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Lucy the Elephant is a towering figure on the boardwalk in Margate, New Jersey, and was built to attract passersby. photo by Doreen Matzerath

Unique Roadside Attractions in New Jersey

1. Lucy the Elephant – Margate

Lucy the Elephant is on the National Register of Historic Places. Lucy started her life as a unique architectural structure meant to bring people to—and entice them to settle—in Margate, New Jersey. This roadside attraction has been a mainstay on the boardwalk since 1881. This precious pachyderm gets a yearly pedicure—residents and the Friends of the Elephant vote on its color. In her lifetime, Lucy has been everything from an attraction to a tavern to an actual home. Visiting Lucy's grounds is FREE, but if you'd like to step inside, purchase a ticket for a guided tour. Strollers need to be left outside. Bathrooms are available across the street.

2. Silverball Retro Arcade – Asbury Park

Formerly known as the Silverball Pinball Museum, this old-school arcade opened in 2009 and has more than 150 machines in rotation—the oldest dating to 1950. Historical signs detail the machines, and they can all be played coin-free with the purchase of admission, which varies depending on how long you want to stay. Plan to make a meal of it—there are food and drink options—at this must-see Jersey Shore roadside attraction.

Roadside Attractions on Long Island to Visit

3. The Big Duck – Flanders

If you are heading to the Hamptons, take a quick detour to check out The Big Duck. Similar to Lucy the Elephant, The Big Duck was constructed as an architectural curiosity to draw attention to the duck farm of Martin Maurer in 1931. At that time, there were many duck farms on Long Island, and The Big Duck—with its red, glowing eyes from a Model-T Ford—was meant to distinguish Maurer’s farm from the others. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Big Duck is one roadside attraction that makes for adorable photo-ops. There is a small gift shop inside selling cute duck-themed items.

4. Big Chief Lewis Statue – Massapequa

This roadside attraction is a larger-than-life Native American statue that greets all who pass through Massapequa. Flanked by a buffalo, horse, and a totem pole, Big Chief Lewis was built in 1968 to pay homage to the Native American heritage on Long Island. Enclosed behind a fence, Big Chief Lewis happily poses for photos, but there are no other bells and whistles here, though we've got a ton of family-friendly picks nearby.

5. Atlantic Seafood Company's Shark Mouth – Center Moriches

If you've been on the road for a while and need a bite to eat, head to Atlantic Seafood, where you'll have to brave the picture-worthy shark mouth entrance as you step inside the restaurant. Kids love being “eaten” by the shark as they enter, and a wide-ranging menu pleases all diners—kids, adults, and picky eaters!

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Giant Roll of Lifesavers photo courtesy of Gouverneur Museum

Roadside Attractions in the Catskills and Upstate New York

6. The Giant Roll of Life Savers – Gouverneur

This giant roll of Pep-O-Mint Life Savers once graced the outside of the Life Savers factory in Port Chester, New York. When the factory closed, the oversized mints made their way to Gouverneur, the hometown of entrepreneur Edward Noble who built the Life Savers brand into the candy we know today. This structure is found right on the main road of a small town. Make a detour here for a quick photo-op.

7. World’s Largest Garden Gnome – Kerhonkson

Guarding the entrance to Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson, New York, this farm-proclaimed World's Largest Garden Gnome is more than just a Hudson Valley roadside attraction—it's the gateway to a full-day outing! Take a picture with Gnome Chomsky, as he's known, and then enjoy the seasonal fun on this pick-your-own farm. Check out the schedule to see what’s in season. The farm features asparagus, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, flowers, apples, and pumpkins. There’s a Farmer’s Grill on the weekends and a Taproom daily. Kids also love the jumping pillow!

8. Shark Girl Sculpture – Buffalo

The Shark Girl sculpture makes for a fun photo-op in the newly reinvigorated Buffalo waterfront. Shark Girl was created by artist Casey Riordan in 2013 as one of the first public art initiatives for the Albright Knox Art Gallery. After taking a break to be rehabbed during the pandemic, Shark Girl is back and ready for her close-up! The sculpture can be found in Canalside, the heart of downtown Buffalo’s waterfront revitalization. The neighborhood boasts concerts and festivals, summer fitness classes, ice skating in the winter, and many family-friendly activities.

9. Tower of Pay Phones – Buffalo

Do your kids know what a pay phone is? I’m not sure mine do! If you are in Buffalo, New York, visit the Don’t Drop a Dime on Me sculpture, which stands outside the Essex Street Pub at 530 Rhode Island Street. Created from 36 pay phones salvaged from other Buffalo-area bars, this sculpture also features two metal people holding handsets and enjoying a pretend conversation.

10. Largest Pancake Griddle in the World – Penn Yan

In the heart of the Finger Lakes, you can visit the Largest Pancake Griddle in the World. Constructed in 1987, the 28-foot diameter metal pan was used to cook the record-setting pancake before its turn as a roadside attraction. The pancake was made of buckwheat, and the batter was mixed in a cement mixer and flipped over using a crane. The giant black pan is now on display outside of the Birkett Mills facility where you can take pictures of your little ones in front of this big pan!

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Scary Lucy lives in Lucille Ball Memorial Park and has become an internet sensation. Photo by Adam Moss via Flickr

11. Scary Lucy – Chautauqua

Have you ever giggled over the Vitameatavegamin episode of Lucy with your kids? If so, you might want to stop at the Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Chautauqua, New York. The original Lucy sculpture was designed to commemorate this hilarious moment, but the sculpture didn’t capture Ball’s humor at its best—it became an internet meme and received the nickname, “Scary Lucy.” A new sculpture, dubbed Lovely Lucy was commissioned and installed in the park, but “Scary Lucy” wasn’t discarded! She was simply moved. You can take photos with both sculptures when you visit. You can also enjoy a lighthouse, boat and kayak launch, a picnic area, a playground, and a basketball court.

12. Nipper the Dog – Albany

Nipper the Dog sits atop a storage building in Albany. Nipper is 28 feet tall and is the mascot of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) the now-defunct consumer electronics company. (Have fun explaining all of that to your kids!) The building he is sitting on was once a distribution center for the company. Nipper is the largest and the last of four terriers that once sat upon RCA distribution centers, including those in Chicago and Los Angeles. Nipper is the unofficial mascot of Albany, where he is much loved. Stop by for a fun photo-op with your kids in front of the industrial building.

13. Blossom the Black Angus Bull – Binghamton

Blossom began her life on the canopy of the Vestal Steakhouse. When the steakhouse closed, the bull was sold to and now resides at The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier in Binghamton. The bull was repainted with flowers and is now named Blossom. Visit her outside, but save time to go through The Discovery Center and Garden. She's a perfect roadside attraction to visit with preschoolers.