Plan Your Visit

When You Arrive

  • pay for parking as you enter the parking lot
  • get your tickets (or have prepurchased tickets scanned) at the Admissions building
  • ride the shuttle to the Answers Center on the main Ark grounds
directions ark MAPS

Things to Do

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Not included in ticket price
Family experiencing Virtual Reality
Truth Traveler VR
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Not included in ticket price
family dining
Dining
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Not included in ticket price
gift shop
Shopping
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Not included in ticket price
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Schedule in advance
40 Days and Nights
Seasonal Events
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Not included in ticket price
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Schedule in advance
kids outside for education program
Educational Programs
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Not included in ticket price
boy riding zip line
Zip Lines
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Not included in ticket price
young girl riding camel being led by worker
Camel Rides
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Not included in ticket price
young girl feeding camel
Camel Encounters
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Not included in ticket price
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Schedule in advance
Behind-the-Scenes
Animal Experiences
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Not included in ticket price
family looking at fossils
Mining Sluice
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Not included in ticket price
Educational Resources
Guidebooks

Know Before You Go

Food Services

Ark Encounter’s restaurant and snack stands feature a variety of delicious food offerings, including options for special needs.

Groups

Groups with a reservation enjoy specialized assistance for check-in and ticketing as well as discounted rates. Find out more.

Hours

Find out our attraction hours for the day you plan to visit. Extended hours are available on a seasonal basis.

Lodging Options

The Ark Encounter is located just a brief drive away from dozens of lodging options. Find the best hotels in the tristate area.

Pets

Pets are not permitted at the Ark Encounter. All service animals are freely admitted. “Comfort,” “therapy,” or “emotional support” animals do not meet the definition of a service animal and are not permitted. Please do not leave pets or service animals in an unattended vehicle for any amount of time. You may wish to find a local pet resort to house your pet for the day (see table below).

Pet Accommodations

Canine Companion Boarding & Training Center 13580 Dixie Highway, Walton, KY 41094 (859) 356-6457
Custom K9 Clips 605 Hwy 36 W, Williamstown, KY 41097 (859) 824-3073
Doggie Paddles LLC 10248 Dixie Highway, Florence, KY 41042 (859) 586-0634
Happy Spot Pet Resort 458 Sims Pike, Georgetown, KY 40324 (502) 868-0402
Kennels of St. Francis 1532 Eads Road, Verona, KY 41092 (859) 485-6432
On Point Pet Resort 3215 Cougar Path, Hebron, KY 41048 (North Bend Rd.) (859) 795-0770

Tickets

Our general admission and combo tickets are not date specific and are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. See map for guest services ticketing location at the Ark Encounter. Discounts are available.

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Accessibility

The Ark Encounter desires to provide excellent access to each of our guests. If you have questions during your visit, please speak to our Guest Services team—they will be happy to assist you!

Sister Attraction


The state-of-the-art, 75,000-square-foot Creation Museum brings the pages of the Bible to life, casting its characters and animals in dynamic form and placing them in familiar settings. Prepare to believe.

Photo of Kentucky
More to Do in Kentucky

Looking to round out your trip? There’s lots to do in Kentucky! Visit the popular Newport Aquarium for a fun and educational outing, take a cruise on the Ohio River with BB Riverboats, or experience authentic Bavarian cuisine at the Hofbräuhaus Newport. And if you’re an outdoor enthusiast and don’t mind a bit of a drive, consider hiking in Red River Gorge or exploring Mammoth Cave National Park, which contains the longest cave system known on earth (as well as many above-ground activities).