This was one of those “must-see” experiences we had talked about going to see … one day. But let’s be honest—when do you ever plan a trip to Kentucky? It felt like one of those dreams that might always stay on the list, until Lucas completely surprised me with a trip to see the life-sized Noah’s Ark.
Walking through this massive, life-sized replica of the Ark, you can’t help but be amazed at the sheer scale and craftsmanship. The exhibits inside are fascinating, offering a glimpse into what life might have been like for Noah and his family.
Read on to hear more about this fascinating exhibit!
Ark Encounter – Life Size Noah’s Ark
Museum in williamstown, kentucky
The Ark Encounter, located in Williamstown, Kentucky, is a life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark, built to the dimensions described in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, it offers an immersive experience with three decks of exhibits exploring the biblical story of the flood, the Ark’s construction, and life during Noah’s time.
Visitors can also enjoy a petting zoo, zip lines, and a variety of family-friendly attractions on the surrounding grounds. It’s both an educational and awe-inspiring destination for people of all ages.
Atmosphere
Experience
Exhibit
Ark Encounter
Whether you’re here for the history, the faith connection, or just the incredible sights, it’s an unforgettable place to explore.
Exploring the Noah’s Ark Exhibit: A Walk Through History
Visiting the Noah’s Ark exhibit was truly a breathtaking experience! From the moment we approached the ark, the sheer size of it was awe-inspiring. It’s hard to wrap your head around the fact that Noah built this massive structure, and standing before it, left us both in complete wonder. It really gave us a new perspective on the biblical story.
Once inside, we had the freedom to explore all three decks at our own pace, which was a great way to take everything in. There wasn’t a guided tour, so we could linger, reflect, and absorb the details at our own speed, making it feel like a personal journey through history.
TIP: Plan on spending 3-4 hours touring through the 3 levels of exhibits.
Deck 1 was a true eye-opener. It offered a deep dive into the scale of the ark and its storage areas, along with a fascinating exploration of animal kinds. It was amazing to learn about animals that have gone extinct, and even more intriguing to discover which animals are descendants of those early species. The sound design, with animal and water sounds throughout the exhibit, really brought the experience to life. I’m a sucker for animatronic museums and they had some exhibits of Noah and his family which just makes it so much more interactive.
Deck 2 was a real highlight. It took us through the world before the flood, highlighting the animal concerns and the preparations Noah might have made for such a monumental task. The exhibit also offered a deeper understanding of Noah’s character and how God could have equipped him for such an incredible responsibility. It was both educational and thought-provoking.
Deck 3 took us into the realm of practical living—what it would have been like for Noah and his family to manage such a huge task. From feeding schedules to the challenge of feeding a wide variety of animals, some of which were clearly more fierce and difficult to manage than others, the feeding systems were incredible to see. Waste management was another crucial aspect and they showed a video on how they built a pully system to dispose of the waste. The logistics of caring for around 7,000 animals were truly mind-boggling!
It also included an exploration of post-flood events, including flood geology and the myths surrounding the Ice Age. The idea that a global flood was a precursor to climate change and later events was truly fascinating. I was also interesting to learn a little more about Noah’s family, his son’s and wives that were on the Ark and what their duties were based on their strengths and passions.
The whole experience was eye-opening, and it left me with a deeper appreciation for the details of the ark story and the challenges Noah and his family would have faced. If you ever get the chance to visit, it’s definitely an experience you don’t want to miss!
THINGS TO DO: There are other attractions on-site at the Ark Encounter including a zoo, a dining area, shopping, zip lines and camel rides to name a few. Some of them are not included in the fee, click HERE for things to do!
Did you know that there are over 200 flood myths from cultures around the world? If a worldwide flood didn’t happen, why are there so many stories across different civilizations that mention it? Check out the Youtube Video below for some insight on this!
Creation Museum
In addition to the Ark exhibit, we also visited the Creation Museum, and I have to admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect. After seeing the grandeur of the Ark, I wasn’t sure the museum could compare—but I was pleasantly surprised! It turned out to be incredibly informative and engaging. The museum primarily focuses on biblical history, and yes, there were animatronics involved (YES!). As we explored, it became clear how the museum showcases how God’s Word provides big-picture answers to some of life’s most challenging questions—whether it’s about science, the Bible, or our personal relationship with God.
There is also a botanical garden zoo on-site to visit while you are there.
NOTE: The Creation Museum is a 40 mile drive from the Ark Exhibit.
Plan Your Visit
We stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott Hotel in Cincinnati, we’re huge Marriott fans, for both the hotel and it’s points. However, this specific Marriott wasn’t the nicest we’ve stayed at. It provided the basics, but the washroom was to be desired and it just felt a little dirty to my liking. However it was close to the airport and provided us more options to eat out in Cincinnati.
If you’re looking for an amazing restaurant while you are there, check out our blog on Boca Restaurant. It was AMAZING!!! We would go back in a heart beat.
You can also pre purchase your tickets online for the exhibit so you don’t have to wait in line to do so when you get there.
TICKETS: They offer a variety of ticket options for you to see one or multiple exhibits. We did the Museum & Ark Combo. Click HERE for ticket options.
