sounds like I need to pay the attraction a long overdue visit.

via GIPHY

Here's USA Today's Top 10 list of Must-See Roadside Attractions in the United States:

Lucy The Elephant, Margate, NJ
Official Skunk Ape Headquarters, Ochopee, Florida
World's Largest Ball of Twine, Cawker City, Kansas
Carhenge, Alliance, Nebraska
Dalmation Fire Hydrant, Beaumont, Texas
Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum, Logan, Ohio
Paul Bunyon and Babe the Blue Ox, Bemidji, Minnesota
Wheat Jesus, Colby, Kansas
Wall Drug Store Inc., Wall, South Dakota
Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum, Gibsland, Louisiana

What's the weirdest thing you've ever seen along a New Jersey road?

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Gallery Credit: Stacker