Everyone in the earth is very curious about the beginning of life, be it through science, religion, stories or legends. Noah’s Ark, as recounted in the Bible, stands as an iconic vessel of salvation. Built by Noah under divine guidance, the ark preserved pairs of every living creature during a world-engulfing flood. Ark Encounter, nestled in Kentucky, meticulously recreates this colossal structure, allowing visitors to step into the pages of history.
Embarking on a journey with my daughter, we had roughly 6-hour drive from Chicago. Arriving in the Dry Ridge area, approximately 5 miles from Ark Encounter, we settled in for the night. To make the most of our visit, we wasted no time and headed to the Ark Encounter as soon as it opened the next day.
Noah’s Ark: A Symbol of History Revived
This colossal wooden structure, built to the specifications in the Book of Genesis, stretches over 500 feet long. Visitors are transported back in time to the era of Noah, experiencing the scale and grandeur of an ancient tale come to life.
My daughter was blown away by the first look at it and she started reading each and every thing written from the gate till we exit the Ark.
The Legend of Noah’s Ark: A Tale of Redemption
The legend of Noah’s Ark transcends cultures and religions, symbolizing redemption and a new beginning. The biblical narrative speaks of Noah’s unwavering faith, the gathering of animals two by two, and the eventual emergence onto a transformed Earth. Ark Encounter breathes life into this timeless tale, creating an immersive experience that brings the legend to vivid reality.
To truly appreciate the significance of Noah’s Ark, we delve into the genesis of Earth itself. Imagine a time, when our planet was a canvas of raw elements, evolving into the diverse ecosystems we know today. Ark Encounter becomes a portal to the origins of life, inviting visitors to connect with the very essence of Earth’s beginnings.
What can we expect inside the Ark – Deck 1, Deck 2, Deck 3
Inside the Ark is 3 decks which is easily accessible by anyone. There are strollers and wheels chairs that can be rented at the entrance of Ark apart from the lifts available. As soon as we enter Deck 1 it is a wow moment along with music and lighting which sets the mood. There are theaters in Deck 2 & 3. All levels has toilets, small snack shops and plenty of places to rest tired legs. So with kids it’s very easy to manage and my little one was taking it easy and reading, studying about each and everything.
Deck 1 – Animal Kingdom: A Noah’s Ark Menagerie
Step into the Ark Encounter’s animal exhibits, a captivating journey through the diverse species that Noah supposedly housed on his legendary voyage. From exotic creatures to familiar farm animals, each exhibit showcases the wonders of biodiversity. Each exhibit becomes a chapter in the unfolding story of Noah’s journey and the preservation of life. A symphony of sounds and colors, this section brings to life the biblical narrative in a vibrant, educational manner.
Deck 2 – Pre-flood world, Preparations, Animal Care and Interactions
Deck 2 encapsulates the intricate web of life that Noah’s Ark is believed to have accommodated. Engage with informative displays that delve into the behaviors, habitats, and importance of each species.
Explore the intricacies of how Noah and his family might have managed the care and feeding of the animals.
Deck 2 is a treasure trove of engaging activities. Interactive displays, games, and hands-on learning opportunities make the visit not just entertaining but also an enriching experience for children. My daughter’s favorite was the questions to Noah.
After experiencing Deck 2, I felt Noah was a great engineer and problem solver. I could not see this from Biblical point of view rather astonished by the building skills and maintenance was the wow factor
Deck 3 – Family Quarters and compelling evidences of global flood
Ascending to Deck 3 opens the door to an even more expansive and intriguing exploration of the living quarters of Noah and his family.
This level of the ark is dedicated to providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the post flood events, geology and more over evidences for the global flood that occurred, that intertwined with Biblical references and actual geological science
There were exhibits around how world and races emerged post flood.
Approaching the conclusion, I found myself hastening through the experience, realizing it leaned more towards biblical preaching. My child, in sync, was eager to skip the detailed narratives and venture into the broader exploration awaiting us outside. We headed out to the gift shop where lot of items from different parts of world was included as part of fair trade
Unique Characteristics: Beyond the Ark’s Grandeur
Ark Encounter is not merely a life-sized replica; it’s a multifaceted destination. The Ararat Ridge Zoo (included in the ticket), nestled within the grounds, introduces visitors to rare and exotic animals, fostering a connection between the past and present. The best that my kid enjoyed was the Kangaroo encounter
The camel ride (not included in ticket, paid $10) was another attraction for kids and she loved it.
We then headed to immerse in virtual reality experience, A Flood of Reality!. Again this was not included in ticket (paid extra $15 for me and $10 for kid). Had to sign a waiver. This was fun experience for about 10 mins where most of the time I heard my daughter screaming with excitement next to me.
Before catching the last bus, we dedicated the remaining portion of our time to a well-equipped playground designed for maximum kid-friendly fun. It served as a perfect spot for my daughter to expend her energy and enjoy some playful moments.
For thrill-seekers, the Ararat Ridge Canopy Zip Lines provide an exhilarating perspective of the surrounding landscape. However, there is a minimum and max weight requirement. Emzara’s Kitchen, the on-site restaurant, offers a taste of history with its biblical-inspired menu.
How to get there and other details
The best way to plan and get more details is to visit the site of Ark Encounter https://arkencounter.com/plan-your-visit/
- Ark Encounter is conveniently located in Williamstown, Kentucky. If driving, take I-75 to Exit 154 and follow the signs. For those flying in, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is the nearest major airport, approximately 40 miles away
- Current (2023) ticket costs is $59.95 for adults, free for Child 10 and under. Check for latest prices here https://arkencounter.com/tickets/
- Once you park and pick the tickets, there is a shuttle bus ride to Ark
- Plan at least for a full day. If all other shows and event is in your itinerary then it is 2 days
- There is bit of walking around but inside the Ark, ramps are easy
- It is not about only Bible or its preaching, it’s worth enough to see as an engineering marvel
- Engage with Staff: The knowledgeable staff can provide insights into the construction and historical context of the Ark.
- Explore at Your Pace: Take your time to absorb the historical and cultural richness without feeling rushed.
