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.
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
Other Events
April 19, 2024
May 9–11, 2024
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
Other Events
July 24, 2023
June 2–July 29, 2023
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
Other Events
October 20–21, 2023
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
Other Events
December 2023
December 2023
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.
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.
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!
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!
Enhance Your Experience
Not included in ticket price.
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.
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).
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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