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Tour the Life-Size Noah’s Ark at the Ark Encounter

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Get ready to encounter the wonder! The Ark Encounter features a jaw-dropping, 510-foot-long reconstruction of Noah’s ark, built according to the biblical dimensions. Inside, guests tour three decks of world-class exhibits, including sculpted animal pairs, animatronic people, Noah’s family living quarters, and more. This life-size Ark is the largest timber-frame structure in the world and an architectural marvel. And in 2023, children ages 10 and under receive free admission!

Outside the Ark, guests explore the gorgeous grounds and meet exotic animals such as sloths, a binturong (bearcat), lemurs, camels, and more at Ararat Ridge Zoo. Or they can “meet” the animal kinds journeying to the Ark with free rides for all ages on a custom indoor carousel.

The indoor carousel at the Ark Encounter

Throughout the day, live presentations and concerts take place in the state-of-the-art, 2,500-seat Answers Center auditorium. Guests enjoy tapping their toes to resident artists TrueSong, learning from dynamic Answers in Genesis speakers, meeting ambassador animals during engaging zoo presentations, and so much more.

Ararat Ridge Zoo

Delicious food and drinks can be found throughout the grounds, particularly at Emzara’s Kitchen, a 1,500-seat restaurant featuring a cafeteria-style buffet loaded with guest favorites such as fried chicken, roast beef, fresh salads, creamy mac and cheese, garlic potatoes, and mouth-watering desserts. Guests can also enjoy smoky meats, wraps, paninis, freshly made fudge, cookies, specialty coffees, and more.

For an additional ticket purchase, guests can ride or feed a camel or mine for fossils or gems in the Fossil Sluice. Guests can also travel back in time and experience the building of the ark, loading of the animals, and the rainbow after the flood at Truth Traveler, the Virtual Reality Experience. Special seats full of surprises and state-of-the-art VR headsets wow guests as they enter a spaceship for their epic journey.

The most adventurous can zip over the trees in the stunning valley beside the Ark with Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures as they soar down thousands of feet of zip lines and reach up to 50 mph and 15 stories in the air. Ten of these mega zip lines are 1,000 feet or longer! Make a leap of faith off the 80-foot free-fall tower or climb the aerial adventure course. Tours may be booked in advance or upon arrival.

Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures

Kids love the unique playground, designed with children of all abilities in mind. Towering slides, climbing surfaces, swings, a rainbow maze, a zip line, and more delight children of all ages.

August 1­–September 9, 2023, the Ark Encounter will host 40 Days and 40 Nights of Gospel Music, the world’s largest Christian music festival. Award-winning gospel music artists will perform over 120 concerts, and all concerts are included free with general Ark admission.

The Ark Encounter is visited by thousands of guests every day, and they leave raving reviews. It’s truly an experience like no other!

The Ark Encounter is fully wheelchair accessible (with wheelchair and scooter rentals available) and family friendly. The Ark Encounter is located in Williamstown, KY, directly off I-75 exit 154. Learn more and get your tickets today at ArkEncounter.com.