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Plan Your Visit

There’s so much to do and see at the Ark Encounter, and we want to make planning your visit a smooth process. Check out our daily calendar and plan for the activities that are most important to you.

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Daily Calendar

At the Ark Encounter, we have daily programming to enhance your visit. Check out our events calendar to see what you can experience during your trip.

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Find a Hotel

The Ark Encounter is located in beautiful Kentucky, 45 minutes south of Cincinnati, with dozens of nearby hotels and places to stay.

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Get Your Tickets

Choose a bouncer pass or a general admission ticket. Admission to the Ark includes access to three decks of world-class exhibits and the Ararat Ridge Zoo.

What to Know

When you arrive at the Ark Encounter, you will pay for parking on your way into the parking lot, get your tickets (or have prepurchased tickets scanned) at the admissions building, and continue to the shuttle which will take you to the Answers Center and the main Ark grounds.

Watch this video for more information and details.

Spring Events

March–June

Answers for Women is an annually held spring conference focused on encouraging and equipping women of all ages in the faith. This popular conference is known to sell out, so be sure to purchase your tickets early! (Note: Streaming options are often available if the in-person conference is sold out.)

Featured Event

Answers for Women Event Poster
Answers for Women

April 4–6, 2024

Learn More

Other Events

Deaf Days Event Poster

Deaf Days

April 19, 2024

Family Homeschool Experience Event Poster

Family Homeschool Experience

May 9–11, 2024

Faith Country Music Festival Event Poster

Faith Country Music Festival

June 14–17, 2023

Summer Events

June–September

Experience the world’s largest Christian music festival—40 Days & 40 Nights of Christian Music at the Ark Encounter. Sought-after speakers and favorite artists from multiple genres come to Northern Kentucky to provide more than 120 concerts over the course of the festival.

Featured Event

40-40 Event Poster
40 Days & 40 Nights

August 1–September 9, 2023

Learn More

Other Events

Answers for Educators Event Poster

Answers for Educators

July 24, 2023

Gospel Music Weekend Event Poster

Gospel Music Weekends

June 2–July 29, 2023

Explore Camp Event Poster

Explore Camp

Creation Museum

Fall Events

September–November

Our three-day Answers for Pastors & Leaders Conference is held every October and draws attendees from across the country. Enjoy admission to both the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum and learn from dynamic speakers during this conference.

Featured Event

Answers for Pastors Event Poster
Answers for Pastors

October 3–5, 2023

Learn More

Other Events

Día Latino Event Poster

Día Latino

October 20–21, 2023

College Expo

Creation College Expo

November 2–4, 2023

Winter Events

December–March

One of our most popular events of the year is ChristmasTime, which takes place between Thanksgiving and New Year's and features dazzling rainbow-colored lights, live music, and special Christmas programs.

*Zip lines are closed January through mid-March.

Featured Event

ChristmasTime Event Poster
ChristmasTime

November 24–December 30
Tuesday–Saturday

Learn More

Other Events

Chrismtas Play Event Poster

Christmas Play

December 2023

Family Chrismtas Program Event Poster

Family Christmas Program

December 2023

ChristmasTown Event Poster

ChristmasTown

Creation Museum
VBS Event Poster

VBS Showcase

January 2024

Experiences

From unique dining to dynamic speaker presentations, concerts, hands-on activities, and more, the Ark Encounter is packed with experiences to make your visit fun, educational, and memorable. Some of these activities are an additional cost, but many are absolutely free with your Ark admission.

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Speakers

Enjoy hearing from a dynamic speaker during your visit. You’ll learn more about God’s Word and God’s world during these special, family-friendly presentations.

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Ararat Ridge Zoo

Visit animals from around the world such as kangaroos, lemurs, and a sloth. Take a ride on a camel, attend one of our animal shows, or meet friendly goats in our children’s zoo!

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Family Dining

Relax and enjoy a meal with friends and family in our two-story, casual restaurant. This extensive buffet features mouth-watering options for everyone!

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Plenty of Food Experiences

Throughout the park, we have dining options available. For lighter fare—sandwiches, salads, and/or snacks—visit the Olive Leaf Café in the Answers Center or any of the three decks inside the Ark. We also have coffee shops in both the Answers Center and in the Ark’s lower-level gift shop.

Looking for something more substantial? The all-you-can-eat buffet at Emzara’s Kitchen is a guest favorite! Other great options include the Smokehouse, Southwest Grill, and Zofar’s, all of which feature outdoor dining.

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.

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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).