Ark Encounter’s Truth Traveler Breaks Ground in Pigeon Forge, Announces Third Location in Branson

“I’m excited that once again we are stepping out in faith to build some special attractions, this time taking them out to where people are in the culture in major tourist areas like Pigeon Forge and Branson,” Ark Encounter/Answers in Genesis Founder CEO Ken Ham said. “What a unique opportunity to impact the culture with God’s Word and the saving gospel!”

Pigeon Forge mayor David Wear speaking at the Pigeon Forge Truth Traveler groundbreaking April 22. He is accompanied by, from left to right, Ken Ham (Answers in Genesis/Ark Encounter Founder CEO), Ben Wilt (Chief Digital Officer at AiG), and Joe Boone (President at AiG).

Truth Traveler transports guests back in time, immersing them in pivotal moments in biblical history with a custom animated 5D Virtual Reality ride complete with motion benches and haptics for a full sensory experience.

Truth Traveler transports guests back in time, immersing them in pivotal moments in biblical history with a custom animated 5D Virtual Reality ride complete with motion benches and haptics for a full sensory experience. To complement the immersive journey, guests can indulge in themed food and beverage options and explore the fully themed souvenir shop. The entire journey promises to be unforgettable, leaving guests with lasting memories to cherish.

The Truth Traveler venue in Pigeon Forge will be located at 2860 Parkway, conveniently situated on the Parkway across from the Pirates Voyage Dinner Show and The Island. In addition to the Truth Traveler virtual reality attraction, the Pigeon Forge location also features a state-of-art planetarium with laser projectors and a 30-meter-diameter tilted-dome. Guests will travel deep into the far reaches of the universe with spectacular digital imagery of the solar system and the galaxies beyond it. It is projected to open in early 2025.

“What excites me the most about this project, besides the jobs that are going to be created and the property that is going back on the tax rolls to produce revenue, is that not only is this going to be a destination in and of itself, but that it’s going to be a faith-based destination,” said Pigeon Forge Mayor David Wear. “Like the people of Pigeon Forge who have hospitality at their heart and soul, so does this (Truth Traveler) team. We are glad they feel at home and like part of the family, because to us, anybody who invests in Pigeon Forge is part of this family.”

At the Branson location, in the former Andy Williams Moon River Theater, guests will be immersed in the experience from start to finish, beginning with a lively pre-show to set the narrative. Inside the VR bays, they'll embark on a thrilling and inspiring journey, meticulously crafted by The Mill, a production company renowned worldwide for their exceptional expertise in creating top-tier productions that captivate audiences. Afterward, the guests will continue into a 1200-seat theater that will showcase a tailored show, scheduled to play twice hourly throughout the day, seamlessly enhancing and extending the VR narrative.

As dusk falls, the theater will transform into a venue for nightly live performances or concerts, ensuring guests are able to fully partake in multiple, unforgettable entertainment options. The Truth Traveler team will be announcing details on a very special show soon. This location is projected to open in March 2025.

AiG is an apologetics (i.e., Christianity-defending) ministry dedicated to enabling Christians to defend their faith. It is the ministry behind the world’s leading Christian themed attractions, the Ark Encounter with a life-size (510-foot-long) Noah’s Ark and the high-tech Creation Museum, both located in Northern Kentucky and visited by millions.

Visit AnswersinGenesis.org, ArkEncounter.com, and CreationMuseum.org for more information.