*The Ark Encounter hosted us for this visit. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For our daughter’s birthday, we thought it would be fun to take a trip to Kentucky to visit that life-size replica of Noah’s Ark. It was such a unique experience!
Arrival
We became a little worried once we arrived and saw all the vehicles lined up on both sides of the highway. We had to turn left into the entrance and thought it was going to take forever, but they had their own security team out directing traffic. It did not take long at all to get in and get parked.
Once you have parked, you can get in line for the buses if you already have tickets, or you can get in line for will call/ticket purchase. I need to go to will call to pick up our tickets. Once I got our tickets, we then got in line for the buses. It was very busy and there was a big line, but it went quickly because there several buses that were continuously picking up passengers. We boarded our bus and made the short drive to where the Ark Encounter and other attractions were.
The Ark
The Ark is a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high. It is actually the largest timber frame structure in the world. We knew it was going to be BIG but this thing was MASSIVE in person. It really put everything into perspective.
Deck 1
On the first deck, you will discover how they would have housed the small animals. You will see Noah and his family giving thanks and praying to God. You will also get an introduction to animal kinds and see ark storage, bat kinds, and a model ark.
Deck 2
On deck 2 you will learn about the pre-flood world. You will see things like the ark door, Noah’s workshop and blacksmith shop, Noah’s study and library, animal cages, and a spooky animals encounter for kids. Fairy-tale Ark is located on this deck and explains how some stories of the ark in children’s books may not be accurate. You will learn about who Noah was and also more about how they cared for the animals on the ark. There is also the Noah Interview Theater.
Deck 3
On deck 3 you will explore living quarters, flood geology, the ice age, Babel, ancient man, and flood legends. You will also see exhibits like why the Bible is true, doors of the Bible, and searching for truth. This level also has As in the Days of Noah Theater. You will then make your way back down into the Gift Shop.
Other Experiences
Zip Lines
The Screaming Eagle outdoor adventure course offers a zip line, an aerial course, and free falls.
Fossil Find
The mining sluice at the Ark Encounter provides fun for all ages! You can purchase a bag of dirt and head over to the panning sluice to see if your bag contains amber, horn coral, petrified wood, or shark tooth fossils. The history in God’s Word provides a framework for understanding fossils. Not only will your family enjoy revealing and identifying the fossils from your bag of dirt, but you will also learn about the science of paleontology from a biblical perspective.
Carousel
Experience the Italian-made carousel and take a ride on a T. rex, Quetzalcoatlus, elephant, or another custom-made representative of a biblical kind! The deck of this carousel is set flush with the floor and includes a wheelchair securement system, providing access for all our guests! Learn about the animal kinds represented on this ride and enjoy a series of mural panels depicting the account of the global flood from the animals’ perspective.
Truth Traveler
Truth Traveler is a fun virtual reality experience. Get seated in the Truth Traveler time machine and journey back to the time of Noah in our immersive virtual reality experience, A Flood of Reality! Pod, the lovable robot, will be your guide as you witness the building of Noah’s ark, experience the flood, venture inside the ark with the animals, and more—including some exciting surprises along the way!
Playground
A fun spot for children of all ages! This playground is built for kids of all abilities, and constructed with the family unit in mind.
Ararat Ridge Zoo
During your stroll through the Ararat Ridge Zoo, you’ll encounter mammals, birds, and reptiles from every corner of the planet. Meet a variety of animal ambassadors up close during their daily animal shows! There is a Kangaroo Walkabout that allows you to go inside the kangaroo exhibit. There are also camel rides and a petting zoo.
Dining
There are several places to eat surrounding the Ark. Emzara’s Kitchen is an award-winning buffet-style restaurant with a variety of delicious entrees, salads, and desserts. The Village Smokehouse has pulled pork sandwiches and smoked pit beef sandwiches. Southwest Grill is a spot for street tacos, walking tacos, and taco bowls. Zofar’s offers burgers, hot dogs, pizza, breadsticks, and more. Inside the Answers Center, you will find a variety of breakfast choices in the morning and then sandwiches, wraps, salads, and snacks. Noah’s Coffee features cappuccinos, hot teas, espresso, iced coffee, and smoothie treats.
Conclusion
This is an all-day experience so be prepared to stay a while. I think everyone should experience this at least once in their life. It is truly an incredible experience! You can learn more about the Ark Encounter here: https://arkencounter.com/ and follow them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arkencounter/
To see more photos and videos of the Ark Encounter, follow my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummingbirdandhousewife/