Ark Encounter

The Ark Encounter is a one-of-a-kind, historically themed attraction in Williamstown, Kentucky. In an entertaining, educational, and immersive way, it presents a number of historical events centered on a full-size Ark, which is the largest timber-frame structure in the world.

The Ark Encounter demonstrates that the Bible is historically reliable, and it also serves as an evangelistic experience. Ken Ham, president and CEO of Answers in Genesis, the Creation Museum, and Ark Encounter, has stated, “It’s called Ark Encounter because people will encounter the Ark, and then encounter God’s Word, and then encounter Jesus Christ.”

How Big Is the Ark?

You’ve probably seen pictures of Noah’s ark in children’s books, complete with giraffe heads sticking out the top. But the real Noah’s ark, the one described in the Bible, was huge. At 510 feet long, 51 feet high, and 85 feet wide, this modern Ark shows that Noah’s ark was no dinghy. It spans over 1.5 times the length of a football field. It was wholly seaworthy—a ship that kept the occupants safe during a yearlong, worldwide flood.

Recreating this massive ship at Ark Encounter has been an engineering feat. While the Ark is a full-scale model, it was originally designed as a ship but constructed like a building to meet structural codes and requirements. The enormous logs were either standing dead timbers or timber harvested from renewable forests. In board feet (laid end to end), there is enough timber in the Ark construction to go from Williamstown, Kentucky, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its roof is long enough for NASA to park three space shuttles nose to tail on it!

Exhibits

As you walk through the Ark, you will encounter different teaching exhibits created by our world-class exhibit artists. On deck 1, you’ll be introduced to the kinds of animals that were on the ark. This includes dinosaurs, pakicetids, and a representative of the giraffe kind that had a shorter neck!

On deck 2, you’ll learn about why God sent a flood, how life on the ark may have been during the year of the flood event, including how Noah and his family cared for the animals, Noah’s study and workshop, and more. Get your picture taken by the Ark door, which is a picture of God’s salvation.

On deck 3, you’ll see what living on the Ark may have looked like, as well as teaching exhibits about flood geology, the ice age, arks from around the world, and the biblical authority exhibit.

There is much more to see in the Ark, including a video presentation, so be sure to plan enough time to view each unique exhibit!

Ararat Ridge Zoo and Petting Zoo Area

The Ararat Ridge Zoo is a fun place where both children and adults will enjoy a hands-on experience with some of God’s amazing creatures. See kangaroos, zebras, and more in this ever-expanding zoo. Don’t miss the live animal programs throughout the day. Camel rides are available for an additional cost.

Our zookeepers present animal encounters, where you can meet a variety of animal ambassadors up close during our daily shows. Learn about animal kinds, why God created animals with sharp teeth and claws, and how to be a good steward of God’s nature.

For animal lovers, consider a behind-the-scenes personal encounter with your favorite animals. Would you like to meet a sloth or kangaroos and wallabies up close and personal? For an additional fee, you can feed and take photographs with our animal ambassadors while learning about them. Slots are extremely limited, so book ahead!

Zip Line Canopy Tours

Soar past the Ark Encounter and get a bird’s-eye view of the park at 40–150 feet above the ground on zip lines up to 1,600 feet long! Three levels of zip line tours accommodate all levels of skill from beginners to advanced, with our continuous belay system providing the safest zip line experience possible—available to guests ages 8+; minimum and maximum weight limits apply.

Dining Options

Ark Encounter includes several dining options, meaning there’s something for everyone! Emzara’s Buffet, an award-winning restaurant, has a variety of entrées, salads, and desserts, including allergy-friendly options. Zofar’s includes pizza and hot dogs, and the Village Smokehouse offers pulled pork sandwiches, brisket sandwiches, and meal deals. Southwest Grill offers tacos, bowls, and meal deals. In the Answers Center, Olive Leaf Café offers breakfast options as well as sandwiches and snacks, and Noah’s Coffee offers a variety of beverages. For a sweet treat, Village Ice Cream offers ice cream, cookies, and other treats. Prices compare favorably with other themed attractions.

Presentations and Events

At the Answers Center, you can hear presentations explaining aspects of the Bible, science, and defending your faith. These presentations are free with admission to the Ark. See the presentation schedule to plan ahead.

Ark Encounter hosts several great events every year.

• Answers for Women and Answers for Men are popular annual events that feature equipping presentations around an annual theme. It is an encouraging experience that includes worship and fellowship with like-minded Christians!
• Deaf Days is an annual event with live interpreters, Deaf presenters, worship, and fellowship. While accommodation is always available, during Deaf Days, we especially accommodate our Deaf visitors!
• Día Latino features special Spanish presentations and worship.
• 40 Days and 40 Nights of Christian Music is the world’s largest Christian music festival, featuring various styles of music, including contemporary, praise & worship, Southern gospel, bluegrass, and faith country. Attendance to the festival is included with admission to the Ark, making this an excellent opportunity for a family vacation!
• And much more! See the calendar of events.

Kids and Family Activities

Make the most of your family’s trip to the Ark Encounter with fun kids’ activities:

• Use Ark Encounter Guidebooks that have fun activities, including a scavenger hunt.
• The Truth Traveler VR experience will take you through the building of the ark and the flood. You’ll feel like you were really there!
• Take a ride on our Italian-made carousel, featuring many representatives of biblical kinds like Quetzalcoatlus, T. rex, and more!
• Visit our children’s playground located near the Village Market, which is specially designed to be accessible to children of all abilities.
• The mining sluice located near the Children’s Zoo is fun for all ages. Purchase a bag of dirt and see if it contains amber, horn coral, petrified wood, or shark tooth fossils!

Shopping

Take a reminder of your trip home with you. The gift shop located on the ground floor of the Ark Encounter has a wide range of books, DVDs, apparel, stuffed animals, handmade gifts, and more!

• Our fair trade selection of items supports Christian small businesses with high-quality, handmade items.
• Wish you had picked up something from the gift shop? You might be able to find it online.
• Pick up a sweet treat at Uncle Leroy’s and coffee or hot chocolate from Kezia’s Coffee located in the gift shop.

Helpful Tips

• Before visiting, check out ArkEncounter.com to help plan your visit.
• Visit the Creation Museum in nearby Petersburg, Kentucky, while you are in the area. Creation Museum/Ark Encounter combo tickets are available and can help you save money.
• Ark Encounter is conveniently located just off I-75 in Williamstown, Kentucky. You may want to look at the park map for an idea of what to expect when you arrive.
• Find the perfect place to stay during your visit to Ark Encounter. Start with this list of recommended nearby hotels and lodging.
• Before planning your visit, check out other helpful tips on the Ark Encounter website, including finding out about other family-friendly attractions in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati region.