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.

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.

Animal replicas can be found at various points of the ark, and visitors can also see an approximation what Noah and his family’s living quarters might have looked like. Find out how they lived within the confines of the ark among all the animals they cared for.

Surprisingly, dinosaurs can be found on display. While their coexistence with humans is up for debate, visitors can read the explanation given by Answers in Genesis on this topic as well.

If the little ones get too squirmy, the outdoor area provides a great place for younger guests to work out their wiggles. Visitors can pet farm animals at the Children’s Zoo and learn about animals from all over the world at the Ararat Ridge Zoo. These exhibits are included with Ark Encounter tickets.

Children will be engaged with the animal shows, outdoor animal encounters, and chats with the zookeeper, while the kangaroo walkabout lets visitors get up close to the zoo’s resident red marsupial. You may opt to go on a camel ride for an extra fee, and new this year is a behind-the-scenes “Sloth Experience” that allows visitors to meet, feed, and find out more about Felix the sloth.

Before leaving the ark grounds, let the kids blow off steam at the family playground. It’s wheelchair accessible and designed to be fully accessible to everyone, including children with disabilities. For an extra fee, the zip line is available for older children and adults. It provides a great bird’s eye view of the ark and the grounds.

But Wait, There’s More

If you want to know more about the creation account from the book of Genesis, visit the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky, a little over 40 miles (about a 45-minute drive) north of the Ark Encounter. The earth’s history is told through its many dioramas and over 140 state-of-the-art exhibits, and, depending on your pace, one can easily spend a day at each of these sites. Exhibits on the garden of Eden, the Great Flood, the wonders of life in the womb, as well as a 4D-special effects theater and an “insectorium,” are more ways to experience the wonder of God’s creation.

Good to Know

Both sites are closed on Sundays, so expect Saturday crowds to be heavier if you go during the peak travel seasons. Kids age 10 and under are free to enter both the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum, with no limit to the number of children. This is great news for big families.

Outside food and drinks are not allowed, but there are plenty of dining options at the Ark Encounter, including a buffet, grilled food, a smokehouse, coffee and ice cream shops, and a candy store.

For the best value, buying combo tickets to both sites online could save you nearly $10 per ticket.

You don’t have to be of the same theological mindset as Answers in Genesis to enjoy the visit. It is a great reimagining of one of the Bible’s beloved tales that both young and old will remember for years to come.