Roadside attractions are part of Americana, but they are slowly disappearing. New Jersey is not alone when it comes to the vanishing roadside America. The Pabst Blue Ribbon water tower is long gone. Many have been bulldozed for modern developments and others are just simply gone. The Jackson Township Muffler Man vanished and has since been replaced with a clear-cut lot and a future home of more housing and businesses.
Superstorm Sandy knocked out a handful of seaside roadside attractions and many businesses with oddities and odd-shaped or unique buildings went out of business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The old Seaside Heights and Toms River Futuro House has headed for greener pastures.
There are a handful of good ones out there if you ever want to take a road trip and find them all. There are even websites built around cataloging New Jersey’s dozens of roadside oddities.
Bayville Dinosaur
Location: Bayville, NJ
Short History:
Standing on Route 9 is the Bayville Dinosaur, a fiberglass statue erected in the 1930s. While its origin story is shrouded in local folklore, the Bayville Dinosaur has become a quirky icon that has welcomed generations of visitors and residents alike.
Bonus. If you’re in the neighborhood, check out the nearby champagne bottle and car on a roof. A triple-play of oddities.
Lucy the Elephant
Location: Margate, NJ
Short History:
Built in 1881, Lucy the Elephant is a six-story architectural wonder designed to promote real estate sales in the area. Over the years, Lucy has served various purposes, including a tavern and a residence, and is now a museum.
Freedom Rock
Location: Lacey Township, NJ
Short History:
This rock is located on Route 539 in Lacey and stories tell of a stone that was supposed to end up as part of a jetty, but fell off a truck. Back in the 1930s, the decision was made to just leave it there and carry on. Over time, the rock has been painted. And painted over. And painted over again. Most recently it has been painted completely with an American flag in memory of 9/11. Often called the painted rock, it has now become known as Freedom Rock.
Cathedral of the Air
Location: Lakehurst, NJ
Short History:
Built in 1932 as a place of worship for military personnel, the Cathedral of the Air features intricate stained-glass windows and stone architecture that mimic medieval European churches.
Nitro Girl, Blackwood
Location: Blackwood, NJ
Short History:
Nitro Girl is a massive statue located outside the Cross Keys Brewing Co. Created as a tribute to the American spirit, she holds a large mug of beer and has become a popular photo spot for visitors.
World’s 2nd Largest Lightbulb
Location: Edison, NJ
Short History:
Not far from its more famous counterpart, the World’s 2nd Largest Lightbulb pays homage to Thomas Edison. Though not as grand as the first, it serves as a whimsical footnote to Edison’s monumental contributions to science and technology.
Mercedes Benz Tombstone
Location: Linden, NJ
Short History:
In Rosedale Cemetery lies an unusual tombstone shaped like a Mercedes Benz car. The monument was created as a lasting tribute by a car enthusiast who wanted to be remembered for his passion for luxury automobiles.
Medieval Times
Location: Lyndhurst, NJ
Short History:
Take a step back into medieval Europe with a visit to Medieval Times. A themed dinner theatre experience, it offers jousting, falconry, and other aspects of medieval culture, making it an entertaining attraction for all ages.
Insectropolis
Location: Toms River, NJ
Short History:
Also known as the “Bugseum of New Jersey,” Insectropolis is a museum dedicated to the fascinating world of insects. With various exhibits and hands-on experiences, it offers an educational and fun-filled adventure into the life of bugs.
Each of these unique roadside attractions in New Jersey offers its own slice of culture, history, or just plain whimsy. Make sure to add them to your must-visit list for a truly unforgettable Garden State experience.