The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It is the oldest surviving example of zoomorphic architecture in the United States.
The elephant is held together by nearly one million iron bolts and thousands of square feet of sheet metal.
Lucy survived a direct lightning strike in 2006 which ignited a fire, requiring significant restoration.
The eyes of the elephant are actually windows that provide views of the surrounding coast.
The interior is entirely curved, reflecting the external shape of the elephant.
It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
The structure weighs approximately 90 tons.
There is a small museum area inside that displays artifacts from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Lucy the Elephant is a six-story, 65-foot-tall novelty architectural structure shaped like an elephant, located in Margate City, New Jersey. Built in 1881 by real estate developer James V. Lafferty, the structure is the oldest surviving roadside tourist attraction in America. It is constructed primarily of wood and tin sheeting and was originally designed to attract real estate buyers to the area. The interior features a spiral staircase leading to the howdah on the elephant's back, which serves as an observation deck. The structure is a National Historic Landmark and was moved 200 feet from its original site in 1970 to save it from demolition. It has served various functions throughout its history, including a tavern, a business office, and a private residence. Today, the structure is managed by a non-profit organization and is open for guided tours that explain its construction and history.
From the beach side across Atlantic Avenue to capture the full scale of the structure against the horizon.
Book your guided tour in advance online, especially during summer weekends.
The spiral staircase is narrow and steep; guests with limited mobility may find the upper levels challenging to access.
Check the official website for current tour availability as groups are limited in size.
Do not attempt to visit without checking the website for private event closures.
Open daily during the summer season, but transitions to a limited schedule of weekends only during the winter months; always check the website for potential closures due to private events or maintenance.
Flat, comfortable footwear is highly recommended for climbing the interior spiral staircases.
