Lucy the Elephant, the famous structure at the Jersey Shore in Atlantic County, was voted as America’s best roadside attraction by USA Today, according to the nonprofit that manages the historic structure.
The elephant and national historic landmark in Margate was nominated in a poll by the news organization earlier this year. The honor comes after a $2.4 million restoration project.
Thousands have passed through the elephant as part of a tour series run by the nonprofit. It was also used as an Airbnb rental in recent years.
Built in 1881 by Philadelphia architect James Lafferty, Lucy the Elephant opened as a roadside attraction to stoke interest in tourism at the Jersey Shore. She opened initially as “Elephant Bazaar.”
The famed seaside elephant initially was slated for demolition in the mid-20th century, deemed unstable for visitors to roam inside. A local family rescued the elephant in 1970, funding a two-block move to her current location beside the South Decatur Avenue beach.
The most recent renovation, which was planned to cost $1.4 million and take only eight months, had major delays after contractors found more rotted wood than expected inside Lucy’s frame.
Lucy’s makeover was funded partly by grants the roadside attraction received from the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund.
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Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
