The Ultimate Guide To The Ark Encounter
Ark Encounter, a life-size reconstruction of Noah's Ark!
Ark Encounter, one of the most massive timber structures in the globe, was built precisely according to the specifications mentioned in the Bible!
Ark Encounter, located in Williamstown, Kentucky, features a life-size replica of Noah’s Ark and three floors of world-class exhibits inside the Ark. The Ark, measuring 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, is a man-made wonder and an exemplary piece of engineering and craftsmanship! Inside the Ark are three decks with several interpretive and interactive displays featuring the Great Flood, the animals, and household things Noah brought along with him on the Ark!
The Ark and everything inside the Ark represent the events that took place before, during, and after the Great Flood as captured in the book of Genesis. God said to Noah, “I am going to destroy all flesh because the world is full of violence. Build an ark of gopherwood, with rooms inside, three decks, and a door. Cover it inside and out with pitch.” (Genesis 6:13–22) Noah did exactly what GOD asked him – he built an Ark, took his family and furnishments needed to survive inside the Ark, and sailed with different species of animals who would repopulate the earth once the Great Flood was over.
Marvel at the colossal timber structure and experience the history of the Bible come to life at the Ark Encounter in Kentucky!
The Ark Encounter and its sister attraction, the Creation Museum, also located in Kentucky, about 45 miles north of Ark Encounter, are often visited together and are very enriching, educating, and entertaining! The Ark Encounter also features a zipLine, the Ararat Ridge Zoo, a kid’s playground, a gift shop, Fossil Find attraction, and family dining in Emzara’s Kitchen, making it an excellent destination for the entire family and one of the most popular attractions in Kentucky!
Here is my ultimate guide to the Ark Encounter, featuring essential trip-planning information, attractions, things to do, and recommendations on hotels and restaurants near the Ark Encounter!
Planning Your Trip To The Ark Encounter
Flying into Hebron or Louisville in Kentucky and then driving to the Ark Encounter, staying overnight in the nearby town of Dry Ridge, and visiting the nearby Creation Museum is the best way to get the most out of your trip to the Ark Encounter in Kentucky!
Best Time To Visit The Ark Encounter: Though Kentucky has cold winters with some snow, the Ark itself is temperature-controlled, making it a year-round destination. However, summer is the busiest season at the Ark Encounter and also the best time to enjoy the attractions outside the Ark, including the zipline, kid’s playground, and zoo. If you don’t mind slightly cooler temperatures, visiting in fall, winter, and spring is a great way to beat the crowds at the Ark Encounter.
Time Required At The Ark Encounter: While half a day is sufficient to explore the Ark and its several exhibits, you would need additional time if you plan on exploring the zipline, zoo, or spend time with kids at the playground or at the Fossil Find attraction.
Getting To The Ark Encounter: The best and the most convenient way to get to the Ark Encounter is by flying into Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport in Kentucky, located about 35 miles from the Ark Encounter, and then renting a car and driving to the Park. Alternatively, you could also take an Amtrak train or a Greyhound bus to Cincinnati, Ohio, and then drive to Mammoth Cave.
- Flight: The Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Hebron, Kentucky, approximately 35 miles from the Ark Encounter, is the closest international airport to the Park. You could also fly into Louisville International Airport (SDF), Louisville, Kentucky, around 90 miles from the Ark Encounter.
- Train: The closest Amtrak station to the Ark Encounter is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, which is about 45 miles from the Park.
- Bus: You could take a Greyhound bus to Lexington in Kentucky or Cincinnati in Ohio, both located about 45 miles from the Ark Encounter.
Parking & Passes At The Ark Encounter: There’s a large parking lot at the Ark Encounter offering paid parking to patrons, and this is also where you would purchase your tickets. Once parked, you can buy your Ark Encounter tickets at one of the many ticket counters in the parking lot and then take a shuttle to the Ark. While purchasing your passes, you could buy tickets for other attractions, including the zipline, Fossil Find, and the Creation Museum.
Lodging Options Near The Ark Encounter: While you will find a ton of luxury hotels and resorts in Cincinnati, Ohio, about 50 miles from the Ark Encounter, the lodging options close to the Ark Encounter are limited to a few chain hotels and bread and breakfast. Here’re my top picks for hotels near the Ark Encounter
Dining Options At The Ark Encounter: The Ark Encounter offers a snack stand and a casual restaurant. The snack stand is located on the first deck inside the Ark, serving a variety of snacks and beverages, however, food is not allowed in certain areas and near some exhibits inside the Ark. Emzara’s Kitchen, a two-story family diner located just a short walk from the Ark, serves buffet-style food with great views of the Ark.
Other Attractions Near The Ark Encounter: Most people visiting the Ark Encounter also visit the Creation Museum, which is located about 45 miles north of the Ark Encounter. Though it involves a fair amount of driving, I also recommend visiting Mammoth Cave National Park, approximately 170 miles southwest of Ark Encounter, when visiting the Ark Encounter in Kentucky.
Other Kentucky Attractions & Related Posts
I hope you enjoyed reading the post, The Ultimate Guide To The Ark Encounter, and I hope this will help you plan your trip to the Ark Encounter. You can find other attractions in Kentucky in my Kentucky Travel Guide.
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