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
Things to Do
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.
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.
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).
Opening Spring 2025
Truth Traveler transports guests back in time, immersing them in pivotal moments in biblical history with a custom-animated 5D virtual reality ride. New locations in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, are opening in the spring of 2025.
Bigger Than Imagination
Ark Encounter Location
place
1 Ark Encounter Drive
Williamstown, KY 41097 (see directions)
Just west of the intersection of KY-36 and I-75 (at exit 154).
An attraction of Answers in Genesis
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