Here are 11 of the weirdest roadside attractions in New Jersey, each with a brief description and no images included:
1. Lucy the Elephant (Margate)
A six-story elephant-shaped building constructed in 1881, serving as both architectural marvel and National Historic Landmark, beloved for its whimsical design and long history as a local mascot.
2. The Jersey Devil’s Pine Barrens
This sprawling forest is the legendary home of the mythical Jersey Devil, drawing thrill-seekers and folklore fans into its mysterious woods.
3. Clinton Road (West Milford)
Infamous as “America’s most haunted road,” Clinton Road is packed with ghost stories, alleged paranormal phenomena, and chilling local lore.
4. Fairy Tale Forest (Oakland)
A hand-built, fairy tale-themed park dating to 1957, restored as a restaurant (Fables) but still featuring enchanting storybook architecture like a 20-foot Old Woman and the Shoe structure.
5. The Gingerbread Castle (Hamburg)
Built in 1930 by a biscuit magnate enthralled by Hansel and Gretel, this abandoned castle is now a haunting, crumbling relic of Jersey’s theme park history.
6. Kip’s Castle (Verona)
A vast 1902 Norman-style castle spanning 9,000 square feet and 11 acres, now open to the public for events and tours, with self-guided access on select days.
7. The Stone Living Room (South Mountain Reservation)
An enigmatic outdoor setup of stone chairs and a fireplace, hidden in the woods for hikers and adventurers keen on odd and rustic mysteries.
8. The Giant Lightbulb (Edison)
A quirky monument marking Thomas Edison’s legacy, featuring the world’s largest lightbulb atop the Thomas Edison Center as an homage to the inventor’s New Jersey roots.
9. Berlin Mart Dinosaurs (Berlin)
Large dinosaur sculptures dot the Berlin Farmer’s Market, juxtaposing prehistoric playfulness against everyday shopping for a touch of retail eccentricity.
10. Forked River Muffler Man (Forked River)
A towering, nostalgic roadside statue from the classic Muffler Man series—an icon of quirky Americana and roadside culture.
Each stop offers its own unique brand of weirdness, from folklore and paranormal legends to whimsical sculptures and eccentric architecture, making New Jersey a goldmine for roadside oddities and offbeat travel.
Sources
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Roadside_attractions_in_New_Jersey)
(https://943thepoint.com/new-jersey-lucy-elephant-history/)
(https://outdoors.com/sights-and-bites-roadside-attractions-in-new-jersey/)
(https://new-jersey-injury-lawyers.com/blog/new-jersey-landmarks-and-roadside-attractions/)
(https://nj1015.com/cool-roadside-attraction-in-nj-youll-miss-if-youre-too-quick/)
