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About the Ark

How Big Was Noah’s Ark?

Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Genesis 6 states that the biblical ark was 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. Assuming this was a royal cubit (as was typical for large projects in the ancient world), this converts to approximately 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high. That’s huge! Learn more on deck one of the Ark.

This modern engineering marvel is the largest freestanding timber structure in the world and amazes visitors young and old.

Inside the Ark

Inside are three decks of world-class exhibits, illustrating what life aboard the ark may have been like, discussing flood geology and the subsequent ice age, and so much more!

Ark Questions

Does it float?

The Ark at Ark Encounter is a full-size model designed with guest traffic and safety in mind. As such, it is not sealed as the biblical ark was and instead has a foundation and multiple entrance/exit points. The biblical ark, however, did float! Learn more on deck one of the Ark.

Were dinosaurs on the ark?

Yes! Dinosaurs would have been included in the land-dwelling, air-breathing animals taken aboard the ark. Visit deck one of the Ark to learn why this wouldn’t have been a problem.

How did Noah feed and care for so many animals?

Noah and his family could have split responsibilities among themselves and used common-sense techniques and simple technological solutions to provide adequate care for all the animals. Learn more on deck two of the Ark.

Is the flood account based on ancient Near Eastern myths?

No, the Bible describes the Genesis flood as a historical event. Though flood legends have been discovered in cultures worldwide, this supports the fact that Noah’s descendants, separated after Babel, would have passed on knowledge of the flood from generation to generation.

How did all the animals fit on the ark?

God commanded Noah to bring one pair (seven pairs of some) of each land-dwelling, air-breathing animal and bird kind, not species, aboard. This would have likely resulted in approximately 6,700 total creatures onboard—which would easily fit in such a large vessel. Learn more on decks one and two of the Ark.

The Ark Decks

Deck 1

Step back in time as you enter the life-size Ark. The flood is just beginning, and Noah’s family gives thanks to God for his mercy. Here, you’ll navigate through food-storage containers and animal cages as you learn about ark construction, animal kinds, and spacing concerns.

Deck 2

Begin your deck two journey with an examination of the pre-flood world. After a short film, continue through the exhibits and be sure to stop for a photo in front of the Door of the Ark.

Deck 3

Wander through the family living quarters onboard the ark and see how the rich cultural heritage of pre-flood days may have been reflected in their design and functionality. Then enjoy a short film, learn about flood geology and post-flood events, and explore a special Museum of the Bible exhibit.