Monday to Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Hours vary on select ChristmasTime nights.
Parking lot gates open 30 minutes before the Ark Encounter opens.
See Seasonal HoursMonday to Saturday | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
Sunday | Closed |
*Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24–25, 2024.
Celebrate Christmas during our free holiday exclusive event on select days, ChristmasTime at the Ark.
Wednesday to Friday | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Saturday | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
Sunday to Tuesday | Closed |
Monday to Saturday | 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. |
Sunday | Closed |
Monday to Saturday | 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. |
Sunday | 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. |
Monday to Saturday | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
Sunday | Closed |
*Closed Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025
All hours are Eastern Time. Operating hours are subject to change.
The Ark Encounter is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Gates for incoming traffic close 30 minutes prior to closing.
To see when Emzara’s Buffet and other food venues will be open during your visit, please visit the dining page for more information.
Availability varies throughout the year. Find out more at arkencounterzip.com or call (859) 824-2901.