Ark Encounter
A colossal, life-size replica of Noah's Ark, offering immersive exhibits on biblical history and creationism.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Ark Encounter
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal, life-size replica of Noah's Ark, offering immersive exhibits on biblical history and creationism.
"Awe-struck to tears by the scale and the faithful reconstruction of Noah's Ark."
⏳ Arrive Early
Lines can be long, even off-season. Plan to arrive before opening to maximize your visit.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across three decks. Prioritize comfort for your feet!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Full-Size Ark Replica
Main Attraction
Step aboard a life-size replica of Noah's Ark, built to biblical dimensions. An awe-inspiring structure that truly captures the scale of the story.
Interactive Exhibits
Inside the Ark
Explore three decks filled with engaging exhibits detailing the construction, life aboard, and the biblical narrative.
Emzara's Menagerie
Ark grounds
Discover a petting zoo and small zoo featuring animals mentioned in the biblical account, offering a fun experience for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Crowds & Timing
Ticket & Parking Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Arrive Early
Lines can be long, even off-season. Plan to arrive before opening to maximize your visit.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across three decks. Prioritize comfort for your feet!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles or purchase them onsite. Exploring the Ark can be a lengthy endeavor.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Kids will love the petting zoo and playground. It's a great educational and entertaining experience for families.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Arrive Early
Lines can be long, even off-season. Plan to arrive before opening to maximize your visit.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across three decks. Prioritize comfort for your feet!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles or purchase them onsite. Exploring the Ark can be a lengthy endeavor.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Kids will love the petting zoo and playground. It's a great educational and entertaining experience for families.
📸 Capture the Scale
The sheer size of the Ark is breathtaking. Take photos from various angles to truly convey its immensity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are often awestruck by the immense scale and detailed exhibits of the life-size Noah's Ark replica. Many praise the educational content and the family-friendly atmosphere, including the petting zoo and playground. While some find the ticket prices high, the overall experience is frequently described as worthwhile and inspiring, particularly for those interested in biblical history.
"Amazing way to spend a day. Walking through the life size replica with lots of history and ideas about how it was constructed and lived in. Great interactions and shows as well as plenty of concessions and restrooms inside. It is warm enough in the winter to visit without heavy jackets. Small zoo and petting zoo as well as several onsite restaurants"
Scott Berger
"I was awestruck to tears when I first saw the Ark. God 1st gave the measurements to Noah & he obeyed. He and his family were saved from God's wrath. Now in modern days God's men followed His Biblical instruction and the Ark was reconstructed. It is amazing both inside and out. I highly recommend going out of your way to see it."
Christine Bryant
"It's great for children and includes a petting zoo and wonderful playground for the kids to get their energy out. Prices are high but I think it's worth it for children age 6 and up. Going at Christmas time made it especially beautiful with their light show"
Bruce and Shannon Runnels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ark Encounter is located at 1 Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown, KY 41097. It's accessible by car, with major highways leading to the area. Many visitors drive from nearby cities like Lexington or Cincinnati.
Public transportation options directly to the Ark Encounter are limited. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle or tour bus. Consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving.
Parking is available onsite, but there is a fee. It's recommended to factor this into your budget.
Yes, the Ark Encounter is a popular day trip destination from both Lexington and Cincinnati, Kentucky, as well as Northern Kentucky. It's approximately an hour's drive from Cincinnati and about 1.5 hours from Lexington. +1
Williamstown and the surrounding areas offer various hotels and lodging options for those wishing to extend their visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, with general admission for adults typically around $65. Parking is an additional fee. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
While tickets may be available at the gate, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to secure your entry and potentially avoid long queues.
Yes, combo tickets that include admission to both the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum are often available, offering a cost-saving option for those wanting to experience both attractions.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. Generally, the Ark Encounter is open Wednesday through Friday, with extended hours on Saturdays. It's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Discounts for seniors and children are often available. Check the official website for specific age ranges and pricing for these categories.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside the Ark, you'll find three decks filled with interactive exhibits, historical displays, and educational content about Noah's Ark and the biblical flood narrative. There are also live presentations and films.
Absolutely! The Ark Encounter is very family-friendly, featuring a petting zoo, playground, and engaging exhibits that appeal to younger visitors.
Most visitors spend between 2 to 4 hours exploring the Ark, depending on their interest level and whether they watch the films or participate in all activities.
Yes, the grounds include Emzara's Menagerie (a zoo and petting zoo), a playground, and zip lines for an additional adventure.
The Ark Encounter is designed with accessibility in mind, offering ramps and elevators to navigate the different levels. It's always a good idea to contact them directly for specific accessibility needs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several dining options onsite, including restaurants and concessions offering a variety of food, from quick snacks to full meals.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the Ark Encounter. There are ample dining facilities available within the attraction.
While specific menus can change, most dining facilities offer a range of options. It's recommended to inquire at the food venues for current vegetarian or vegan choices.
Some visitors recommend Noah's Hotdog stand off Dry Ridge for a local, Christian-owned food experience with good prices.
Food prices are comparable to other major attractions. Expect to pay typical theme park or museum dining prices.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Ark for personal use, but flash photography may be restricted in certain exhibit areas to protect the displays.
The exterior of the Ark itself offers stunning photo opportunities, especially at different times of day. Inside, focus on capturing the scale of the decks and the detail of the exhibits.
Drones are typically not permitted for use within the Ark Encounter grounds for safety and privacy reasons. Always check the official rules and regulations.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots. During special events like the Christmas lights, evening photography is spectacular.
Yes, smartphones are perfect for capturing your experience. Many visitors share their journeys on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing combo tickets if you plan to visit the Creation Museum as well, as it offers a more comprehensive experience. While the ticket prices can be a consideration, many parents find the educational and awe-inspiring nature of the visit to be well worth the cost for children aged 6 and up.
🤔 Skeptics and Curious Visitors
It's an opportunity to engage with a particular interpretation of biblical history and to see how a significant religious story has been brought to life in a tangible way. Many reviewers suggest going with an open mind to appreciate the effort and detail involved in creating such a unique attraction.
⛪ Faith-Based Travelers
+1The attraction serves as a powerful reminder of biblical accounts and offers a tangible connection to stories that are central to their beliefs. Many find it to be an essential pilgrimage and a place that strengthens their faith.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ark Encounter: A Biblical Recreation
+1The attraction aims to bring the biblical account to life, allowing visitors to physically experience the scale and complexity of Noah's undertaking. It's a place where faith and history intersect, offering a tangible representation of a pivotal event in religious texts. Many visitors describe the experience as awe-inspiring and deeply moving, regardless of their personal beliefs.
Beyond the Ark itself, the Ark Encounter complex includes additional attractions such as Emzara's Menagerie (a zoo and petting zoo), a playground, and zip lines, making it a comprehensive destination for families and individuals interested in biblical history and creationism.
Navigating the Ark: Exhibits and Experiences
The second deck delves deeper into the daily life aboard the Ark during the flood. Exhibits here often depict living quarters, food preparation, and the challenges of coexisting with numerous animals in a confined space. This level aims to provide a more intimate glimpse into the human and animal experience during the 40 days and nights of rain.
The third deck typically showcases the aftermath of the flood and the re-establishment of humanity and the earth. It often includes information about the covenant God made with Noah and the subsequent spread of mankind. Throughout the Ark, multimedia presentations and informative panels enhance the educational aspect of the visit.
Beyond the Ark: Additional Attractions
For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Ark Encounter features zip lines that allow guests to soar through the scenic Kentucky landscape. This offers a thrilling perspective of the Ark and its surroundings. Additionally, there's a playground designed for children to burn off energy and enjoy themselves.
Dining options are also available onsite, with several restaurants and concession stands offering a variety of food choices to suit different tastes. This ensures that visitors can comfortably spend a full day exploring all that the Ark Encounter has to offer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit