10 Strangest Landmarks in New Jersey
New Jersey is full of odd curiosities, and this list could honestly be renamed to "New Jersey's Spookiest Landmarks," with many of the destinations we will be talking about here verging on downright scary. However, if chasing ghosts or the eponymous Jersey Devil isn't really your jam, there is plenty more to see, from enchanting mines to wonderful sculpture Gardens.
Join us today as we uncover 10 of the strangest things you can see today in the Garden State.
Lucy the Elephant
Towering 65 feet tall, Lucy the Elephant is one of New Jersey’s most epicly quirky landmarks. Built in 1882 by real estate developer James V. Lafferty, this wooden pachyderm was designed to attract potential buyers to Margate City... somehow.
Over the years, Lucy has served as the location of a tavern, a hotel, and even a summer home. Today, it’s a beloved tourist attraction and even a National Historic Landmark.
You can climb inside to explore the museum and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from Lucy’s carriage atop her back. Her almost cartoonish design, complete with giant tusks and a tail, has made her a favorite photo op and a must-see for anyone exploring New Jersey’s coastline.
Grounds For Sculpture
Grounds For Sculpture is a 42-acre outdoor museum that blends art and nature in Hamilton. Founded in 1992 by artist and philanthropist Seward Johnson, this former fairground is now home to hundreds of contemporary sculptures.
The grounds are also caringly landscaped, featuring winding paths, hidden alcoves, and ponds that add to this surreal yet relaxing environment. Here, you will encounter everything from monumental abstract pieces to lifelike recreations of famous paintings, like Johnson’s playful Déjeuner Déjà Vu, based on Manet’s Luncheon on the Grass, or The Scream by Edvard Munch.
Both interactive and immersive, this unique park is perfect for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike while traveling through central New Jersey.
Sterling Hill Mine
The Sterling Hill Mine in Ogdensburg is a geological treasure and a fascinating look into New Jersey’s mining history. Once a thriving zinc mine, it now operates as the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, where you can embark on an underground adventure.
This mine is renowned for its fluorescent minerals, which glow brilliantly under ultraviolet light—a natural phenomenon that has earned it recognition as one of the state's most popular attractions. The museum also houses exhibits on geology, mining, and local history, making the spot a must-visit for history buffs and geology enthusiasts alike.
Guided tours lead visitors through dimly lit tunnels, where they can see remnants of mining equipment and learn about the lives of miners who worked there until the mine’s closure in 1986. You can take home some interesting minerals for yourself and grab a snack at the museum's snack bar as well.
Devil's Tower
The Devil’s Tower, also known as Rionda’s Tower and Historical Marker, in the town of Alpine, is shrouded in eerie legend. Built in 1910 by wealthy sugar baron Manuel Rionda, the stone tower was initially intended as a gift to his wife; an observation platform for her to enjoy views of the nearby New York City skyline. However, local lore claims she tragically died by her own hand after discovering Rionda’s infidelity, and her spirit is said to haunt the site.
Standing at a lofty 75 feet tall, this ornate Gothic-style structure is surrounded by a small park, and it is said that those who round the tower several times will evoke the appearance of a ghost!
Though now fenced off, the tower continues to attract visitors intrigued by its mysterious history and reputation as one of New Jersey’s spookiest landmarks. It surely makes for a chilling spot to visit this Halloween!
Devil's Tree
The Devil’s Tree in Bernards Township is another spot that is draped in dark folklore, making it another one of New Jersey’s creepiest landmarks. This solitary oak stands in an open field, isolated from other trees, near Second Watchung Mountain Park.
Local legends claim the tree is cursed and tied to gruesome events, including hangings and murders in times past. Some believe it was once used by the Ku Klux Klan, while others say anyone who tries to harm the tree will face dire consequences. Despite this, the tree’s base is scorched and discolored, fueling tales that the ground beneath it is unnaturally warm and resistant to snow in winter.
Definitely check out this landmark if you love the paranormal and are keen to go out for a walk in New Jersey's verdant countryside.
The Gates of Hell
Continuing with a definite theme in New Jersey, the Gates of Hell in Clifton is a mysterious network of storm drains that has gained an unsettling reputation among urban explorers and local thrill-seekers. Hidden beneath the city, these tunnels are covered in graffiti and block out many of the sounds from above ground, creating a notably eerie silence.
According to legend, the site earned its ominous name because it’s said to house a portal to the underworld, guarded by supernatural entities. Stories of strange noises, unexplained sightings, and occult symbols deepen the absolute spookiness of this destination.
While the tunnels are technically off-limits and unsafe to navigate, the Gates of Hell remain a fascinating example of how many of New Jersey’s urban myths continue to revolve around various kinds of devil-like creatures and landmarks.
Martian Landing Site Marker
In West Windsor, a modest monument marks one of the most bizarre moments in American broadcast history—the "Martian landing" by Orson Welles that panicked the nation in 1938 into thinking an actual alien attack was happening (although the amount of people who were genuinely fooled is highly debatable).
This is the site where Orson Welles’ infamous War of the Worlds radio drama placed the initial moment of the fictional alien invasion. The broadcast, presented as a series of realistic news bulletins, described a Martian spacecraft landing in Grover’s Mill (now part of West Windsor) and unleashing destruction upon humanity. Though it was clearly fictional, the program was originally reported to have caused widespread panic as listeners believed the invasion was real.
The marker, installed in Van Nest Park, commemorates this iconic piece of pop culture. It’s a quirky stop for fans of sci-fi and those curious about the power of media to spark mass hysteria.
Clinton Road
Clinton Road in West Milford is infamous as one of New Jersey’s most haunted roads. Stretching about ten miles through the dense woods in the northern end of the state, it has become the focus of countless ghost stories and urban legends since its construction in the 1700s.
One of the most enduring tales is about a ghostly boy at "Dead Man’s Curve"—throw a coin into the water beneath the bridge, and he’s said to toss it back! Other reports include phantom headlights that chase cars before vanishing, eerie animal sightings, and gatherings of mysterious figures in the woods.
The road’s desolate feel is amplified by its historical ties to the previously rich iron-smelting industry in the region and long-abandoned structures hidden nearby.
Mighty Joe the Gorilla Statue
Mighty Joe the Gorilla is another large animal statue to be found in the Garden State. This huge, 25-foot-tall fiberglass gorilla was built as a decoration for the Wildwood boardwalk on the coast and then bought by the owners of Mighty Joe’s Gas Station in the town of Shamong, who in 1999 named it Mighty Joe after their deceased son who had a passion for bodybuilding.
Over time, this strange and somewhat tragic landmark has become a beloved local sight, with its comically oversized features, welcoming pose, and glowing red eyes. Travelers often stop for photos while filling up on gas or buying snacks from the gas station, which, oddly enough, also features a paintball and airsoft playing field on the property.
Tripod Rock
Tripod Rock, located in Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, is a geological marvel that continues to puzzle visitors and scientists alike. This massive boulder, weighing an estimated 127 tons, rests precariously on three smaller stones, creating a natural tripod.
Formed during the last Ice Age, it is believed that glaciers deposited the rock in its current, precarious position. However, its seemingly deliberate balance has led to speculation about human involvement, with some suggesting it could be an ancient artifact of early cultures, further adding to this landmark's mystery.
Today, you can hike to Tripod Rock via the park's trail system, with the paths passing by wonderful forested landscapes, lakes, and idyllic views of the New Jersey Highlands. The dense deciduous forests also make this location a prime spot for leaf peeping in the fall.
See The Strange Side of The Garden State Today
With these curious landmarks in mind, you can surely go on a memorable road trip to New Jersey. Let's just hope that some of those memories don't turn into nightmares. From giant gorillas to haunted roads, the above-mentioned destinations are just a handful of the oddities that you can currently visit in Garden State today.
Regardless of where you may go next, just know that some of the strangest attractions can be found right at the side of the road!
