Built in 1882 as a marketing gimmick to help sell property in “South Atlantic City” (now Margate), potential clients would climb up to the top of Lucy to look out over available lots. Unfortunately, the area was too far out in the boonies, so despite the allure of a 65 foot elephant, the properties did not sell, and Lucy herself was sold to the Gertzen family of Philadelphia.

Lucy remained in the Gertzen family until 1970, acting as a tourist attraction, restaurant, night club, office, cottage and tavern. You can still see her original ticket booth inside a hind leg, and a bathtub in an upper room (Lucy has no plumbing, so water had to be carried up the spiral staircase).

By the 1960s, Lucy had fallen into disrepair and was scheduled for demolition. Thanks to the efforts of a local committee, funds were raised and Lucy was rolled down the block to her current location and renovated. The only casualty during the 7 hour move was that her tongue fell off, and now lives behind glass in the main room.

Lucy is open for tours year-round, although times vary by season. She has a belly of memorabilia and beautiful views from her howdah and through the many windows.

On the wall is a poster for an even larger elephant Lucy’s builder constructed on Coney Island that functioned as a hotel. Sadly, that one burned down in 1896.

Today, Lucy is the oldest roadside attraction in the US, and the only giant elephant left.

We enjoyed our Whitehouse Subs (Atlantic City) sitting on a bench waiting for our tour.

Note: there is a tiny parking lot, but it’s mostly challenging street parking.

https://www.lucytheelephant.org/