Lucy the Elephant

Lucy the Elephant is one of the strangest and most lovable landmarks on the Jersey Shore. Built in 1881 in Margate City, a short drive south of Atlantic City, this 65-foot wooden elephant was created as a real estate promotion to draw buyers to the barrier island. Over the decades she has served as a tavern, a summer home and a tourist stop, and she has survived storms, neglect and a near-demolition thanks to a community rescue. Today she is a National Historic Landmark with guided tours that lead visitors through the legs, into the body and up to a howdah on her back with ocean views.

The story behind Lucy is as eccentric as the building. James Lafferty, an engineer and developer, designed her as a gimmick to attract attention and sell land, and she worked: she became the centerpiece of the neighborhood and a magnet for sightseers. She has been called by several names over the years, including the Elephant Hotel when she briefly took guests, and she even changed hands several times before being saved in the 1970s by local residents who moved her a short distance and restored her.

The ongoing preservation of the structure is a point of local pride.

A visit is simple and entertaining. Guided tours generally take around 30 to 45 minutes and include a climb through a spiral staircase in one leg, a look at the interior and a visit to the howdah, where windows give views of the beach and the sea. Expect narrow stairs and low headroom, so wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to duck.

Children who like adventure will love it, while visitors with mobility limits can still enjoy the grounds and exhibits. A small gift shop sells souvenirs and sweets, and the exterior makes a wonderful photograph from nearly every angle.

Plan your timing. Tours run on a seasonal schedule, with more days and hours in summer and a reduced schedule in spring and autumn, so check the current calendar before you drive over. Busy summer afternoons mean waiting for the next tour group, so arrive early or book ahead where possible. The elephant is a short stop, so many visitors pair it with a walk on the Margate beach, a stroll along the Ventnor boardwalk or a bite to eat at one of the local cafes.

If you have time, listen for the stories told by the guides; they are enthusiastic about Lucy's history and often add anecdotes you will not find online.

Lucy is also a reminder of how seaside resorts competed for attention in the nineteenth century. Developers built hotels, piers and oddities to lure crowds from Philadelphia and New York, and Lucy is one of the few survivors from that era. She rewards curious visitors and families, and she gives you a story to tell. Bring a camera, some patience and a sense of humor, and enjoy an afternoon with the shore's most unusual resident.

Look closely at the details once you are inside and on the grounds. The howdah, the little windows in the eyes and the painted exterior are all part of Lucy's design, and the staff can explain the repairs that have kept her upright through hurricanes and nor'easters. Allow time to read the signs around the base, which cover the restoration campaign and the people who fought to save her. A short stop can easily become a pleasant hour, especially with a cold drink from the nearby shops.