In a Kentucky town, visitors explore the world’s only life-sized replica of the famed biblical ark.
Many children and adults are familiar with the story of Noah, who God tasked to build an ark to save his family and preserve animal species that would have been wiped out in the ensuing flood. This story lives on in our imaginations as we try to picture how Noah was able to squeeze all those animals in, feed them, give them drinking water, and see to their well-being for over a year—not to mention take care of his own human family. These pending questions may be answered now that Williamstown in northern Kentucky hosts the world’s only life-sized replica of the famed biblical ark.
The Ark Encounter Overview – 2022
How It Started
A Christian group called Answers in Genesis seeks to provide answers to questions about Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament. The story of Noah’s ark is one of the more popular stories from this book (and one that raises a lot of questions). Hence, the Ark Encounter was created. Ever since it opened in July 2016, over 13 million visitors have passed through its cavernous interiors.
At a cost of $150 million, the project stayed as close as possible to the build specifications described in Scripture. It is currently the “world’s largest freestanding timber-frame structure,” according to the World Record Academy, standing over 50 feet tall and 510 feet long. That translates to three levels, each the size of one and a half football fields. That is how much room Noah and his family had to house the animals and store food and water for this epic flood.
What to Expect
The exterior is a great photo opportunity for visitors, as the grand scale of the ark is clearly visible. Inside, ramps lead up and down to each level. A stroller will come in very handy for those with little ones, and there is elevator access if needed. Visitors can read explanations for how Noah and his family would take care of the animals: where they lived, where their waste went, and where they stored their food. There are three decks full of things to see, read, and do.
By Lynn Topel
