Where Do I Park At The Ark Encounter
When you arrive, you will be shuttled in buses from the parking area about a mile away to the ark.
Parking is $15 for standard cars and $20 for oversized vehicles. Parking is available for RVs and motor coaches, but it is not allowed overnight.
Parking starts and ends 30 minutes before each opening and closing.
Everything You Need To Know If You’re Visiting The Ark Encounter In Kentucky
Kentucky is landlocked, but it does have an ark large enough for any disaster. Hypothetically, it could even handle a worldwide flood.
A five-story museum replica of the biblical Noah’s Ark is featured at the Ark Encounter theme park in Grant County, between Cincinnati and Lexington off Interstate 75.
The Christian theme park, whose parent attraction is the Creation Museum in Boone County, Kentucky, opened in 2016, at which time park officials estimated that 1.4 million to 2.4 million people would visit each year.
The latest: Ark Encounter seeks expansion in Kentucky with new ‘Tower of Babel’ exhibit
The $100 million park was built by Answers in Genesis, a Christian apologetics organization, and showcases Creationist beliefs surrounding the stormy biblical tale.
Although Answers in Genesis did not provide specific numbers about the park’s visitors for 2020-2021, Mark Looy, chief compliance officer, said some Saturdays in previous summers saw over 12,000 visitors between both parks. He expects attendance for this summer to surpass those numbers.
Planning to tour the towering attraction? Here’s what you should know:
The Flood Lawsuit Over Rain
The Ark Encounter may have been built to model a biblical boat that survived worldwide floods, but the replica was not as immune as the original biblical boat.
In May 2019, the owner of the Kentucky attraction sued for rain damage after five insurance companies would not cover the $1 million in damage to its access road caused by heavy rains.
The suit, filed against the insurance companies, asked for a jury trial.
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Faith And Fun Creation Museum To Ark 2
Northern Kentucky offers many exciting and fun opportunities for the young and the young-at-heart! If you are interested in the Faith and Fun: Creation Museum to Ark 2-Day Itinerary please call DAT Travel at 330-614-7219 ext 3. At your request, DAT Travel will build and book your itinerary according to your travel dates and time of arrival into the greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky. We can also book a hotel for you, and assist you in purchasing tickets for Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter.
Will You Need A Place To Stay
If you need a place to stay when you visit, you can book your hotel while your purchase your Bouncer Pass on CreationMuseum.org! Choose from a variety of vetted hotels conveniently located near the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter, and receive a special rate when you book through our site.
Were excited for this new ticketing option that will help families experience even more of what the worlds leading Christian-themed attractions have to offer. Plan your visit today at CreationMuseum.org or ArkEncounter.com.
*Some experiences are an additional charge.
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Creation Museum Ark Encounter To Undergo Upgrades Expansions
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PETERSBURG, Ky.
A Bible-themed attraction in Kentucky that features a 510-foot-long wooden Noahs ark will soon be undergoing upgrades and expansions.
Officials with the Creation Museum, located in Petersburg, Kentucky, and the Ark Encounter, located in Williamstown, Kentucky, announced their plans Thursday saying upgrades are necessary to accommodate, better serve, and reach the thousands of families pouring in daily.
Officials said the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter have been bustling all summer and they expect the year ahead to be even busier.
Moving forward, museum officials will be focusing on work in two areas. When the museums first opened, they didnt have an auditorium so after a few years, they converted its warehouse into its Legacy Hall auditorium.
When we first did this, I told our staff that we wanted to wear this auditorium out for the Lord and use it to the max for teaching and other programs to equip people of all ages, museum officials said.
Over the years, though, the auditoriums sound system and projection system have gotten worn out. Museum officials are looking at refurbishing the space until they can build a much larger auditorium in the future.
The plans for Legacy Hall include turning the seating configuration 90 degrees, knock out some walls and put in a new projection and sound system.
The Creation Museum is fundraising and is asking for help from the public.
Time For More Adventure
Choose one of the following fun, family-friendly destinations in Cincinnati :
- Harriot Beecher Stowe House ~ 2950 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center ~ 50 East Freedom Way Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
- Houdinis Room Excape ~ 9309 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati OH
- Full Throttle Indoor Karting ~ 11725 Commons Drive, Cincinnati, OH
- Childrens Museum ~ 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203
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The Ark Encounter Tips And Beginnings
My dad and I arrived and parked at the life-size Ark Encounter, a seven-story high and 510 feet long authentic replica of Noahs Ark, around 1 PM. We made our way to the ticket counter to pick up our tickets, though you can also get them digitally.
Once we were all checked in, we entered the queue for the shuttle bus that delivered us to the pathway leading to the Ark. The scenery through Monument Walk is beautiful, with tall ornamental grasses swaying in the breeze, butterfly-attracting plants, and perfect photo spots for remembering your Ark visit.
I recommend that anyone ride the elevator to the top floor and then work their way down on foot. With this enormous property, there is much to see and do, so you need a plan to keep it from being overwhelming.
In a nutshell, Ark Encounters Deck 3 shares the living quarters, doors of the Bible, Rainbow Covenant, and talks about flooding aftermaths. Deck 2 looks at the pre-flooded world, discusses who Noah was, looks at the animals in cages, has a kid-friendly spooky animal encounters exhibit, and a theater. Deck 1 showcases ark storage, an intro to animal kinds, a model ark, and a donor wall.
The Ground Level is where youll find the pre-show and entry lines, as well as the gift shop and exit. There are plenty of restrooms, family restrooms, and nursing rooms on each floor.
Directions To The Ark Encounter
From the south
If youre driving northbound on I-75, take exit 154 toward Owenton/Williamstown. Turn left off the exit ramp onto Ky. 36 and travel 0.3 mile to arrive at the Ark Encounter parking lot on the left.
From the north
If youre driving southbound on I-75, take exit 154 toward Owenton/Williamstown. Turn right off the exit ramp and travel 0.2 mile to arrive at the Ark Encounter parking lot on the left.
You can find more detailed directions at arkencounter.com/directions.
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Displays Throughout The Ark
Each floor of the replica Noahs Ark is chock full of fabulous things to see, storyboards to read, and ideas to ponder about how Noah and his family survived the 40-day flood. I never really thought about what was at the ark property in Kentucky I was just excited to see the beautiful structure in person. Wow, what a unique treasure.
Cages with animals are displayed to show their sheer size, and detailed information about how they were fed, managed and cared for really intrigued me. The kitchen area, where the food was prepared for everyone aboard, and the animals, too, was incredible I could have stayed here soaking up the details and visuals for hours, but we were under a time constraint.
The meet Noahs family portion of the Ark was again reminiscent of several attractions at Disneys Epcot theme park, with animatronics used for the family members. It was eye-opening to see the size of the bedrooms and the things they might have done to keep occupied during their 40 days and 40 nights onboard the Ark.
A few questions answered in deep detail are how the animals fit on the ship, how it stayed afloat, and whether the ark was real.
Is The Creation Museum Worth It
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Is the Creation Museum worth it? Will your kids enjoy visiting this museum in Petersburg, Kentucky? Should you visit the Creation Museum when you are in the area going to the Ark Encounter? I will share our family experience and let you know if we felt like the Creation Museum was worth the cost.
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What Should I Wear
Wear comfortable shoes. Noahs Ark as described by the Bible was huge, and the replica is no different. The ark is almost two football fields long and has three decks of exploration not including attractions surrounding the museum.
Expect to take at least three to four hours to get through the arks exhibits. Long, wheelchair accessible ramps connect each deck , however, there is also an elevator tucked away for those who need it.
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What Is The Creation Museum
You may not have heard of the Creation Museum. I didnt know about it until I began researching our trip to Kentucky to visit the Ark Encounter. The Creation Museum opened back in 2007 and was founded by Bill Ham.
This is a huge museum at over 75,000 square feet. A facility that allows you to venture through biblical history by seeing stunning exhibits and learning about the Bible and the world through a chronological retelling of biblical history. Guests step back in time, beginning with Creation, and fast-forward to Christ´s return.
The purpose of the museum is to bring the Bible to life for guests and this is a Christian evangelistic outreach.
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Our Visit To The Ark Encounter
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On our recent road trip we were blessed to be the guests of The Ark Encounter by Answers in Genesis in Williamstown, KY. I have wanted to visit this museum ever since I heard it was being built. We spent a brief 3 hours at the Ark Encounter, to really see everything you should plan to be there 5-6 hours.
My Thoughts And Recommendation
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Ark Encounter and hope to go again somedaymaybe with the grandkids. Theres so much to see and do. And, like the Creation Museum, new exhibits will merge into their lineup.
The staff is top-notch. The exhibits and the grounds are exceptional.
If you go, I recommend allowing an entire day for your visit. At the minimum, four hours. Id love to see a 2-day option for visitors. Some families, especially with littles, may find it challenging to fit everything in one day.
The prices are a bit high. Purchasing a combo-ticket for both attractions is the best way to go. Currently, children ages ten and under are admitted free, so Id take them soon before that extra perk changes!
Also, Id love to see free parking for everyone, not just for those who live in the surrounding counties of the Ark. Or, at least reduce the price a little. Parking is $10.00 at each park in addition to the price of adult tickets which is between $40 50.00 each. But, I understand everything is expensive these days and good help is challenging to find.
Plus, the exhibits are exquisite, highly-detailed, and educational. Not to mention how theyre ministering to hearts.
For our family of three, the trip was well worth the money. The experience brought biblical history to life. And, it served as an amazing reminder of just how big and awesome is our God.
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The Difference Between The Two
If you only want to visit one of these locations, there are a few things to consider when youare making your decision. Noahs Ark would be a better option if you are not a huge reader or if you have small children. I found these exhibits to be more entertaining and the signage is spread out. There are also bathrooms, benches, and snack stands throughout the building and grounds so you can easily take a break when needed.
Creation Museum is better suited for those that are more interested in understanding the difference between Creation and Evolution Theory. For Non- Christians, this is a great place to gain a better understanding of what Christians believe and how it may influence their life choices. The signage at this location has a lot more writing on it, so it may not be as entertaining to kids .
Both locations have animals to admire, playgrounds for the kids, as well as a Zipline Course for an extra fee. No matter where you go, there are other kid friendly options so you can leave the main attraction and for a light and fun-hearted break if needed.
Gathered Photos & Presents
Theres a multitude of photo ops throughout the museum and the surrounding outside areas. I think the only places youre not allowed to take photos are inside the Insectorium and the theaters.
With three gift shops available, we found plenty of opportunities to buy all the grandchildren little gifts. There were several beautiful items I admired at the Fair Trade Marketplace, but I didnt purchase anything for myself this time.
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Unlimited Parking With A 3
Save by purchasing a Bouncer Parking Pass.
- Valid for unlimited parking at both attractions for 3 days within a 7-day period.
- $30 for standard vehicles.
- Regular parking rate is $15/day for standard vehicles at each attraction per visit.
Parking options will be available once Bouncer Pass is added to your cart.
Who Is Behind These Two Amazing Attractions
Answers in Genesis, founded by Ken Ham, created the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum. Their goal is to empower believers to defend their faith by teaching them real historical, scientific and Biblical facts. If we learn how science really does support the Bible, we are much more prepared to face the skeptics and searchers who ask tough questions.
According to their website: Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ effectively. We focus on providing answers to questions about the Bibleparticularly the book of Genesisregarding key issues such as creation, evolution, science, and the age of the earth.
This organization offers a plethora of free and purchasable resources including videos, books, online apologetics courses and homeschooling materials. Be sure to bookmark this site because youll want to return to it for a spiritual investment for you and your friends and family.
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What We Did This Time & Recommendations
Read & Viewed Exhibits
The exhibits were well done and progressed in a logical order. A theme youll see in some of the Answers in Genesis curriculum is the 7 Cs- creation, corruption, catastrophe, confusion, Christ, cross, and the consummation. This is the order of the museum exhibits as well.
The Creation Museum contains a lot of opportunities for reading. We read a lot but also skimmed a great amount. The only reason we did this was because our family has been reading Answers in Genesis books and curriculum for years. We were familiar with the content so we were able to move at a quicker pace.
If you have children, Id borrow or buy some of those books before going, so you wont have to stop and read all the placards. Plus, theyre wonderful books!
The Creation Museum website has super cool info about the exhibit areas. You could show this to your family prior to your visit to get them excited. And, since some of that info is presented at the museum, you can remind them of what they viewed and heard prior to the trip rather than stopping to read at every informational stop.
At the very least, I suggest reading Genesis 6 9 before going to the museum.
Also, when at a museum, I find it helpful to snap photos of things Id like to read later.
Incorporated into the exhibits are topics addressing the history of the Bible, evolution, the sanctity of life, dinosaurs and dragons, Noah and the flood, and more.
Attractions Terms And Conditions
Your use of a ticket automatically grants permission to Answers in Genesis, Inc. and to Ark Encounter, LLC and its parent company, Crosswater Canyon, Inc. to record your image or that of your property while at the Ark Encounter or Creation Museum attractions for security, safety, news, marketing promotions, or other purposes, and constitutes a release to use such image for any or all such purposes.
The Attraction is private property, a Christian environment, and outreach of the Company. By visiting the Attraction, you agree to act in a polite, respectful manner at all times while on Attraction property. In the interest of public safety, vehicles and any packages, bags, and articles carried on the premises may be subject to inspection by public safety personnel at any time. For specific details please refer to Creation Museum Rules and/or Ark Encounter Rules.
General admission, combo tickets, 3-Day Bouncer, and Ultimate Bouncer passes may be purchased online or upon arrival for the same price. When buying online, your tickets will be emailed to you for printing prior to your arrival.
All prices do not include Kentucky sales tax or Williamstown ticket fee . Prices listed are subject to change.
Parking fees not included with general admission, combo tickets or 3-Day Bouncer passes. Ultimate Bouncer passes include free parking.
For assistance, please . If you are bringing a motor coach, please for reservations.
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