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    Ark Encounter

    4.2 (737 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 6:30 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Nikki F.

    My 15 year old and I enjoyed our visit. The process flow moved orderly and quickly. We definitely got our walking steps in. I appreciate that they depicted diversity with Noah and his family. Most places, movies, books do not do this. The depiction of dinosaurs were little off to me but nevertheless, I found the experience good. It was a little expensive. We enjoyed the outside zoo area. We did the VR experience too. This was ok but you can definitely skip this. When we got ready to leave, busses were readily available to take us back to the parking lot.

    Arc
    SkyTalkDoc J.

    The boat is worth it- all major cultures have a flood story- it's neat to see how this would have played out- the "preachy" factor was less here than at creation museum. There was just enough entertainment and education.

    This is about the extent of animals you'll see in the arc. Huge display for two tiny sculptures.
    Jason M.

    This was super over crowded. The ark itself was cool until you got in and realized it was a few animal statues scattered among 3 whole floors. There were exhibits but they all were too full to even experience and read the information which is what it all was. All just reading huge plaques. The price of all of this was outrageous. And then you have to buy everything on top of the ticket. No photo should be $30 a piece. This place is just taking advantage of family's, believers, and the elderly. The zoo part of it all was cool but It's not something you can't see anywhere else for less money and a better experience. Please don't waste your time and just go to church instead.

    Birthday present from my Sis!
    Michelle D.

    WOW the ark at the Ark Encounter, in Williamstown, Kentucky, was massive! The pictures do not do it justice. It was created to the same specifications of the Ark in the Bible. We went the Tuesday after Labor Day which was wonderful as there were no crowds and hardly any children since school recently started back. Don't get me wrong, I love kids, but it added to the peaceful experience. I suggest buying all your tickets online as you will save some money. We parked in the lot and caught a bus up the hill to the ark. We bypassed the Answer Center and grabbed some pics of the ark as there weren't many people there yet. Then we headed to the virtual reality theater, Truth Traveler. If you purchase your tickets online you must see the attraction before 1:00 PM. We walked right in and were seated immediately. The virtual show lasted roughly 10 minutes and included large bursts of air blowing on you and the seat moved a little. But you aren't strapped in so don't worry. We both enjoyed the show! Our next stop was the ark. Leading up to the ark stop at each monument to see the creation story both written and carved on stones. You start on the ground level and walk up ramps to each deck. Each deck, except the ground level, has restrooms and a water fountain. The exhibits were nice and there were two theaters on two decks. Lastly we checked out the zoo which included a sloth, camel, alpaca, anteater, and several other animals and birds. Don't forget to walk into the kangaroo and wallaby exhibit. Get up close and personal with these animals. But don't get too close LOL. Everyone working at the park truly seemed to love their job and were willing to offer help when needed. I highly recommend taking the time to experience the Ark Encounter!

    Brigitte L.

    This was an absolute amazing experience! You literally don't imagine how big the Ark really is until you experience this. Parking is $15 and fills up fast. We had to park a ways out but wasn't a bad walk to the front. Recommend getting your ticket online before you go because then you won't have to stand in 2 different lines. When you arrive and after you get your tickets and go thru security you'll board a bus that takes you to the Ark. it's probably about a 5-7 minute drive. Not long at all. Not only is there the Ark experience but they also have the zoo and a carousel and a virtual reality experience. There are a few eateries around also. FYI that if you get the combo ticket for the Creation Museum and the Ark that the drive from the Ark to the museum is 45 minutes. We didn't have time to go to the museum so that part of our ticket was a waste. But we really enjoyed the Ark. it's a lot of walking.

    Ethan H.

    WOW. This place was INCREDIBLE, so many things you learn and find out about the ark. This isn't just something to gaze upon. 3 stories, 4D VR headset experience, and a ZOO. was not expecting all of this. I had a great time and learned a ton, would definitely recommend visiting if you're near by!!

    stork
    Janet T.

    Highly recommend but plan on a long visit with lots of walking. We attended on Labor Day weekend on a Sunday. After parking, we stood in a long line, to progress to another line to take the bus to the event center. The first building is called the event center with a coffee stand, snack stand, bookstore, and theater. There are a few different times of the day that different videos are shown. They are educational and explanatory. I would recommend them. From the event center there is a bit of a walk to get to the entrance of the ark. Along the path are some informational pillars and small animal cages. There is a point you can stop for a nice picture of the ark. Entering under the ark there is an area for very long lines, we did stand in line to get in but thankfully they weren't that backed up. Inside the ark: there are lots of exhibit/dioramas to visit and read. It appears that on each level (of 3 levels) there are short videos to watch. Some areas were backed up with lines. There wasn't much interaction to the exhibits. Some were based on fact, some on speculation. We ate dinner at the buffet. It was full with diners but it never felt busy. The food was fresh, tasty, and we enjoyed the offerings. You enter in to the salad bar and sides, then continue to the entree stations. It was easy to fill our plate and run out of room. There is a small dessert area, and two ample drink stations. Plates, silverware, and cups are all disposable. After our meal and towards the closing time, we walked through the zoo area. While I would say it was a small zoo, it is very enjoyable. Some of the sections didn't have animals but those that we saw were interesting. Note - Sunday hours are shorter than other days and we didn't feel we had enough time to experience everything. We wanted to be able to eat dinner so we had to rush through part of the second floor and the entire third floor of the ark.

    Ark Model
    Michael K.

    There's not much you cannot say about the Ark. It is a must for anyone. I have read the story of Noah more than 100 maybe even 1000 times, I never understood the staggering scope of the immensity and detail that four men accomplished with the help and guidance of God. You will never know, until you step next to the Ark. Think US Navy Aircraft Carrier and your getting close.

    Leslie A.

    We only did the ark and the gift shop. There is also a zoo that is included with your ticket but it was so hot we didn't go. Everything thing was clean. Everyone was helpful and nice Beautiful craftsmanship throughout. Lots of information

    Nazia C.

    Super cool experience. It's a biblical replica of the ark. It's massive and so impressive. Parking is $15 and from there you walk to the ticket center which then takes you on a short bus ride to the ark experience. Children under 10 are free. Inside the ark is a representation of what it would have been like during that time. You'll see so many different animal kinds (in pairs) and how they would've been housed and fed. You also see how Noah and his family would have lived and grew food to sustain themselves. There's clean restrooms inside and some snack stations on each level.

    Summer H.

    Amazing museum gives a great idea of how Genesis could have happened and all its implications

    Marisol F.

    Where can I begin ! This place is Amazing! We came to visit with my church and it was a total blast . The Ark is huge and well represented . People are so friendly . Is nice to share the experience with people like minded . You need 2 days to really go through at all .

    Amanda B.

    The Ark Encounter was an experience. We flew into Cincinnati and stayed the night there before venturing down an hour to the middle of nowhere for the Ark. We also stopped a bit out of the way at the Big Bone Lick state park (which was small and free) and saw bison and deer and old fossils so that was a treat. The Ark area has some brand name hotels now right on the Ark property. We didn't stay after, just drove through the country estates to Louisville. It was very cold outside and we didn't know what to expect. The bus was fine and the Ark was nice and toasty. Most of the food stands were closed and a lot of the zoo animals were not out because it was cold. (There are maybe only 10 to begin with so 4 of them missing is a lot). The playground looked fun for the kids. We skipped the Answer building and zip line. The whole thing was fine. No one asked about our faith. They made fun of themselves (flood of refill refillable souvenir cups). The gift shop was gigantic and had a little bit of everything. In my opinion it was a costly stop but an experience. It is grand and laid out well. You can go as fast or slow as you'd like. Parking was $15 and that was before you even bought a ticket. They laid it out so you can't see anything from the parking lot. Would I come here again? Not a chance! But am I glad I did? Sure, I came and I saw.

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    Page 1 of 19

    Ark Encounter Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Ark Encounter

    May i bring my own roller walker?

    Yes

    Is it air conditioned?

    Yes!

    How much time do people usually spend here?

    Hi Jason, We recommend planning at least 5-6 hours to tour the Ark Encounter. Here's a comprehensive answer:… 

    Anyone remember the 3D Portrait mini figure place in the Arc where you could have your portraits made and they sent you your sandstone figures by mail? I’m desperately looking to replace one of my children that was broken. The Arc wasn’t any help.

    We went there on March 21, 2025 looking for the 3D photo place but apparently it's no longer a feature.

    We are planning to visit the Ark September 5. We are 83 and 82. What is the charge and do we buy the tickets in advance or at the door?

    that depends. If you are going to the also to the Creation Museum then it's best to buy the combo tickets. Because they are even cheaper. Plus being a senior citizen, I too received a senior citizen discount. I was glad that we purchase them online… 

    Is all of the ark encounter wheel chair accessible?

    Yes! Absolutely! Based on our experience though, you need to be confident! Run people over if you have to. We got pushed to the side a lot.

    What months of the year do they operate? Open in Oct?

    They are open year round but they have summer and winter hours. You can look on the website or call to find out the hours for October. The outside part such as zip lines, might be seasonal.

    Discount tickets available anywhere(Groupon, Kroger, etc)?

    https://save.couponsatcheckout.net/arkencounter.com This link has several discounts for days of the… 

    What is the difference between Ark Encounter and the encounter museum?

    Do you mean the ark encounter vs. the creation museum? If so, the ark encounter is much bigger and gives basically all of the same information as the creation museum (and much more). If you are choosing between the two, definitely go to the ark… 

    Are scooters available for rent?

    Absolutely, get there early to ensure you get one $35 for the day, good quality equipment. They have light duty and heavy duty scooters $35 is heavy duty. Good equipment and excellent maintenance.

    Is there an elevator to the different floors of the ark?

    Yes, The whole attraction is very user-friendly.

    Is it handicap accessible?

    Hello- Yes, it is accessible.

    When is the best day/time to visit?

    Weekdays are less busy and of course off peak times of the year. I went during the day which I think is best to be able to see the size of the Ark! I only visited the Ark. Allow yourself 3+ hours or 2 days to experience everything.

    Can you see the ark from the road without having to pay to go inside? Don’t have time to go in it this trip just want to see the size from outside.

    Yes, you can see it from the road or parking lot.

    What is the average duration of visit?

    Our family spent 6 hours, which included lunch. Our kids, 10, 8 & 7 (boys) were captivated by every floor. Take your time, read, listen and enjoy. If you have a time constraint, postpone your visit.

    How much does it cost to get in to the Ark?

    depends- one day- $40 Adult… 

    View All 20 Questions

    Review Highlights - Ark Encounter

    I went with my group to Williamstown Kentucky to see the Ark encounter which is a life-size replica of Noah's Ark.

    Mentioned in 143 reviews

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    Mary Todd Lincoln House

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    4.6
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    We wanted to prove to ourselves that we were capable of doing something besides bourbon in…read moreLexington LOL, so we stopped here for a historical fix and were glad we did. For $15 each we could wander through the rooms as long as we didn't touch anything or sit on anything. No guided tour in the morning but there was someone downstairs who cheerily answered our questions. There's a small gift shop. Small but very pretty garden. And everything is nicely air conditioned. Parking lot is small and tight, with overflow parking available next door.

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    Mary Todd Lincoln House
    Mary Todd Lincoln House
    Mary Todd Lincoln House

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    Hyde Park Mushroom House

    Hyde Park Mushroom House

    4.8
    (18 reviews)
    36.4 mi

    Fairytale-like house [Cincinnati OH]…read more We couldn't just drive-by this whimsical house without stopping and doing a double take... and staring. This is the Mushroom House in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Cincinnati. The amount of detail is really breathtaking: circular steel steps, deck rails of wood shingles, stained glass windows, tiled ceilings... of course, I had to snap some pics. How often do we come to Cin City. The original owner/builder by the name of Terry Brown has passed away in 2008. The house is currently not on the market and occupied as a private residence as of 2021. Here are the deets in Zillow: 1 beds, 1 baths, 1,260 sq-ft. If you are curious about the inside of the home you can click on this link and watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pVUFwH9Q6fk Review #3885

    If you're passing through Cincinnati you have to stop by the Mushroom House. This is the most…read moreunique real house I have ever seen. It is a relatively young house, when it comes to house age. It was started to get built by architect Terry Brown in 1992 and completed in 2006. Terry Brown him self resided in it until his passing in 2008. This house looks like a mushroom from a certain angle, and like an owl from another. It is a fairytale house in the real world. There's so much fine detail, there's no wonder it had taken this genius man 14 years to complete this artistic masterpiece of a home. The spiral orange stair case was chained off not allowing access to the public. There was a car parked in the driveway as well as a surveillance camera. They also had a "no trespassing" sign. The land around, although very minimal is very well groomed and well kept. Something tells me there are people who currently reside here. I don't know how I would feel about living in a home that gets so much attention and that is always being photographed. The Mushroom House is a must see in Cincinnati. Use your fairytale imagination to guide you inside. Happy travels!

    Photos
    08.31.25 the detail is amazing: circular steel steps, deck rails of wood shingles, stained glass windows, tiled ceilings...
    08.31.25 the detail is amazing: circular steel steps, deck rails of wood shingles, stained glass windows, tiled ceilings...
    It has an eye
    It has an eye
    The stairs were closed off

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    The stairs were closed off

    Ark Encounter - museums - Updated July 2026

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