Astronaut Encounter 2
July
11
2026
Williamstown, KY
Ark Encounter, Answers Center
Exploring the Heavens, Proclaiming His Glory
Back by popular demand!
The response to our first-ever Astronaut Encounter in 2025 was so overwhelming that we’re doing it again! During a unique one-day event at the Ark Encounter, you’ll hear from three men who’ve been to outer space and who give God the glory for what he’s made.
Come and meet:
- Captain Barry Wilmore, who was the commander of Boeing’s Starliner on its test flight to the ISS and the author of the new book Stuck in Space: An Astronaut’s Hope Through the Unexpected.
- Colonel Jeffrey Williams, who flew 534 days on four space flights to the ISS and is the author of The Work of His Hands.
- General Charlie Duke, who walked on the moon as an Apollo 16 astronaut and is the author of Moonwalker
You’ll also hear from Answers in Genesis Founder Ken Ham and Living Waters Founder Ray Comfort—an open-air preacher and author of many books, including Scientific Facts in the Bible: 100 Reasons to Believe the Bible Is Supernatural in Origin.
Attendees can even explore some of God’s handiwork for themselves by sun spotting with astronomer Dr. Danny Faulkner (weather dependent).
It’s an out-of-this-world event for the whole family.
Registration includes a two-day Ark Encounter ticket, giving you access to the life-size Noah’s Ark, three decks of exhibits, our Ararat Ridge Zoo, playground, carousel, and so much more.
Register now before it sells out!
Dinner with the Astronauts
Upgrade your experience to enjoy a delicious dinner (it won't be astronaut food!) with the astronauts in the evening. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!
Sponsors
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Registration
Register online to ensure your place at this conference!
Includes:
Registration includes two-day admission to the Ark Encounter.
Event Cost
Price: Adult: $139
Youth: $49
Speakers
Location
1 Ark Encounter Dr.
Williamstown, KY 41097
Williamstown, KY 41097
Schedule
| 10:00 a.m. | Welcome |
| 10:05 a.m. | True and False Conversion | Ray Comfort |
| 11:00 a.m. | Break |
| 11:30 a.m. | Age of Design | Charlie Duke |
| 12:30 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| 2:00 p.m. | Who Is the God Who Created the Heavens? | Ken Ham |
| 2:30 p.m. | Break |
| 3:00 p.m. | Aligning STEAM with a Biblical Worldview from Orbit: Unleashing the Arts & Sciences for the Glory of God | Jeffrey Williams |
| 4:00 p.m. | Break |
| 4:30 p.m. | Truth in a Godless Society | Barry Wilmore |
| 5:30 p.m. | End of Event |
| 6:30 p.m. | Dinner with the Astronauts (Ticketed Separately) |
Travel & Lodging
Our partner hotels offer special rates to Ark Encounter guests. To receive these rates please book your hotel at arkencounter.com/places-to-stay.
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register by mail and/or pay by check?
Online registration with credit card payment is the only method by which we can process registrations.
Will I receive registration confirmation through the mail?
No. When you complete your registration, you should immediately receive a ticket in your email (with an order number); this is your ticket to the event as well as your parking pass. You will need to bring it with you either on your phone or printed out.
When and where do I check in?
When you arrive at the Ark Encounter (1 Ark Encounter Dr., Williamstown, KY 41097), make your way to the buses to be shuttled to our Welcome Center. There you will show your ticket (on your phone or printed out) for Admissions staff to scan. Exit the Welcome Center and go to the Answers Center, where the conference is being held, to receive your name badge. Check-in starts at 8:00 a.m.
Do we get free Ark or Creation Museum admission with our registration?
Your registration includes a two-day Ark pass, which must include the day of the Astronaut Encounter event. If you desire to visit the Ark the day before the event, you will need to show your Astronaut Encounter ticket (on your phone or printed out) for admission. Your two-day ticket for admission to the Ark is valid July 10–12. Your ticket also includes a 20% discount for admission to the Creation Museum, valid July 10–12.
Will I have an opportunity to meet the astronauts?
We plan to have an exclusive photo opportunity with some of the astronauts, but at this point we cannot guarantee individual astronaut availability.
What is the closest airport to the Ark Encounter/Answers Center?
The Greater Cincinnati/N. KY Airport (CVG), located about 10 minutes from the Creation Museum and 45 minutes from Ark Encounter.
Are there any discounts on hotels?
Our partner hotels offer special rates to Ark Encounter guests. To receive these rates, please book your hotel at ArkEncounter.com/places-to-stay.
Is there a shuttle from the airport to the museum or the Ark?
There are no shuttles provided from the airport or hotels to the Creation Museum or Ark Encounter. If you fly in, you will need to rent a car. However, you can check with your hotel to see if they have a shuttle to and from the airport.
Does registration for the conference include meals?
Meals are not included with conference registration. Food is sold at the Olive Leaf Café in the Answers Center lobby and Emzara’s Buffet next to the Ark. Other food vendors are also available.
What if I need to cancel?
All sales are final and there are no refunds except for health reasons. Eligible cancellations requested in writing 60 days prior to the event will be refunded minus a 25% cancellation fee. Eligible cancellations requested fewer than 60 days prior to the event will be refunded minus a 50% cancellation fee.
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