The Ark Encounter

The Ark Encounter, Williamstown, KY

Explore the life-sized reconstruction of Noah’s Ark at the Ark Encounter, as part of this group motorcoach vacation package. Located in beautiful Williamstown, Kentucky, halfway between Cincinnati and Lexington on I-75, the Ark Encounter is an entertaining, educational and immersive experience that presents a number of historical events centred on Noah’s Ark as recorded in the Bible. Opened in July of 2016, the Ark Encounter is operated by Answers in Genesis, a Young Earth creationism group that also operates the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky.

Bible Story of Noah’s Ark

Noah was a faithful servant who walked with God in the midst of an increasingly evil world. As recorded in Genesis, Noah obeyed God’s command to build a massive ark in order to save his family and animals from a worldwide Flood that would sweep across and wipe out planet Earth. When the Great Flood was over, those who survived on the Ark repopulated the earth.

What to Expect during Your Visit to the Ark Encounter

The highlight of the Ark Encounter is a full-size Noah’s Ark replica. At 501 feet long, 51 feet high and 85 feet wide, Noah’s Ark is the largest timber-frame structure in the world, built from standing timber, in part by skilled Amish craftsman. Step inside to explore three decks of world-class exhibits about events that led up to, during and after the Great Flood as recorded in the book of Genesis. At the Ararat Ridge Zoo you can meet animals from around the world and discover how they are part of the Noah’s Ark story. Shop Ark Encounter gifts and keepsakes in the gift store. The Ark Encounter offers food and drinks at its restaurant and snack stand.

The Ark Encounter

State of the Art Exhibits

Noah

Learn all about Noah. The Noah exhibit features displays that explore Noah’s early days, how primitive of a time it was, the sin of the world, Noah’s grace and the construction of the Ark.

Noah’s Family

Step back in time to meet Noah’s family members who lived aboard the Ark with him. In Noah’s Family you will discover what it was like to live in the world before the Flood and what kind of technology they had. Learn about the life of Noah’s wife and sons Shem, Ham and Japheth.

The Flood

There are many stories around the world all centred on a worldwide flood. Explore Flood to find out if these legends originated in actual historical events. What happened to Noah, the animals and the Earth after the Flood are also explored in this exhibit.

Ararat Ridge Zoo

Lifelike sculpted animals along with live animals from around the world, at the Ark Encounter’s Ararat Ridge Zoo represent the animals that lived during Noah’s lifetime. Meet a mom and baby Tibetan yak that are domestic high mountainous terrain animals and exotic animals from around the world like kangaroos, ostriches, emus, and lizards. Exhibits at Ararat Ridge Zoo answer questions about how Noah cared for animals on the Ark and how the Ark was big enough to fit them all on board.

Shop the Ark Encounter Gift Store

If time permits, explore the Ark Encounter’s gift store. Boasting over 12,000 square feet of space, the gift store carries merchandise related to the Ark Encounter and other Biblical accounts.

Emzara’s Kitchen

Located outside the Ark is Emzara’s Kitchen, the Ark Encounter’s two-story, casual restaurant. Enjoy all your favorites like burgers, chicken tenders and pizza. For something healthier, grab a fresh salad topped with shredded fire-braised chicken or a southwest chipotle wrap. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Creative Kernels traditional kettle corn.

Snack Stand

Quench your thirst or satisfy a hunger pang at the Ark’s snack stand. Located on the first deck of the Ark, the snack stand offers a variety of snacks and drinks to meet the needs of everyone.

Travel Tips

- The Ark’s Guest Services Team is ready to assist you with any needs during your visit to the Ark Encounter and can be found near the park entrance.

- Don’t forget your camera. You are welcome to photograph and record all of the Ark. Encounter’s exhibits.

- The Ark Encounter is ADA compliant. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at a fee.

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