Isiah Christie 
Everyone loves an adventure, and something great about New Jersey is that it has plenty of spots to check out if you’re in need of a strange – or dare we say, magical – experience. From eerie forests to beautiful nature displays, there are plenty of quirky locations throughout the Garden State, and we’ve compiled a guide for your next road trip. Read on for a list of whimsical places to visit in New Jersey.
Big Rusty | 1404 NJ-38, Hainesport
View this post on Instagram
Big Rusty is a giant sculpture of a troll, made by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Rusty is made of metal, wood, and cement, with the materials coming from an abandoned structure that he sits alongside. FYI: The area and surrounding building are full of colorful graffiti, but also have unstable walls and debris nearby – be sure to wear closed-toed shoes when you visit.
Brooksbae Brick Factory | Pasadena Woodmanse Road, Manchester Township
View this post on Instagram
The Brooksbrae Brick Company was a location to manufacture bricks for the Adams Clay Mining Company in 1905. In 1915, with railroad strikers tying up the rail line and the factory needing oversight, the managers hired a caretaker to look over the property. One night, the caretaker and his wife lit a fire in the stove to keep the building warm, and it caused a massive fire that resulted in their deaths. Afterwards, the factory was sold and fell into a state of disrepair, and it now stands today as a set of ruins in the woods, often frequented by graffiti artists.
The remains of the factory itself are covered in graffiti, making for an artsy display full of messages. To reach the factory, park on Pasadena Road + Savoy Boulevard, and you’ll know the factory is nearby when you see graffiti painted on the road. Cross over the nearby railroad tracks, and about 300 feet later, the ruins can be found.
Diggerland USA | 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin
View this post on Instagram
Diggerland is a construction-themed amusement park where families can operate real construction equipment. It also features The Water Main, a construction-themed water park. To visit, you can either purchase a day pass or a seasonal ticket. NJG pro tip: Check Diggerland out during the fall, because it hosts seasonal activities like fire truck rides, hayrides, shows, and games.
The Fairy Trail | 197 Glen Avenue, Millburn
Located within South Mountain Reservation in Essex County, this trail features mysterious fairy houses originally built by local artist Therese Ojibway. While Therese has since moved, the Conservancy maintains the location, and visitors can gently interact with the small houses and even submit works of their own. The Conservacy also hosts events along the fairy trail, including scavenger hunts, storytelling, fairy house building, and dancing. For more information, join the South Mountain Fairy Trail Facebook group.
The Frying Pan Forest | Route 15 North, Sparta
View this post on Instagram
This outlook in Sparta features a bunch of frying pans hanging off of trees, and nobody is quite sure why. The origin of the Frying Pan Forest is unclear, with local folklore claiming that it was a hangout spot for teenagers, a tradition started by Girl Scouts, or a piece of haunted New Jersey history. But regardless, it is worth the climb, and there are opportunities to bring your own frying pan and message too.
Grounds For Sculpture | 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township
If the outdoors are your happy place, Grounds for Sculpture is a must-visit. This sculpture park is a 42-acre property that showcases modern art woven into nature. It is also a garden, arboretum, and museum with rotating exhibitions, and features two restaurants + a gift shop. It is open every day of the week.
Insectropolis | 1761 Route 9, Toms River
View this post on Instagram
Self-titled “The Bugseum of New Jersey”, Insectropolis gives visitors a chance to understand the everyday lives of insects, with the hope of creating a greater appreciation of bugs. It features bug-themed architecture, displays of exotic insects, and opportunities to play bug-themed games. It is home to over 10 exhibits, with a full list available here.
Lucy the Elephant | 9200 Atlantic Avenue, Margate City
View this post on Instagram
Lucy the Elephant can be found at the beach at Josephine Harron Park. She is a massive statue, sitting at 65 feet in height and weighing 90 tons. Lucy was created by the inventor James V. Lafferty in 1882 as a publicity stunt, and has since hosted business offices, a restaurant, and a tavern inside over the years. There are also picnic tables nearby Lucy, for eating outdoors. Fun fact: Lucy was officially recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
Luna Parc | 22 Degroat Road, Sandyston
View this post on Instagram
Luna Parc is a semi-private home, studio, and museum, owned by local artist Ricky Boscarino. Born in Paterson, Ricky took his artistic talents to a full-scale project with Luna Parc, which features a colorful, abstract exterior with nearby structures, a complex interior full of art, and shops with jewelry, pots, and ceramic vessels. Luna Parc also hosts shows and exhibitions, so visit here to see when you can check one out.
Madam Marie’s Psychic Booth | 4th + Ocean Avenue North, Asbury Park
View this post on Instagram
If you know your Bruce Springsteen lore, you may recognize the name of Marie Castello, an Asbury Park fortune teller who worked at this very booth from 1932 until her death in 2008. Marie was known as the “Gypsy Queen of the Boardwalk”, and Bruce would regularly visit her to play guitar, sing, and have his fortune told. Many other celebrities visited Marie for fortunes, including Judy Garland, Ray Charles, and Frank Sinatra. In the present day, the booth is run by Dainzie Costell, Marie’s granddaughter, who specializes in palm readings, tarot cards, and psychic readings.
Storybook Land | 6415 East Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township
Storybook Land has operated in Egg Harbor Township since 1955, featuring 20 acres of storybook-themed walks and several family-friendly rides. It operates from spring through December, and features seasonal events for Halloween and Christmas. For more information or to get a ticket, visit here.
