Ark Encounter is a family-friendly, Biblical theme park in Williamstown, Kentucky. The Ark is a full-sized replica of the ark that Noah built when God told him about the coming flood (Genesis 6-9). My mom and I visited it back in November 2021, and it has grown since then by adding a carousel. Kids ages 10 and under get free admission into the park, and there are plenty of things for kids to do. There is a zoo, where you can see some cool animals and walk through a couple of animal enclosures to get closer to the animals. There is a Rainbow garden symbolizing the rainbow that God put in the sky for the Noahic covenant to show He would not destroy the world by flood again (Genesis 9). One of the special features of the entire park is that it is handicap accessible, so if you have anyone in a wheelchair or any older loved ones who want to go but are not up for walking a lot, there is a way for them to enjoy the entire experience.
To go through the Ark Encounter:
- Purchase your tickets online.
- Once in the parking lot, walk to the bus station and board a bus that will take you to the entrance.
- Enter the Answers Center, which is at the bus drop-off area. Here, there is auditorium, breakout rooms, a lab, and a gift shop.
- Next, make your way to the Ark which is a walk around a pond. On the way is the new carousel which was not completed when we were there, a few food options at Noah’s Village, a playground, a virtual reality experience, and lots of other activities.
- The Ark has a big ramp to the entrance, and there are three levels in addition to the ground level. And on each level, there are restrooms. There is also a gift shop on the ground level of the Ark, which we went through at the end of our trip.
- Learn about the building of the ark, the many animals that were on the ark, Noah’s family, and so much more while you are there. Also, see how the story of Noah was a foreshadowing of the rescue mission Christ accomplished for believers.
- Walk through the Ararat Ridge Zoo and see lots of animals.
I really enjoyed the Gospel presentation that happens at the Ark Encounter because it is rare to find a theme park that shares the Gospel like the Ark Encounter does.
Ark Encounter is a great place to take your family to point them to Christ and help them learn that the Bible is true. It is always exciting to see how big the Ark is in real life; it is huge! Also, I found a beautiful nativity Christmas ornament for my Christmas tree and a good children’s book on Noah’s ark in the gift shop. Plan on stopping in the gift shop, and expect long lines there. It is worth it though!
Join in on the Conversation
I always love hearing from my readers. Feel free to comment below, or join the conversation on X.com by following my account (x.com/sarahderinger88).
- Have you ever been through Ark Encounter?
- What was your favorite part about the trip?
- What adventures does your family enjoy?
- Do you know of any more Christian theme parks or attractions?
Sarah B. Deringer 