We followed the steady stream of cars into the parking lot on a rainy morning. Our attention focused on the size of the Ark Encounter’s version of Noah’s Ark. It grew larger as we drew nearer.
Inside the exhibit, the Ark Encounter kept our attention with their interpretation of how all the animals were housed and cared for in the ark. Videos and displays explained their theories of the pre-flood world, the animal kinds as well as the living quarters of Noah’s family. The developers even took the trouble to display all the necessary storage containers for food and water.
One of the most interesting videos compared sea-faring vessels of the known ancient world. The computer-generated animation showed which shape would have made the most sea-worthy vessel for the type of flood the Bible describes and which would have broken apart from the tremendous forces.
It is all very well done—from the craftsmanship of the Amish construction to the artistic interpretation of individual animals to the life-size members of Noah’s family. It is worth your time to consider their interpretation of scripture.
Ark Encounter Facts:
• The Ark is 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high.
• The Ark has 3.3 million board feet of timber
• The Ark is the biggest timber-frame structure in the world
• The center support tree trunks were harvested
from a standing dead forest in Utah
The pine beetle killed the Douglas fir trees.
Ark Encounter builders were allowed to harvest 48 feet.
Other Activities on the Ark Encounter Grounds:
• Zoo & Petting Zoo
• Camel Rides $8.00
• Donkey Rides $6.00
• Zip Lines, Limited Availability
Reserve your tickets early
at Guest Services
(Zip Line tower is to the right
in top photo)
• Gift Shop, ground level of the Ark
• Buffet Dinner in Emzara’s Kitchen
in separate building from the Ark.
Travel Tips:
Ark Encounter Location:
Williamstown, KY, halfway between Cincinati & Lexington on I-75
https://arkencounter.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Sunday noon to 7:00 p.m.
The last shuttle to the Ark departs 1½ hours before closing.
Ticket counters open at 8:30 a.m. Several ticket options available for purchase online. Check their website for the choices. 
However, you still have to have your tickets scanned
to get your wrist band(s) when you arrive.
Wristbands change daily for security.
Strollers, Wheelchairs, and Electric Scooters are available to rent at Guest Services
Photography and Recordings are encouraged.
However, they ask that you not record the video presentations.
The Ark Encounter asks that you please excuse their dust.
They are constantly updating and adding new features.
The Ark was extremely crowded when we attended. A guide suggested early Wednesday mornings were the least busy unless school was out.
By 1:30 p.m. most of the crowd had dispersed. I was able to take photographs without hoping for a break in the steady stream of people posing 
for selfies.
My suggestion would be: take your children to the zoo in the morning, then go to the Ark Encounter in the afternoon. If you want more adventure, be sure to reserve your tickets early for the Zip line!
Whatever your beliefs about the Biblical flood record, it is interesting to note that many cultures have a flood legend. Since so many wide-flung cultures do speak of a catastrophic occurrence it is important to seek answers.
Never stop searching for the truth.
What do you think? Tell me in the comments below.
Until next time . . . Travel Light,
SuZan
© 2017 SuZan Klassen
SuZan Klassen 
I would love to see this! Was the buffet Amish food?
No. Plenty of basic American fare. Saw numerous children (and adults) enjoying the desert bar. The large dining hall and two large buffet lines plus beverage bars made it an easy choice so near the ark.
Very interesting Suzan. did you catch this exhibit on the way to or from Washington DC? How much are tickets? A great writeup of the exhibit.
Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE smartphone
So many ticket options available that it’s simply easier for you the the potential purchaser to investigate what suits you. Please use the URL in the write-up to access that information. No, we didn’t go there on our way to the east coast. It was a separate trip. However, we did see some other tourist sites in Kentucky. Look for another upcoming post.
Thanks for all these tips. Was actually thinking of taking my 10-year-old there. Is it on the same grounds as the Creation Museum? And what zoo were you suggesting to go to?
We didn’t go to the Creation Museum. I believe it’s at a different location. Check the website link I placed in the post for details about it and the special combination ticket price they offer if you go to both. The petting zoo with camel rides, etc. is all right there at the Ark Encounter grounds. It’s just not in the ark. The ark is huge! It would be possible to spend 4+ hours at it, particularly if you take your time, take photos, and view every exhibit. However, with a ten-year-old, it would greatly depend on the child’s interest level and preparation. Many families with children were at the ark when we were there. They seemed interested in most of it, but perhaps not as much in some of the data provided. Those I observed who were most interested in it, had parents who were helping them see and understand. Still, most of them moved through it faster than those without children.
This trip is a necessary one to put on your bucket list!
Agreed!