Ark Encounter
Ark Encounter
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
About
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Nicole ANormal, Illinois35 contributionsWorth the tripI brought my 10 year old daughter and had a great time! I can see how beautiful this place would be in the spring/summertime but it was wonderful going with very low crowds! The animals weren’t out in the zoo because it was so cold but we really only went to see the Ark. lunch at the buffet was really good and the staff was friendly. We had a great day and enjoyed all of the exhibits inside. Great for my daughter’s age.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 February 2024
- Shapley_HunterThebes, Illinois1,147 contributionsA very impressive undertaking!Very impressive! The craftsmanship on the Ark is remarkable. I believe it does a good job of introducing people to the size of the Ark, as the Bible defines it, and presents the designer's intent of presenting the creation theory. It also presents arguments to refute some of the anti-creationist viewpoints. As it was winter when we visited, most of the outside activities were not operating. The zoo was open, though most of the animals were sheltered inside their buildings, it being too cold for them. I thought the price was a bit high, though I have no doubt it is necessary in order to pay for costs of upkeep and staffing. The $15 parking charge, on top of the entry fee, struck me as bit much, though. I am thankful that children under 10 are permitted free entry. The staff were all friendly and professional. The facilities were clean and well-maintained. All in all, a pleasant visit.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 21 February 2024
- parfourrickChattanooga, Tennessee204 contributionsImpressive but be prepared to WALK A LOTImpressive structure and how it is portrayed. Lots of friendly staff. Way too much walking but in most places there are plants of benches to sit and rest (except for the gift shop on the way out). Requires a several hundred yard walk from the attraction to the transportation building where busses return you to the parking lots. It as raining but no other option, walk in the rain.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 February 2024
- Molly VBroken Arrow, Oklahoma17 contributionsThe Ark: an experience for everyoneThe Ark encounter war an amazing experience. I must see for everyone Christian and Atheist a like. For the Christians it allows you to walk in the feet of Noah. For the atheist it allows you to to see the other side without the pressure of someone pressuring you for answers.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 March 2024
- VdogLeavenworth, Kansas118 contributionsFamily VacationThis museum deserves a day in your schedule at a minimum. We went for hours and felt like we had just hurriedly arrived. I would arrive in the morning and schedule nothing else for the day. We plan to visit again and do exactly that. There are gift shops and snack areas throughout and plenty of restrooms and places to rest. Videos to watch and interactive displays. The information is provided so well with the vast array of methods this is the best museum. There’s so much to do here visit during the summer. We went on a rainy day in early spring but this made it difficult to enjoy this vast property.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 March 2024
- JohnnySalsaSuperior, Wisconsin64 contributionsAn amazing place to visit. Highly recommended to anybody.We visited the Ark in March of 2024 with our 6 year old grandson. The Ark is hard to describe, it's simply amazing. There is so much to see, read, and take in. We spent close to 5 hours at the Ark, but could have spent several more hours there. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The entire property is clean. We would love to visit again someday. Would recommend to anybody.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 15 March 2024
- 98cynR79 contributionsGlad we saw this in personIt has to be seen in person- it is something to behold. Very impressive and well designed. We took our time and read as much as we could. Enjoyed walking the grounds too. Thanks for making this as realistic and true to the Bible.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 March 2024
- Gautam S1 contributionArk Encounter KentuckyThe experience at Ark encounter was really nice. The exhibits are great. In addition you have other activities like zoo, ziplining. The ziplining (screaming eagles ariel encounter) was thrilling and icing on the cake. It was managed professionally bu the people I belive collage students and a shout out to them for making our 1st experience truly a memorable one.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 March 2024
- NorthStar2312430636813 contributionsAmazingSo worth the 4 hour drive. It was amazing to know we were in the ark that was built to the same dimensions as God had Noah & his sons build. We went on Easter weekend so it was a little hard to get to some of the exhibits. We missed a lot on the third floor due to my husband not enjoying the crowds that made him stressed, but he was even glad he went.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 March 2024
- Hyelim M1 contributionEveryone should come and seeWe came all the way from wales, uk. And it was worth it. An Amazing place to visit. So much to see, the quality of display is fantastic. I highly recommend everyone on earth should visit. I would love to come back again. My children enjoyed very much too.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
4,810 reviews
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Criquett E
Chiriqui Province, Panama43 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
We visited the Ark the Saturday after Christmas because they were still doing their Christmas display, which was stunning. The Ark itself is incredible, so much bigger than I realized. We had a toddler with us, who wasn't too interested and the Ark was very crowded so there was a lot we didn't get to see. I'd love to go back again and catch what I missed. If you go without children plan on spending several hours, possibly all day, to see it all. It was such a learning experience and very well done. Be aware that it was quite hot in the Ark so I recommend dressing in layers. The buffet was absolutely delicious. Not over-priced at $18.99 per person (includes a fountain drink) considering it's all you can eat and to eat in a restaurant off-site, which by the way there is nothing close by, would cost practically the same for a meal. I didn't check snack bars so I don't know how they run as far as price or what they offer. Be sure to take what you'll need during your day because you have to take a bus-ride from the parking lot to the Ark so to run out to your car and get what you need isn't possible.
Written 3 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luv2travel6354
Phoenix, AZ174 contributions
Aug 2022
What a fascinating place. Lots of information, exhibits and short movies, although many of the side exhibits were so congested it was hard to move through them. Three floors on the ark to explore, with food options and gift areas on each floor. We arrived on a weekday in August shortly after 9. The entrance line was really long and it took about a half hour to get through the line and take the bus to the ark area. We needed a scooter rental and there were many people in line, but there were a lot of scooters available. Everything on the ark was scooter accessible. The kids also did the VR experience, which they loved. And they rode the camels, which was pricey at $10 for an extremely short ride and a long wait in line, so definitely would not recommend. The zoo area was fun to walk through. If you want to do the zip lines, be sure to make your reservations far in advance as they sell out.
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron O
4 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
Friendly folks work here! Very educational, with different ideas of what happened at the flood event presented side by side. The food at the buffet was exceptional. Going in December during the week meant we were not surrounded by 1000s of people.
Written 18 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cari K
Pocahontas, AR47 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
The Ark Encounter will be an enjoyable and informative experience IF you keep the following in mind: Be ready to spend a lot of money, leave the young children at home, and pack your critical thinking skills along with your socks.
If you enjoy walking, the Ark is a great place to visit. Think of it as a park interspersed with historical sections, eating places, a zoo and, of course, the Ark. The boat is over 500 feet long and is divided into 3 decks. That's a lot of walking, but wheelchairs and electric carts are available for rent.
The Ark is a fascinating piece of engineering with copious signs explaining not only the construction but also how eight people might have been able to care for several thousand animals for a year. In fact, there are so many signs that it would take two days to read them all. The gift shops--there are several--offer a book containing all those signs for 18 dollars. I whipped out my phone and photographed the signs that interested me.
I walked past several life-sized dioramas portraying Noah and his family. Through the admitted use of artistic license, I met some engaging characters. There was also a section of dioramas portraying the evil world before the Flood. I had heard that made small children cry, and it wouldn't surprise me. That's one reason I suggest leaving the little ones at home.
Another reason this attraction is unsuitable for young children is that there's a lot of reading but very little interactivity. Furthermore, the kid-friendly activities such as zip lines and camel rides cost extra. I paid 17 dollars for a virtual show that only lasted a few minutes,
When you lock your car, be sure you have everything you'll need. The park is a half mile shuttle ride away.
Although the Creation Museum is billed as the sister attraction to the Ark, they are 40 miles apart. It isn't practical to visit both in one day. There is a Hampton onsite with rates starting at $195. Or you can go to Cincinnati, an hour drive away, and stay for $130.
This is a good place for church groups to visit. It includes plenty of information about the Bible as well as the Ark. However, you will encounter some very controversial assertions along the way. The arguments are beyond the scope of a travel review, so I'll steps that we should always take: Do your homework and ask the right questions.
If you enjoy walking, the Ark is a great place to visit. Think of it as a park interspersed with historical sections, eating places, a zoo and, of course, the Ark. The boat is over 500 feet long and is divided into 3 decks. That's a lot of walking, but wheelchairs and electric carts are available for rent.
The Ark is a fascinating piece of engineering with copious signs explaining not only the construction but also how eight people might have been able to care for several thousand animals for a year. In fact, there are so many signs that it would take two days to read them all. The gift shops--there are several--offer a book containing all those signs for 18 dollars. I whipped out my phone and photographed the signs that interested me.
I walked past several life-sized dioramas portraying Noah and his family. Through the admitted use of artistic license, I met some engaging characters. There was also a section of dioramas portraying the evil world before the Flood. I had heard that made small children cry, and it wouldn't surprise me. That's one reason I suggest leaving the little ones at home.
Another reason this attraction is unsuitable for young children is that there's a lot of reading but very little interactivity. Furthermore, the kid-friendly activities such as zip lines and camel rides cost extra. I paid 17 dollars for a virtual show that only lasted a few minutes,
When you lock your car, be sure you have everything you'll need. The park is a half mile shuttle ride away.
Although the Creation Museum is billed as the sister attraction to the Ark, they are 40 miles apart. It isn't practical to visit both in one day. There is a Hampton onsite with rates starting at $195. Or you can go to Cincinnati, an hour drive away, and stay for $130.
This is a good place for church groups to visit. It includes plenty of information about the Bible as well as the Ark. However, you will encounter some very controversial assertions along the way. The arguments are beyond the scope of a travel review, so I'll steps that we should always take: Do your homework and ask the right questions.
Written 8 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rautx
Cortez, FL66 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The facility is amazing. Unfortunately, it is so very crowded that it is not enjoyable. It would probably be fine if only a certain amount of people were admitted during a time period (maybe at 15 minute intervals). Dodging the crowds just trying to walk forward was unpleasant. You park your car then board a bus to the Ark. Full bus loads run continuously. Dining options are limited with long wait times. We chose our date to visit based on a specific concert. People were waiting in the hot sun for hours to get in. The staff is great but it seems management is more interested in making money than providing a spiritual experience.
Written 31 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blackriverwoman
Virginia462 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
was so glad we were able to see the ark. we stayed at the Hampton inn Williamstown which is right across the road to the entrance to the ark parking lot. Parking is $15. be sure to take plenty of cash as the system was down when we arrived and only people with cash were allowed to buy tickets. Seniors are @ $50 plus tax and children 10 and under are free. when you arrive and park you walk to the ticket office to buy your tickets and then are transported by a bus to the ark. when you arrive, you can go to the answer theatre to watch 2 consecutive videos about the ark. there are 3 decks with ramps walking up to each deck. there are also elevators. was pleasantly surprised how nice and informative all the exhibits were. there are plenty of snacks, drinks, and gift shops throughout the ark. outside there is also a buffet restaurant and other food stands. the staff is very friendly and the place is clean.
Written 14 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer R
39 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Loved the ark. On concert “nights” afternoons in the summer, it would be best to line up inside or have covering while waiting until 45 minutes before the concert. I saw A LOT of older folks. I was just hoping that no one had a heat stroke. Pretty sure with humidity it was in the upper 90s and even 100s. Possible fix- tents to keep the sun off and maybe fans in the corners.
Written 31 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mikeandmoe
Stayton, OR27 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Incredible! So thankful we had the opportunity to go to the Ark Encounter. This combined with the Creation Museum was expensive (as other reviewers point out) but we’ve wasted more more on Disney trips & others attractions/vacations. This visit has bolstered both our & our teen’s faith so much - it was worth every penny!!
We watched the video at the Answers Center before going in the ark & it gave so much insight into the vision of this place…I’d recommend watching that when you first arrive. We also paid extra for the VR Time Travelers thing - that was cool.
Take your teens!! (Wait to go if you have little kids….it’s a museum, not a theme park. It’s so good!!
We watched the video at the Answers Center before going in the ark & it gave so much insight into the vision of this place…I’d recommend watching that when you first arrive. We also paid extra for the VR Time Travelers thing - that was cool.
Take your teens!! (Wait to go if you have little kids….it’s a museum, not a theme park. It’s so good!!
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D28martin05
Maryville, TN92 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The Ark encounter is anything but Christian. They are a vindictive and hateful organization. They hold this gospel music event every year. 40 days and 40 nights of music. They have major artists inside the big theater nightly. During the day they have local and lesser known artists outside. The thing is, those lesser known artists are charge an insane amount of money for the “privilege” of singing there. This is absurd! To charge ministries to come perform to you patrons.
Here’s the crazy part. I asked some questions about this on the Ark Encounter Facebook page and you know what they did? You might guess as a Christian company they answered the questions right? You’d be wrong. They deleted the questions and blocked me from viewing their page! Seriously, blocked someone from their Facebook page because I dared ask why they’re charging small ministries so much money to come sing to their patrons.
The Ark encounter needs to answer why they’re charging these ministries who don’t have much money anyway, to come sing to a few people meandering around the concession area.
My visit to the ark was awful. These people are awful. Stay away.
Here’s the crazy part. I asked some questions about this on the Ark Encounter Facebook page and you know what they did? You might guess as a Christian company they answered the questions right? You’d be wrong. They deleted the questions and blocked me from viewing their page! Seriously, blocked someone from their Facebook page because I dared ask why they’re charging small ministries so much money to come sing to their patrons.
The Ark encounter needs to answer why they’re charging these ministries who don’t have much money anyway, to come sing to a few people meandering around the concession area.
My visit to the ark was awful. These people are awful. Stay away.
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
missveranito
missveranito6 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
One of the best sights to see. So much history and a safe place to go as a family. The customer service is beyond excellent. The whole place is clean.
Seeing the size of the Ark is incredible. The whole experience was such a blessing. I was moved at the historical records gathered to show Biblical history.
The grounds are so beautiful! You can purchase the 3 day bouncer pass and you can also go on the ark’s website and look under lodging to get a discount.
The 3 day pass is to go to the creation museum.
You will not be sorry.
Seeing the size of the Ark is incredible. The whole experience was such a blessing. I was moved at the historical records gathered to show Biblical history.
The grounds are so beautiful! You can purchase the 3 day bouncer pass and you can also go on the ark’s website and look under lodging to get a discount.
The 3 day pass is to go to the creation museum.
You will not be sorry.
Written 26 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
State Parks and RV Camps that allow RV parking for our trip to Ark Encounter
Written 9 October 2024
Where we can park our RV overnight while visiting for three days
Written 9 October 2024
Parking lot of the ark encounter
Written 12 October 2024
Is Christmas break very busy with huge crowds at the ark and the creation museum? Are the zip blinds still open then?
Written 3 October 2024
Hi Nancy .. we've been to the Creation Museum a few times different seasons. Christmas Town Event is not anymore busy than any other days. The Zip Lines have various hours. It's best to contact CM for those. You will not regret attending the Christmas Town Event!
Written 3 October 2024
Is there a pet care available at the ark if not is there any in the area
Written 24 September 2024
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