Truth Traveler Construction Updates: A Behind-the-Scenes Look in Pigeon Forge and Branson

The Truth Traveler virtual reality experience at the Ark Encounter has thrilled countless guests since it opened in 2020 with its innovative retelling of the flood account. By combining state-of-the-art technology with the timeless truths of Scripture, it reinforces the foundational concept that the Bible is literal history.

Building on this success, we are excited to expand this groundbreaking concept into two new, stand-alone locations in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri!

These attractions are designed to immerse guests in a fun, biblical narrative centered on biblical authority. Through cutting-edge VR technology, custom animation, haptic feedback, and immersive sound, the Truth Traveler experience will bring the Bible to life like never before.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what’s underway.

Pigeon Forge: A Glimpse into the Future

In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, construction is progressing rapidly, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary. The VR ride is the main event here, featuring custom-developed animation and ride technology that will immerse guests in a journey through the garden of Eden, the flood, and the resurrection of Christ. This experience is a powerful and engaging way to reinforce the Bible’s authority and truth.

Adding to the attraction is a planetarium dome, which will host a custom show developed to complement the VR narrative. The planetarium extends the immersive experience, allowing guests to further explore the wonders of creation and God’s design.

This impressive addition required significant infrastructure upgrades, including reinforced structures and advanced technology systems, ensuring a truly world-class experience.

Visitors will also enjoy exploring the souvenir shop, featuring custom-designed keepsakes and resources on biblical authority to equip them with tools for further study. And for those with a sweet tooth, our Timeless Treats food and beverage shop will offer a wide selection of snacks, including fudge made on-site, ensuring a memorable and tasty visit.

The theming for the time-travel “bays” is now being installed. There’s been a great deal of effort put into every little detail, ensuring a truly immersive and fun-filled experience!

The planetarium is also well underway. It was necessary to conduct some rather major reconstruction in this area to accommodate the dome, and it’s exciting to see it all coming together.

Branson: Transformation Underway

In Branson, Missouri, the construction progress is thrilling to witness as the vision for this incredible attraction comes to life.

The VR attraction takes center stage, promising to transport guests into a vivid, biblical world using cutting-edge VR headsets, haptic technology, and immersive soundscapes. This fully-themed experience will captivate and engage, creating lasting impressions.

Instead of a planetarium, the Branson location will feature a theater that serves as a hub for immersive projection-mapped shows and live performances.

The highlight will be Fear Not, a custom-written daily show designed to enhance and continue the VR narrative by showcasing God’s faithfulness throughout history, focusing on the life of Christ.

The theater also sets the stage for special events, such as the debut of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe this summer, performed on a Broadway-class stage—a first in the US.

As in Pigeon Forge, Branson will also feature a souvenir shop and Timeless Treats, ensuring guests leave with both spiritual and tangible reminders of their visit.

Construction crews are hard at work laying the foundation for the VR ride and the theater.

Bringing Scripture to Life

The Truth Traveler attractions are built on a simple but profound mission: to engage visitors with the truths of God’s Word through immersive and unforgettable experiences. By blending faith, cutting-edge technology, and biblical narratives, these locations are poised to captivate audiences and strengthen their understanding of biblical authority.

As we continue construction in both Branson and Pigeon Forge, we invite you to pray for our teams and these projects. These attractions are not just entertainment; they are tools to glorify God and share his message with the world.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the grand openings (summer 2025) of these incredible new destinations. Thank you for your continued support and excitement. Together, we are building Truth Traveler into a place where faith and unforgettable experiences meet.